What is carbon? and other common questions.
Here are a few answers to questions about carbon offsetting that should help you understand why it’s a great way to give back what we take from the planet.
Why are Greenhouse Gases bad for the environment?
Our earth is surrounded by an atmosphere that keeps in much of the sun’s energy. This energy warms the surface of the planet and is radiated by the land and oceans. When there are more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, this radiant heat finds it harder to escape and causes temperatures to rise. With higher temperatures, the earth will struggle to function in its current state and our climate begins to change as a result.
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What is a Carbon Footprint?
When people talk about your carbon footprint, they mean how much of an impact you are making on the environment in relation to carbon emissions. This basically means, the more emissions we produce as an individual or business, the more impact we have, and the bigger our mark (or footprint) on the environment.
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What are Carbon Offsets?
A carbon offset neutralises greenhouse gases emitted in one place by either avoiding the release of greenhouse gases elsewhere or by absorbing gases that would have otherwise remained in the atmosphere.
Offsets are generated from projects or reduction programs and are measured in tonnes of CO2-e (Carbon Dioxide equivalent).
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What is an ‘Offset Project’?
Offset projects are activities that can create the carbon offset and help remove carbon from the atmosphere or reduce the amount of new greenhouse gases. There are a wide variety of offset projects such as tree planting and renewable energy generation. Back to top
Why should I offset?
Offsetting provides a very real and tangible way to understand how we are impacting the environment and an opportunity to remove or prevent harmful gases from entering the atmosphere. It is a conscious decision we can all to make, and offsetting is one way we can make the difference.
On those occasions where you can’t reduce your emissions for whatever reason, offsetting is a great way to work towards a more sustainable and greener future.
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What can I offset with TRUenergy?
You can offset your emissions from Electricity, Gas, Car & Air Travel.
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How often do I need to offset?
Most people like to offset yearly. You can calculate your emissions over a one year period, or offset individual experiences such as air travel should you wish to.
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Which project should I choose?
At TRUenergy we believe in providing choice. We have selected a number of different projects which all reduce or offset carbon emissions to enable you to decide where your money will go and what project you believe most suits your lifestyle. For more information on these individual projects please click here
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Are the projects certified?
Yes. Our projects are certified under various schemes throughout Australia. These are described under Our Projects section.
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How does your calculator work?
We have summarised our calculations under the Calculations Section.
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Why do my emission offsets differ in price from other companies?
When you purchase an offset there are two factors in determining price:
- The amount of carbon emissions that are calculated from your activity
- The cost of the project supported per tonne of carbon reduced or avoided
The carbon emissions calculation will vary slightly according to assumptions made in methodology. The main difference is likely to be the cost of offsetting projects, however you can feel assured we have used the best possible sources for calculations and offset projects.
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How does Green Energy reduce the amount I need to offset?
When you purchase an Accredited Green Energy product, the accredited electricity percentage comes from renewable or clean sources such as wind. These ensure there are fewer greenhouse gas emissions in the generation, leaving you with nothing to offset for your accredited portion only.
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Where does your money go?
TRUenergy purchases Carbon Offsets equal to or greater than the total CO2 emissions as you have calculated them, based on your activities. These are purchased from accredited offset providers who undertake projects that reduce or offset greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. Upon purchase of these, we surrender the carbon offset certificates to the government that prove the reduction of carbon in the atmosphere.
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- The GreenPower Accreditation program aims to drive investment in renewable energy in Australia and make Australia's electricity supply sustainable.
- It does this by raising awareness of GreenPower accredited renewable energy products to increase their uptake and by helping consumers feel more confident when choosing these products.
- Accreditation means that GreenPower retailers’ sales and purchases are audited on an annual basis to ensure you get what you pay for.
- Accredited Green means you pay more as additional investments are made to help fund more renewable energy generation plants for the future.
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Do I need to be a TRUenergy customer to purchase offsets?
No. Everyone who wishes to purchase offsets to reduce their emissions and make a difference to the environment can purchase them through TRUenergy.
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What proof of purchase do I get?
You will receive a receipt online upon purchase of your carbon offsets and a certificate detailing your chosen activity and emission reductions will be sent to your nominated email address or mailed to you upon request.
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Do I get a Tax Invoice or GST receipt?
A Tax Invoice/Receipt is emailed to you upon purchase of the Carbon Offsets.
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When will I be notified that my payment has been accepted?
As soon as your payment is successful you will see a confirmation number and message on screen. In addition, we will email you this confirmation number along with the receipt and certificate.
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