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PSW Energy and Fuel Conservation InitiativeEnergy Use and Carbon Offsets
A major use of energy use is to heat or cool homes and workplaces and to power appliances. PG&E and the US Department of Energy have several websites that give information about energy auditing and conservation.
In addition to actions and innovations that conserve energy and fuel directly, options exist to purchase carbon-lite energy, called Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). RECs act as offsets for carbon-intensive energy use already or to-be incurred. Money from the purchase of RECs, brokered through green power networks, provides funds and incentives to support renewable energy and fuel producers. An eventual goal of carbon offsetting is to convert entirely to carbon-free energy sources. It is becoming increasingly common for agencies and individuals to offset vehicle, airplane flight, and work and home energy uses through purchase of RECs. For example, carbon-debts incurred for travel to professional meetings can be offset through purchase of RECs, as can energy uses from heating, light, computers, etc., in the workplace and home. Carbon calculators enable estimation of carbon debts that accrue through different types of energy consumption. With the carbon debt calculated, equivalent RECs can be purchased as offsets. In some states such as California, climate action registries have been developed as voluntary greenhouse-gas registries to protect, encourage, and promote early actions to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. A site that clearly explains carbon-neutral options and has many useful links is the David Suzuki Foundation. The first step in offsetting energy use is to calculate how much carbon you generate from work or home sources and from car, airplane, and other travel. There are many carbon calculators available. They can be used without making a purchase and are useful to browse as a way to understand your carbon generation. Most of the calculators also provide offsets for sale. Carbon Offset Calculators
Purchasing Green Power Offsets (REC/Registries)Many of the carbon calculators also provide options for buying energy offsets. You can choose to buy offsets in wind power, solar power, biomass fuel production or tree planting. There are many sites that offer energy offset purchase.
Federal Agency ParticipationRenewable Energy Information and Incentives |