Carbon Offsets

Why buy carbon offsets?

Buying carbon offsets means that you are contributing money to offset an amount of the carbon emissions that you create in your daily life by purchasing what are called "carbon offsets". These contributions fund projects that reduce carbon in the atmosphere. Carbon offsets are typically measured in tons of CO₂ equivalents.

Why LexGWAC recommends choosing New England Wind Fund for your carbon offset program

LexGWAC has looked at a number of organizations offering programs for carbon offsets. Some of these programs invest directly in the development of sources of renewable energy while others invest in lower cost efforts such as reforestation or educational programs. Many experts believe it is best to purchase offsets from organizations developing new renewable energy projects because only these types of projects directly support the transition away from fossil fuels - something that is urgently needed to address climate change.

New England Wind's sole focus is the construction of wind turbine projects here in New England, which contribute directly to carbon emission reductions.

The value of your contribution is tripled with matching funds from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative. Contributions from Lexington residents are matched in a fund reserved for the town to use for renewable energy projects. An additional matching amount funds renewable energy projects in low-income communities. Both matching programs contribute additional carbon emission offsets.

Your contributions to the New England Wind Fund are 100% tax deductible. Not all carbon offset organizations qualify for this tax deduction.

Sign up now and help Lexington earn a free solar panel installation for the high school! - The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative has offered a challenge grant to the Lexington community. Two 2KW solar panel installations worth $50,000 will be donated to Lexington High School if 300 Lexington households sign up for the New England Wind Fund by March 31, 2007.

What amount should I contribute?

LexGWAC in conjunction with New England Wind has arrived at a suggested figure of $30 per ton of carbon emissions under this program. For ten tons of carbon emissions, this would amount to $300 per year or $25 per month.

Many formulas exist for determining the cost of carbon offsets. Our suggested figure of $30 per ton, developed in conjunction with New England Wind, reflects the higher costs of developing wind turbine power in New England. It is intended as a guideline. Of course, not every household can afford to achieve complete carbon neutrality but we urge that you come as close as you can. Any amount that you can afford to give makes an important contribution to New England Wind's efforts to develop new, clean renewable wind power for the New England power grid.

How do I purchase carbon offsets from the New England Wind Fund?

Determine your household's carbon emissions footprint (tons of carbon emissions) using the Lexington Challenge's Carbon Footprint Calculator. Decide upon the amount per ton that you wish to contribute. Then go to www.newenglandwind.org and make a contribution using your credit card or by sending a check.

Why is there such a wide range of prices in carbon offset programs?

There are many types of carbon offset programs available from organizations engaged in a wide range of renewable energy activities, including reforestation efforts, energy conservation educational programs, energy efficiency retrofit projects as well as the development of renewable energy projects. Costs vary widely for these programs, as does the amount of administrative overhead expenses. There are no regulations or general standards for carbon offset programs. As with any purchase, thought should be given to these factors before deciding which type of offsets to buy.

LexGWAC decided to recommend New England Wind despite the higher costs associated with developing wind power as a renewable resource here in New England. New England Wind is a program of the well-established and highly regarded Mass Energy Consumers Alliance. Contributions to the New England Wind Fund will bring benefits to our region of cleaner air, a more reliable source of energy, and job creation; benefits we would not realize from supporting carbon offset programs in other parts of the country. Contributions are tax deductible, and provide matching grant opportunities both for our community as well as low-income communities. Although each of us is free to choose among the various carbon offset programs in the country, we believe this is far and away the best value for Lexington residents committed to funding renewable energy efforts.

When you have completed the Lexington Challenge and have become "Carbon Neutral," please, at your option, email GWAC at: info@LexGWAC.org. We will add your name to the list of families in Lexington who have offset their carbon footprint.

Here is our current list of Households who have contributed to the New England Wind Fund in Lexington.