Robert Israel, Prescott Arizona's Green Realtor

Carbon offset is the process of reducing the net carbon emissions of an individual or organization, either by their own actions, or through arrangements with a carbon-offset provider. "I donate money from my commission fee on every transaction I close to offset carbon emmissions and help reduce the effects of global warming. I promise!"

The intended goal of carbon offsets is to combat global warming. The appeal of becoming "carbon neutral" has contributed to the growth of voluntary offsets, which, under current economic paradigms and conditions, are often a more cost-effective alternative to reducing one's own fossil-fuel consumption. However, carbon offsets are not without controversy, with some environmentalists and economists questioning the overall benefits of the practice.

A carbon offset service is one arranged with such a provider, that achieves a net reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through proxies who reduce their emissions or increase their absorption of greenhouse gases. A wide variety of offset actions are available; tree planting is currently the most common. Renewable energy and energy conservation offsets have also become increasingly popular, including emissions trading credits.

Greenhouse gases are components of the atmosphere that contribute to the Greenhouse effect. Some greenhouse gases occur naturally in the atmosphere, while others result from human activities. Naturally occurring greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone. Certain human activities add to the levels of most of these naturally occurring gases.

Renewable energy is energy derived from resources that are regenerative or for all practical purposes cannot be depleted, for example, solar and wind energy. For this reason, renewable energy sources are fundamentally different from fossil fuels, and do not produce as many greenhouse gases and other pollutants as fossil fuel combustion.

Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) is the world's first and North America's only voluntary, legally binding greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and trading system for emission sources and offset projects in North America and Brazil. CCX employs independent verification, includes all six greenhouse gases, and has been trading greenhouse gas emission allowances since 2003. To date, more than 120 CCX Members range from corporations like Ford and Motorola, to state and municipalities such as Oakland and Chicago, to educational institutions such as Tufts University and University of Minnesota, to farmers and the Iowa Farm Bureau.

As a Certified EcoBroker and a Green Realtor I'm helping you (and the planet) for the best, when buying or selling a home. One way I do this is through Carbon Offsetting. What is Carbon Offset, and why should you care?

As a Certified EcoBroker and a Green Realtor I'm helping you (and the planet) for the best, when buying or selling a home.

One way I do this is through Carbon Offsetting.
What is Carbon Offset, and why should you care?