166 / 202
KICK THE HABIT
THE CYCLE – OFFSET
166
duction of GHGs under the Kyoto Protocol. Excluded are projects related to
nuclear energy, new HCFC-22 facilities and avoided deforestation. Typical
activities under the CDM comprise:
Renewable energy projects, such as: wind, solar, geothermal, (clean) bio-
mass and hydro energy.
Energy efficiency improvement projects.
Transportation improvement projects.
Projects concerning recovery and utilisation of methane, for example
from waste landfills or coal mines.
Projects concerning fossil fuel switching to less carbon-intensive sources.
Afforestation and reforestation
Joint Implementation (JI)
JI is very similar to CDM; one country invests in emissions reduction proj-
ects that take place in another country. As under the CDM, projects must
demonstrate additionality and go through a similar verification and certifica-
tion process. The main difference is that JI operates in other Annex I coun-
tries instead of developing countries. Unlike host countries of CDM projects,
countries that host JI projects have committed themselves under the Kyoto
Protocol to legally binding reduction targets. These projects generate tradable
credits which are called Emission Reduction Units (ERUs) also equivalent to
one tonne of carbon. Most JI projects are expected to take place in so-called
“economies in transition,” currently Russia and Ukraine are slated to host the
greatest number of JI projects. As with emission certificates from CDM proj-
ects, JI certificates can be purchased by anyone interested in offsetting.
3 020
Cultivating one hectare
of wheat