We're Carbon Conscious

As part of the ongoing commitment to the environment, the Perth 2011 ISAF Sailing World Championships is working with leading Australian carbon offset provider Carbon Conscious Limited, to make the Regatta a "carbon conscious Event".

Carbon Conscious is an Australian company which produces carbon credits through "carbon farming" - the planting of Mallee Eucalypt trees in Australia's Wheatbelt region.

In the lead up to the Event, Perth 2011 and Carbon Conscious will work closely with Event supporters, national and international businesses, competitors and the general public to put in place several carbon reduction and offset strategies to assist in making Perth 2011 a "Carbon Conscious Event".

Trees planted to offset some of the more emission intensive elements of the Event will store carbon over a 30-year period and will be maintained by Carbon Conscious Ltd, through its Carbon Capture ProgramTM.

Trees, which are native to Australia, will be planted on less productive agricultural land throughout Western Australia. These trees will naturally assist in reducing rising salinity levels, preventing further land degradation and assisting in minimising wind erosion damage. Planting trees is another positive step in the fight against climate change.

The trees will provide ongoing tangible benefits including -

  • Carbon Offsets - removing carbon from the atmosphere that will contribute to offsetting emissions generated from the Event.
  • Job creation - positive impact for Australian communities.
  • Salinity reduction - increasing farm productivity and protecting remnant vegetation.
  • Income sources - diversifying farm income through returns from carbon farming.
  • Prevention of soil erosion - increasing farm productivity.
  • Animal habitats - establishing wildlife corridors for native fauna.
  • Planting on marginal land - using otherwise non-productive land.


Putting Carbon Offsetting Into Perspective

Carbon offsets are a way for individuals and businesses to balance out their greenhouse gas emissions by allocating funds to emission reduction programs.

To put carbon offsetting into context the average person driving a medium-sized vehicle will expend about four tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. Industry averages indicate that to produce one carbon credit, approximately five trees need to be planted, therefore 20 trees need to be planted to offset the carbon liability of the vehicle for 12 months.

For example, looking at a competitor's flight to Australia, for every 1kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted during the flight, then the competitor saves another 1kg from being emitted through his or her contribution to programs such as tree planting, to offset carbon emissions.

Perth 2011 will continue to identify partners and opportunities to ensure that the Event's impact on the environment is kept to a minimum.