Rubber Meets Road on Innovative Fuel Reduction Offset Project

February 21, 2011

PRINCE GEORGE – The newly-formed Carbon Offset Aggregation Cooperative today launched its first pilot project for commercial/industrial vehicles and equipment used in BC’s resource and transportation industries. The program is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while generating carbon offsets that can be sold into the BC market.

“I am very pleased to see this innovative program underway. We know that to effectively reduce our GHG emissions the transportation sector needs to take a leadership role” said Shirley Bond , MLA for Prince George-Valemount and Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “Congratulations to the team that designed and are now implementing this carbon offset program. I am confident it will make a difference.”

"I support any program that lowers our greenhouse gas emissions," says Prince George Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell. "This is another example of the steps B.C. is taking to reduce our province's carbon footprint.”

Under the pilot project, three types of commercial/industrial vehicles and equipment will be equipped with on-board computers to record operations and determine baseline fuel consumption. The project uses a mix of behavioural awareness promotion and technology changes to reduce diesel consumption.

The Carbon Offset Aggregation Cooperative program provides all the services, information, labour and maintenance required for a company to join the program, removing as many barriers to participation as possible. The goals of the program are to create carbon offsets by reducing fuel consumption and saving operators money.

Carbon offsets produced through the program will be offered for sale to Pacific Carbon Trust, a Crown corporation established to help its clients meet their carbon reduction goals and support the growth of B.C.’s low-carbon economy.

“We know reducing fuel consumption will save money for truck and heavy equipment owners and operators,” said Pacific Carbon Trust CEO Scott MacDonald. “The Carbon Offset Aggregation Cooperative has found an innovative way to translate these savings into a viable carbon offset project.”

Carbon management solutions provider Offsetters will broker the sales of carbon offsets created through the program, as well as assist the Co-op with technical support and regulatory requirements.

“We are delighted to be working with both Pacific Carbon Trust and the Carbon Offset Aggregation Cooperative,” said James Tansey, Offsetters CEO and founder. “It is innovative thinking and programs like this that support BC’s shift to a low carbon future.”

For more information on the program, please visit www.carbonoffsetcooperative.org