Carbon Offset

A carbon footprint is an estimate of the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) produced to support a person's lifestyle and activities—either directly or indirectly. Carbon footprints are usually measured in equivalent tons of CO2 throughout a year. They can be associated with an individual, a company, a product, travel, shipping, an event, or other activities.

“Carbon offsetting” is a term used to describe a financing mechanism through which individuals and organizations can help support certified third-party projects by purchasing and “retiring” carbon credits. These certified projects contribute to the reduction or removal of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions around the world.

Carbon offsetting is most effective when part of a holistic process to address global emissions which includes (1) measuring emissions, (2) reducing emissions to the extent possible, and (3) only after the first and second steps have been completed, “offsetting” those emissions which cannot be eliminated today.

When contributing to offsetting projects as part of booking your event, you are supporting a project (or projects) that reduces or removes carbon. Please note, the support of these climate projects has no direct effect on the emissions generated by your event attendance, but the support does provide an important source of financing for climate projects.

The funds are applied directly to the selected climate project(s), except for a small remaining portion used for standard administration and support services.

Certified projects issue carbon credits (sometimes referred to as “carbon offsets”), which act as an instrument for selling or trading the project’s removal or reduction impact. Each carbon credit aims to represent a single unit of GHG emissions (being one (1) tonne carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) that is reduced or removed from the atmosphere or the carbon cycle. A unit of GHG emissions can be reduced or removed through various methods or project types.

IMS evaluates carbon offset project on an annual basis. For example, one such project is the Doyon Native Community Forest Project. This project works to enhance carbon storage in boreal forests in Alaska through improved forest management activities.

IMS works with climate-tech company Chooose as a partner in this program. Companies use the Chooose platform to operate and scale their carbon programs and to advance voluntary and mandatory carbon objectives. For more information, please visit www.chooose.today.