TBS Group is running a pilot program to allow its customers to offset carbon emissions caused by fertilizer transportation. The company calculated the current footprint of each shipping route for a given quantity of product. The emissions will vary depending on the route length, as shown below:
By purchasing carbon offset certificates, clients are supporting two Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) projects currently underway in Latin America:
Colombia
Control and improve the quality and quantity of freshwater in the Chinchiná River basin.
Context - The rapid expansion of agriculture and cattle grazing has resulted in excessive deforestation, which has harmed watersheds.
Actions - The Procuenca project encourages landowners to engage in activities such as agroforestry, commercial reforestation stands, silvopastoral systems, and assisted natural regeneration.
Benefits - The project promotes long-term economic and productive activities. It generates additional income for farmers and small-scale industries while creating jobs. It promotes biodiversity by protecting endangered species' habitats.
Chile
Make clean energy available to the Viales sawmill and the local grid.
Context - The forestry industry generates biomass residues that have the potential to be used as an alternative energy source.
Actions - The project entails the construction of a new large-scale biomass cogeneration power plant on the site of the Viales sawmill. Rather than installing a traditional low-pressure boiler, the plant will provide heat and power to the facility.
Advantages - This initiative promotes economic activity through the use of clean energy. Furthermore, lower disposal or uncontrolled burning of biomass residues reduces greenhouse gas emissions (methane emissions).
TBS Group clients can choose to offset emissions partially or completely at the time of purchase by purchasing certificates. The client will receive the following items once the product has been delivered and fully paid for:
Carbon Offset Certificate – issued by TBS Group
The document certifies that the client is an official sponsor of South Pole's TBS Group Offset Program, as well as the amount of carbon emissions offset. The proceeds from this program will be used to fund the aforementioned VCS projects.