Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
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Guarantee of successful project implementation and plant operation during
the entire project.
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Ongoing development and technology transfer after project completion.
It is diffi cult for a private individual to meet these criteria. However, various com-
panies offer professional services for implementing climate-protecting projects.
Even major projects are possible if a large number of customers join forces. However,
an independent auditing authority should always be available to monitor that the
process is being followed correctly (Figure 3.12). Atmosfair is an example of a
company that offers a programme for offsetting emissions from plane trips. One of
the projects in their programme involved replacing diesel stoves in large kitchens
in India with solar mirrors.
Figure 3.12
Principle of private trade in emissions.
Currently about 20 to 30 euros should be allocated to compensate for the emission
of 1000 kg of carbon dioxide with clean development projects. Thus it will cost a
person 10 euros each month to prevent the emission of 5000 kg per year. Protecting
the climate is really not that expensive.
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www.atmosfair.com
Different suppliers for reducing carbon dioxide emissions
through climate-protection projects
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www.co2ol.de
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www.carbonneutral.com
Naturally emissions can be offset through renewable energy projects at home. In
countries such as Germany, for example, anyone who invests in a wind farm in a
good location or installs a large photovoltaic system on an optimally orientated roof
can even make a small profi t. Germany's renewable energy law makes this possible.
This law establishes the subsidy levels for electricity from renewable energy sup-
pliers, such as wind farms, photovoltaic systems and biomass, geothermal and
hydropower plants. These subsidy levels are normally higher than regular subsidies
for electricity from conventional power plants. The energy supply company into
whose grid the plants feed their electricity is allowed to split the extra costs among
all its electricity customers (Figure 3.13). This means that all customers - whether
