WHEREAS 177 local governments have voluntarily signed-on to the BC Climate Action Charter and in so doing have agreed to be carbon-neutral in their operations by 2012; AND WHEREAS local governments are making significant advancements to become carbon neutral, but are finding it difficult to attain carbon neutrality without the purchase of carbon offsets from the Pacific Carbon Trust or other verified offset providers; and the purchase of such offsets consumes resources that could otherwise be used locally to further reduce carbon emissions: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the UBCM work with the provincial government, local governments and the Pacific Carbon Trust to expand the scope and criteria of land-based projects that can qualify for immediate carbon credits and establish a model reserve fund that will allow local governments to deposit monies that would otherwise be spent on carbon offsets and use these funds to undertake effective projects in their communities to sequester carbon and reduce GHG emissions.
Ministry of Environment - Climate Action Secretariat British Columbia is a leader in the development of carbon neutral government standards including offset regimes. Pacific Carbon Trust is required to purchase offsets that meet the offset regulation, however they are working with government to identify opportunities for viable offset projects that will reduce carbon pollution and support the growth of clean technology in British Columbia. A Draft Local Government GHG Reduction Framework was presented at the 2010 UBCM Convention. The Framework was developed by the Joint UBCM Provincial Green communities Committee in collaboration with local government practitioners and provides a range of options for local governments to reduce their corporate carbon liability, including enabling investments in local GHG reduction projects. A key principle of achieving carbon neutrality requires a tonne for tonne reduction, rather than a specific financial investment based on the monetary value of the tonnes needed to achieve carbon neutrality. Putting aside money in a reserve fund for investments in GHG reduction projects under the proposed GHG Reduction Framework or for purchasing offsets from a provider may provide a useful budget strategy for some communities. However, it is important to understand that in order to achieve carbon neutrality under the Climate Action Charter, local governments will need to balance the tonnes of GHG emissions produced from their corporate activities with an equivalent amount of GHG reductions either from GHG reduction projects under the Framework or purchased offsets to get to zero emissions. The province and PCT have currently developed a draft Forest Carbon Offset Protocol FCOP that refers to land-based projects. Urban forests of significant size may be eligible however there will be related project development costs associated with completing a project. For more information on the Carbon neutral Local Government and the Framework please visit the BC Climate action Toolkit website: http:www.toolkit.bc.cacarbon-neutral-government
Pacific Carbon Trust We understand your interest in supporting locally-based projects. Pacific Carbon Trust PCT has a diversified portfolio with offsets across multiple sectors and regions of the province. However, in such a new industry, it is not possible to find offsets in every community in BC. As the industry grows, we expect to further diversify our portfolio - both with respect to project type and location. We look forward to working with UBCM and local governments to meet the dual objectives of a cleaner environment and local economic development. In the short term, as we work toward that goal, PCT will ensure investments are made in credible offsets built upon BC innovation - values that are shared province-wide.