A greenhouse gas (GHG) is any gas that absorbs heat reflected from the Earth’s surface, in the form of infrared radiation, trapping it in the atmosphere. The heat contributes to the heating of the plant and is known as the greenhouse effect. Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and water vapour are the most abundant GHGs, along with surface-level ozone, nitrous oxide (N2O) and fluorinated gases. N2O is an especially potent greenhouse gas, trapping far more infrared radiation than both CO2 and methane, despite only a tiny concentration being present in the atmosphere.
Other gases, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), act as indirect greenhouse gases by producing the greenhouse gas ‘ozone’ via photochemical reactions in the atmosphere. At the same time, however, the photochemical reaction reduces the level of methane in the atmosphere, thereby partially counterbalancing its negative impact. Consequently, NOx emissions are not as bad as direct GHG emissions.
Fully addressing climate change will require reducing emissions of all GHGs.
Scientists and policy-makers have established ‘global warming potentials’ (GWPs) to express the heat-trapping effects of all GHGs in terms of CO2-equivalents (CO2e). This makes is easier to compare the effects of different GHGs and to denominate carbon offset credits in units of CO2e emission reductions.
Concentrations of GHGs have varied substantially during Earth’s history and these variations have driven substantial climate changes at a wide range of timescales. In general, GHG concentrations have been particularly high during warm periods and low during cold periods.
Broekhoff, D., Gillenwater, M., Colbert-Sangree, T., and Cage, P. 2019. “Securing Climate Benefit: A Guide to Using Carbon Offsets.” Stockholm Environment Institute & Greenhouse Gas Management Institute. Offsetguide.org/pdf-download/
No, not as far as we are aware. Carbon Offsetting is a purely voluntary action, through which the yachting community can demonstrate environmental stewardship and leadership.
No, we are inviting you to balance the impact of the unavoidable fuel that you do use. Operating a yacht efficiently and taking measures to lower fuel consumption can serve to reduce your GHG emissions at source but, ultimately, experiencing the full benefits of a yachts range and performance will involve a corresponding quantity of fuel. The yachting experience is founded upon luxury, and freedom to enjoy the most beautiful and exclusive places in the world. Our mission is to enhance this experience, not to constrain it.
We cannot comment on possible tax treatments of the cost of carbon offsetting since this may vary widely. There is no direct financial return from the projects themselves, since the offset provides a subsidy to the project, not an ownership interest in it. There may be secondary financial benefits over time, since it is expected that partners across the yacht support services industry will offer incentives to yachts that can demonstrate a policy of carbon offsetting.
It provides a financial subsidy for carbon reduction projects that otherwise would not be viable. The money therefore makes a direct and measurable contribution to the reduction in atmospheric greenhouse gases.
Typically we support renewable energy, energy efficiency, or fugitive emissions (e.g. methane capture from landfill) projects. Our carefully selected projects meet the highest validation standards (such as Gold Standard and Verified Carbon Standard). Examples of projects from our portfolio, together with our selection criteria, are on the Projects Page of our website.
The independent verification of the projects (by organisations such as TÜV, RINA, Earthood Services…) ensures that carbon savings are properly quantified and monitored, and that approved projects could not have taken place without the financial support these credits provide.
Yacht Carbon Offset does not favour forestry schemes for a number of reasons, including difficulty of quantification and the mis-match between the time taken by trees to absorb atmospheric CO2 and that taken by the yacht to emit greenhouse gases. In some cases there may be concerns over ensuring that forests are established in perpetuity, or risks of double-counting of carbon savings through national greenhouse-gas inventories which would negate the offsetting action.
None. Our service is delivered online, so we just need an email address for your certificate. Since our service starts from a calculation based on the quantity and type of GHG emission sources, no physical measuring equipment is required.
Absolutely not. A yacht’s itinerary or passage plan will reflect the destination choices of the yacht owner/ charter clients and may be limited by practical considerations or the overall cost. A professional Captain will operate the vessel in a fuel-efficient manner, not least for economic reasons. These two factors will determine the consumption of fuel and hence emissions quantity.
The incremental cost of carbon offsetting, if anything strengthens this economic incentive to save fuel. Moreover, participation in carbon offsetting may increase awareness of the greenhouse-gas impact in the owner’s/charter clients’ mind and this may influence their choices about their itinerary, if this impact can be reduced without compromising their enjoyment.
Not necessarily. Each Yacht Carbon Offset Certificate is arranged for a defined type and quantity of emission sources, but this is unlikely to cover everything. For example, a Captain may decide to offset the fuel used for a particular charter or passage. There may be other significant greenhouse gas emissions attributable to the yacht, such as shore power or crew flights that would also need to be addressed before a claim of ‘Carbon Neutrality’ would be appropriate. Yacht Carbon Offset can help with this too, if required.
Basing the carbon offset on fuel quantities enables offset history to easily be reconciled with on-board fuel records, and for a clear, auditable statement to be made about precisely what has been balanced.
No. However, whilst there is no obligation, best environmental practice would suggest a policy of carbon offsetting an activity on a continued and regular basis. The Yacht Carbon Offset solution is completely flexible – it can balance a historical or future activity.
The Yacht Carbon Offset certificate provides evidence of the quantity of emissions that have been balanced, along with the yacht name, IMO number and the quantities and types of fuel producing the emissions. If requested, we can also include the identity details of the client.
The certificate carries a unique reference number that enables details to be confirmed or audited upon request. For example, a yacht manager or charter agent may wish to confirm validity of an offset purchased for the yacht by a third party.
Our price to arrange and certify a Yacht Carbon Offset depends on movements in the international carbon trading markets, and varies slightly with the quantity of fuel that you choose to Offset. Indicative prices are shown on the Pricing page of our website. For an exact price, simply click “Offset Now”, enter your details and we will be in touch with a quotation.