Is it right to meet built environment net zero carbon targets through offsetting?
At what point is it okay to offset? Is it better than doing nothing or does it stop us confronting difficult truths? There are a number of offsetting schemes that channel money from those who are willing to pay to those who need the funds for low carbon projects. These help maximise the carbon savings achieved for a given amount.
Three common offsetting scenarios include large scale polluters funding carbon reductions in developing nations, developers contributing to council offsetting funds during planning process and individuals offsetting their consumption through registered schemes. However it is increasingly becoming a key component of the response to the Climate Emergency. Especially for organisations that wish to achieve zero carbon status in the next ten years.
We invite you to come down and join our discussion about who offsets, why they do it and how they can do it better. We have assembled a panel of experts to look at the issues from a number of perspectives
Speakers:
- Luke Elson, University of Reading
- Syed Ahmed, Director of Energy for London
- Steven Kellet, Sustainability Manager at Argent
- Trevor Keeling, BuroHappold Engineering (chairing)
This event is free to attend, but please register in advance.
“City Conversations” is a series of informative thought-leadership discussions around the big issues that are changing our cities - growth, technology, resource efficiency and climate change. The conversations will address not only the new and changing infrastructure of cities but also how these are brought about and their impact on the lifestyle and wellbeing of citizens. They are produced by The Happold Foundation and ngenuity with support from the Built Environment Trust.
