What is it?
Communauto members can offset the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from their trips. These voluntary contributions help to slow global warming by acquiring credits to offset GHG emissions. At a rate of $0.0042/km for gas vehicles, this represents only $8.48/year for an average member (2,000 km/year)! This calculator was designed according to the composition of our fleet.
A preferential rate is offered for electric and hybrid vehicles.
How can you offset?
For our members, it is possible to join the GHG compensation program from your online account. Just go to the “Personal Information” option and check the box under the “Offsetting your emissions” section.
How much does it cost?
GHG compensation is calculated per kilometer driven, depending on the type of vehicle. At Communauto, we offer three different rates, corresponding to the three types of vehicles present in our fleet (see image above). The costs related to GHG offsetting are simply added to your bill.
Why?
“In 2017, the transportation sector was the second largest source of GHG emissions [in Canada], accounting for 24% (174 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) of total national emissions. Between 1990 and 2017, GHG emissions from the transportation sector grew by 43%. […] Changes in the mix of vehicle type used, such as the increasing preference of passenger vehicle owners for light trucks rather than more fuel-efficient passenger cars, played an important role in shaping the evolution of GHG emissions.“1
The projects
The voluntary compensatory credits will be distributed from a portfolio of projects called “Planetair + Quebec (ecosystem)”. Through this portfolio, 100% of emissions are offset by carbon credits from international renewable energy and energy efficiency projects and, in addition to offsetting, Planetair gives 20% per ton offset to Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCN). This contribution supports projects to protect and restore sensitive natural habitats in Canada that promote adaptation to climate change.
Information on these projects is available on the Information on these projects is available on the Planetair website.
Planetair has created various international alliances with the best providers of high-quality Gold Standard certified carbon credits from renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in developing countries. The Gold Standard is the strictest standard on the carbon market, requiring the transparency of the process and the verifiable and measurable reduction of GHG emissions.
1 Environment and Climate Change Canada, 2019.