FAQ's
What are greenhouse gases and why are they so important?
Greenhouse gases are a vital part of our atmosphere. They act as an insulating blanket, which maintains the earth's surface temperature. Above normal concentrations of these gases enhance the prospect of global climate change. This is known as the enhanced greenhouse effect. The burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil and natural gas) and practices in modern industry and agriculture contribute to higher levels of greenhouse gases.
What specific emissions does BP Global Choice™ offset?
Carbon dioxide (CO2). Scientists estimate that the CO2 concentration in our atmosphere is currently around 30% higher than 200 years ago. The burning of oil, coal and natural gas, plus the clearing and burning of vegetation are the main causes of this increase. At approximately 70%, carbon dioxide makes the greatest contribution to the enhanced greenhouse effect.
Methane (CH4). Methane rates as the second highest contributor to global warming. At an estimated 20% of the total, its concentration has increased about 145% during the past 200 years. Rice growing, natural gas venting, landfill waste decomposition and the digestive processes of stock are the main sources of CH4 emissions.
Nitrous oxide (N2O). Industrial emissions, vegetation burn-off and the effects of agriculture have seen an N2O increase of roughly 15% over the past 200 years.
Please note: above statistics provided by the Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (http:/www.epa.gov).
Methane (CH4). Methane rates as the second highest contributor to global warming. At an estimated 20% of the total, its concentration has increased about 145% during the past 200 years. Rice growing, natural gas venting, landfill waste decomposition and the digestive processes of stock are the main sources of CH4 emissions.
Nitrous oxide (N2O). Industrial emissions, vegetation burn-off and the effects of agriculture have seen an N2O increase of roughly 15% over the past 200 years.
Please note: above statistics provided by the Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (http:/www.epa.gov).
What has BP Global Choice™ achieved so far?
As at 26th May 2006, greenhouse gases had been reduced by 1,630,747 tonnes through BP Global Choice. This is equivalent to taking 320,000 cars off the road.
What offset projects are funded by BP Global Choice™ and what is planned for future?
So far, BP Global Choice emission reductions have been achieved by the following four, independently audited projects.
1. Riverstone Rendering Plant AJ Bush & Sons (Manufactures) Pty Ltd.
Under BP Global Choice, this meat rendering plant operated by AJ Bush & Sons (Manufactures) Pty Ltd, has streamlined its processes and converted coal and oil-fired boilers to natural gas. The result?
Direct reduction in emissions from fuel conversion
Energy efficiency gains from firing with a more stable fuel source
Reduction in transport related emissions.
2. UR-3R Facility - Waste Processing Facility
The UR-3R facility focuses on reduction, recovering and recycling of municipal solid waste. The main function of the plant is to sort and process waste thereby reducing the amount of material to landfill, and consequent reduction in the emissions produced by landfill waste.
3. South Cardup Landfill
Landfill Management Services Pty Ltd (LMS) is a specialist landfill gas company. BP Global Choice has enabled it to introduce an enclosed flare (predominantly methane), which facilitates overall activities to produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
1. Riverstone Rendering Plant AJ Bush & Sons (Manufactures) Pty Ltd.
Under BP Global Choice, this meat rendering plant operated by AJ Bush & Sons (Manufactures) Pty Ltd, has streamlined its processes and converted coal and oil-fired boilers to natural gas. The result?
2. UR-3R Facility - Waste Processing Facility
The UR-3R facility focuses on reduction, recovering and recycling of municipal solid waste. The main function of the plant is to sort and process waste thereby reducing the amount of material to landfill, and consequent reduction in the emissions produced by landfill waste.
3. South Cardup Landfill
Landfill Management Services Pty Ltd (LMS) is a specialist landfill gas company. BP Global Choice has enabled it to introduce an enclosed flare (predominantly methane), which facilitates overall activities to produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Can my company choose which offset project it wishes to support?
No. BP Global Choice takes a portfolio approach to investment in abatement projects. However, your contribution through BP Global Choice will go towards projects that satisfy the Australian Greenhouse Office criteria.
Is this program recognised by any official bodies?
Yes. The Commonwealth Government's Australian Greenhouse Office certifies BP Global Choice 'Greenhouse Friendly™.
What is Greenhouse Friendly™?
Minimising the impact of consumer goods and services on global warming is the aim of the Australian Greenhouse Office innovative greenhouse certification program, Greenhouse Friendly™ certification initiative.
This Commonwealth Government approved program enables product manufacturers and service providers to obtain certification by the Australian Greenhouse Office for products or services whose greenhouse emissions have been offset by activities to reduce greenhouse emissions in other areas.
The Australian Greenhouse Office, the lead Commonwealth agency on greenhouse matters, administers the Greenhouse Friendly Program. It certifies products and services as being Greenhouse Friendly when it is satisfied that they have met stringent certification criteria.
Established in 1998, the Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO), is the world's first government agency dedicated to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. For further information, please refer the AGO website.
This Commonwealth Government approved program enables product manufacturers and service providers to obtain certification by the Australian Greenhouse Office for products or services whose greenhouse emissions have been offset by activities to reduce greenhouse emissions in other areas.
The Australian Greenhouse Office, the lead Commonwealth agency on greenhouse matters, administers the Greenhouse Friendly Program. It certifies products and services as being Greenhouse Friendly when it is satisfied that they have met stringent certification criteria.
Established in 1998, the Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO), is the world's first government agency dedicated to cutting greenhouse gas emissions. For further information, please refer the AGO website.
Does BP make a profit from BP Global Choice™?
No - BP Global Choice is not a profit-driven project for our company. While we recover a small proportion of our costs to cover the project's administration, the majority of what our customers pay goes towards the nominated offset projects. Just as BP Global Choice is a way for your organisation to reduce its impact on the environment while carrying out business, so it is for BP.
Does my company have to offset all of its emissions?
No - it is entirely up to each company what percentage of emissions they wish to offset. Whether it be 50%, 75% or 100%, your organisation can choose the proportion which best meets your needs.
We don't buy BP fuel, but want to offset our emissions. Can we do this with BP Global Choice?
At this stage only emmissions from the use of BP motor spirits, diesel, E10 and BP Autogas maybe offset under BP Global Choice. For more information on the BP Plus card see the link below.
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