On December 13, 2007, Carbon Offset Japan (COJ), a non-profit organization, launched Japan's first online service to sell carbon offsets to individuals. Through the purchase of carbon offsets, people can balance out the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced in their daily life.

On the COJ's website, people can easily calculate their carbon footprints, and buy offsets based on the use of Certified Emission Reduction (CER) credits obtained from greenhouse gas emission reduction projects approved by the United Nations.

Aiming to directly connect carbon offsetting to people's everyday activities and consumption, COJ will integrate this emission reduction scheme into goods and services, in collaboration with various companies (a total of 21 as of December 12, 2007), including Aeon Co., a major supermarket chain, and Daiwa Securities Group Inc. The CER credits purchased by individuals or corporations will be counted toward any reductions in national CO2 emissions, thus helping Japan achieve its emission reduction target of six percent below 1990 levels, as agreed under the Kyoto Protocol.



Posted: 2008/03/13 10:52:26 AM

TAG Global warming , NGO/Citizen , Non-manufacturing industry