DISTRICT OF TOFINO COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

Transcription

1 DISTRICT OF TOFINO COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING Notice is hereby given of the following meeting: Tuesday, May 13, 2014 at 5:00 PM Council Chamber, Municipal Office Page AGENDA 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER 2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES Minutes of the CEDAC meeting held February 25, 2014 Recommendation: THAT the minutes of the Community Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting held February 25, 2014 be adopted CEDAC Minutes Minutes of the CEDAC meeting held February 27, 2014 Recommendation: THAT the minutes of the Community Economic Development Advisory Committee meeting held February 27, 2014 be adopted CEDAC Minutes 4. BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES 5. DELEGATIONS 5.1 Community Carbon Marketplace - Brian Roberts (via Skype) 6. CORRESPONDENCE 7. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Community Carbon Marketplace Proposal Ucluelet and Tofino Community Carbon Marketplace Proposal - Feb 25 DRAFT 7.2 Westcoast Aquatic Marine Economic Development Strategy funds 8. REPORTS 8.1 April 16, 2014 Business Walk - Preliminary Results May 13, 2014 CEDAC Agenda Page 1 of 17

2 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1 Next Steps for CEDAC 9.2 June 2014 Meeting Date MINUTE QUESTION PERIOD 11. ADJOURNMENT May 13, 2014 CEDAC Agenda Page 2 of 17

3 COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING DISTRICT OF TOFINO February 25, 2014 at 4:00 PM Council Chamber MINUTES PRESENT: STAFF: ABSENT: Josie Osborne, Chair Committee Members, Emery Hartley, Rob Renna, Brian Steven, Adrienne Mason, Gord Johns, John Paul Froment, Maureen Fraser Public (1) Aaron Rodgers, Cheeying Ho (conference call), Dan Wilson, Aaron Rodgers Dorothy Baert, James Costello, Corene Inouye, Patrick Canning, Marcie DeWitt, Nancy Powis, Councilor Duncan McMaster 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair called the meeting to order at 4:10 pm. 2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Resolution: Moved and Seconded by Mason/Steven THAT the February 25, 2014 agenda be adopted as presented. CARRIED 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES Resolution: Moved and Seconded by Mason/Hartley THAT the January 30, 2014 minutes be adopted as presented. CARRIED 4. NEW BUSINESS 4.1 CEDAC/Partners action planning/prioritization Overview of the process Selection of top 5 actions per topic area o Break up into three groups to review action planning Review & discuss all top actions o Detailed discussion on various actions Vote on top overall actions (15) o Finalize top actions 4.2 Next CEDAC meeting date 5. ADJOURNMENT Next meetings: February 27, 2014 Resolution: Moved by Osborne THAT the meeting be adjourned at 6:00 pm. CARRIED CERTIFIED CORRECT: Mayor Osborne, Chair Aaron Rodgers, Recording Secretary February CEDAC Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 1 Page 3 of 17

4 COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING DISTRICT OF TOFINO February 27, 2014 at 5:00 PM Clayoquot Biosphere Trust, 316 Main Street MINUTES PRESENT: GUESTS: ABSENT: Josie Osborne, Chair Councillors Dorothy Baert, Duncan McMaster Committee Members, James Costello, Emery Hartley, Gord Johns, Adrienne Mason, Nancy Powis, Brian Steven Line Robert, Nicole Chaland, Warren Rudd Patrick Canning, Marcie DeWitt, Corene Inouye, Saya Masso, Rob Renna 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Chair called the meeting to order at 5:05 pm. 2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Moved and Seconded by Steven/Costello THAT the February 27, 2014 agenda be adopted as presented. CARRIED 3. DELEGATIONS 3.1 Line Robert, CEO of Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) Line Robert provided an overview of ICET and discussed ways that Tofino could become more involved in ICET funding. 3.2 Nicole Chaland, Program Director, Simon Fraser University Community Economic Development Nicole Chaland provided an overview of the Local Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (LEAP), its use on the Sunshine Coast and pending use in Squamish area. The committee had extensive discussion about its potential application in Tofino and region and will revisit it at its next meeting. 4. CORRESPONDENCE None. 5. REPORTS None. February 27, 2014 CEDAC Meeting Minutes Page Page 1 of 1 of 2 2 Page 4 of 17

5 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.1 Community Carbon Marketplace Short discussion took place and Brian Roberts will be invited to future meeting to explain concept further to committee. 6.2 Business Walks Moved and Seconded by Steven/Powis THAT the District of Tofino undertake the Business Walks program in collaboration with local business organizations and the Province, AND THAT up to $3,000 from the Economic Development reserve be released for the coordination and execution of this program. CARRIED 6.3 Westcoast Aquatic Marine Economic Development Strategy Funds By unanimous consent item 6.3 Westcoast Aquatic Marine Economic Development Strategy Funds was deferred. 6.4 The LEAP Program MINUTE QUESTION PERIOD None. 8. ADJOURNMENT Moved by McMaster THAT the meeting be adjourned at 7:40 pm. CARRIED CERTIFIED CORRECT: Mayor Osborne, Chair Mayor Osborne, Recording Secretary February 27, 2014 CEDAC Meeting Minutes Page Page 2 of 2 of 2 2 Page 5 of 17

6 A Proposal for Growing the Local Low Carbon Economy and Achieving Carbon Neutrality in Ucluelet and Tofino Districts through the development of a Community Carbon Marketplace Prepared for: Ucluelet and Tofino Districts February 23, 2014 Prepared by: Cowichan Energy Alternatives Society #1 55 Station Street, Duncan, BC V9L 1M2 Page 6 of 17

7 Executive Summary This proposal details the steps to achieve carbon neutrality for the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts (the Districts) while growing its low carbon economy through the development of an online Community Carbon Marketplace. The Community Carbon Marketplace (CCM) is a community based carbon exchange initiative by Cowichan Energy Alternatives Society (CEA) that enables local governments, businesses and individuals to meet carbon neutral objectives by purchasing carbon offsets from local projects that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and build community resilience. The Districts qualify for funding from the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) for participating in the CCM Program. A four phase approach is outlined to grow Ucluelet and Tofino Districts low carbon economy and achieve carbon neutrality through the Community Carbon Marketplace: Phase 1: Kick starting the CCM and the Local Low Carbon Economy Phase 2: Carbon Footprint Assessments and Quantification of Local GHG Reduction Projects Phase 3: Achieving Carbon Neutrality for Ucluelet and Tofino Districts Phase 4: Continued Growth of a Local Low Carbon Economy This proposal focuses on Phase 1: Determining the Potential for Local GHG Reduction Projects. Throughout Phase 1, CEA will work with Ucluelet and Tofino Districts and their respective staff to achieve the following deliverables: 1. Following planning and strategy meetings with Ucluelet and Tofino Districts and Local Government staff, a local web hub is tailored for the Districts and key participants/partners which will provide background information, eligibility criteria, an online self assessment tool for respondents and contact information for CCM staff to provide further guidance. 2. A Request for Community Carbon Credits (RFC3) is issued in a joint press release by the Districts and CCM announcing that the market is open for business with the Districts leading the initiative as the first buyer. An outreach campaign is initiated to ensure widespread awareness and understanding of the initiative. 3. Local organizations and businesses with GHG Reduction projects responding to the RFC3 and meeting initial screening criteria (such as a test for additionality) are further assessed for Community Carbon Credit eligibility. 4. Eligible projects are listed and presented to the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts. 5. Eligible projects selected by the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts are short listed for full quantification through third party GHG assessments conducted by CEA in Phase 2, leading ultimately to their purchase in Phase 3, completing the cycle of local investment. The total estimated cost for delivering Phase 1 is $17,728 ($8,864 per District). Components may be removed or added as necessary to achieve desired cost and outcomes. This initial seed money will return up to $4,960 from ICET to help fund assessments in the community during Phase 2. CCM Proposal to Grow the Local Low Carbon Economy and Achieve Carbon Neutrality Page 2 Page 7 of 17

8 Background The Community Carbon Marketplace Economic Development Initiative The Community Carbon Marketplace (CCM) is a community based carbon exchange initiative by Cowichan Energy Alternatives Society (CEA) that enables local governments, businesses and individuals to meet carbon neutral objectives by purchasing carbon offsets from local projects that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and build community resilience. By directing offsetting dollars back to the communities where they originate and monetizing locallygenerated carbon credits, the CCM creates additional value for greenhouse gas reduction initiatives and a multiplier effect that supports community based initiatives, the growth of green jobs and the ongoing development of the local low carbon economy. Benefits: Creates a mechanism for investing public and private sector carbon offsetting dollars into local energy and emissions reductions strategies and infrastructure. Provides access to the carbon market for community organizations and small businesses. Provides a new revenue stream that supports valuable community services, local job creation, development and growth of the local low carbon economy. Local control over carbon offsetting dollars through a community based carbon exchange system that is locally accountable and accessible. Long term benefits to the community that builds community resilience. Prior to the CCM initiative, knowledge and cost barriers prevented local organizations and small businesses from being able to account for and realize the value of carbon credits for which their projects would be eligible if they could access the BC carbon market. First launched in 2012 by CEA in consultation with local governments and the BC Climate Action Secretariat (CAS), this initiative offers a community based alternative to existing carbon offset registries that is based on international protocols and works within the Green Communities Committee guidelines outlined in Becoming Carbon Neutral: Guidebook for BC Local Governments (GCC guidelines). How the CCM Works The CCM provides a mechanism for local governments to balance/offset emissions through each of the three options outlined in the GCC guidelines: 1. Invest in a GCC Supported Project 2. Invest in Alternate Community GHG Reduction Projects 3. Purchase Offsets from a Credible Provider CCM Proposal to Grow the Local Low Carbon Economy and Achieve Carbon Neutrality Page 3 Page 8 of 17

9 The CCM accomplishes this through an online marketplace that functions like an ebay of Carbon Credits, matching buyers wishing to become carbon neutral with sellers seeking revenue that rewards their adoption of sustainable energy practices, which may otherwise put them at a competitive disadvantage among competitors using less expensive business as usual practices. In this way, the online CCM creates a connection opportunity between businesses and non profit agencies operating and planning carbon offset projects and those companies and governments who are looking to reduce their carbon footprint. The development and growth of this low carbon economy is kick started by the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts as it steps up to demonstrate leadership as the first buyer with the announcement (RFC3) that the market is open. While the local CCM is initiated by the local government, its purpose is to further develop into a local farmer s market of community carbon credits with international reach, connecting those wishing to offset their emissions with those carrying out GHG reduction projects. The base price per credit is $25/tonne; however, this price can be changed to better represent actual project costs if the project would not otherwise occur and both the buyer and seller agree. The general concept of how the CCM is rolled out in a community is outlined below: An outreach campaign is initiated in the community centred on a Request for Community Carbon Credits (RFC3) announcing that the market is open, which is issued in a joint press release by the local government and CCM 1. GHG Reduction Projects (GHGRPs) are assessed for Community Carbon Credit eligibility 2. Credits eligible as per applicable international protocols and GCC guidelines are listed by organization and project on the CCM 3. Buyers wishing to offset their carbon footprints select credits from those listed 4. Buyers may also list a specific RFC3 that can stimulate new projects. For local governments, this tool can direct projects to achieve Official Community Plan and Climate Action objectives 5. A base value of $25/tonne will be applied, however, consideration will be given to each unique project and the financial threshold needed to make it happen. A transaction fee from each sale contributes to sustaining the CCM. 6. The model is scalable and can work in communities all throughout British Columbia and eventually North America. CCM Proposal to Grow the Local Low Carbon Economy and Achieve Carbon Neutrality Page 4 Page 9 of 17

10 Project Funding for Island Coastal Economic Trust Communities Communities located within the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) region are now eligible for funding support through the CCM low carbon economy development initiative. The ICET CCM project funding model works on a reimbursement basis throughout the four project phases (detailed further in the Proposal Outline section below) as follows: Phase 1, determining the potential for local GHG reduction projects, is entirely funded by the local government which then returns up to a 28% reimbursement from ICET for all CEA and partner project expenditures. The reimbursement from Phase 1 provides seed money to help fund Phase 2, Assessment and Quantification of local GHG reduction projects (GHGRPs). It also serves as a back up/contingency fund if there are unforeseen cost over runs from delivering services in Phase 1, to limit the risk that CEA will have to request additional funds from the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts. Our first priority is to use this reimbursement to help fund GHGRP assessments in the community, particularly for those organizations with insufficient funds to do so themselves. Money flow through the CCM project in Phase 2 then helps fund Phase 3, and so on. ICET reimbursements from the final Phase 4 will fund follow up and ongoing CCM development services in that community. The more money an ICET community contributes to kick start their local CCM project at the front end, the more re investment benefits it receives in return for each subsequent project phase and for the ongoing growth and development of the local low carbon economy. Lessons Learned from Past Success of the CCM Model 1. The CCM is a proven approach for achieving carbon neutrality for local governments that serves as an economic development initiative to grow the low carbon economy. 2. An investment of time is first necessary to fill the knowledge gap (education) for carbon credit purchasers (government, businesses) and suppliers (green businesses, nonprofits) we re kick starting the local low carbon economy from scratch! 3. An initial investment of seed money is needed to get over an initial start up hump through outreach and education. This is provided by local governments showing leadership by providing seed dollars and by stepping up as a significant first buyer. 4. CCM will play an important role in filling a gap in the BC carbon market that currently limits participation of community GHG reduction projects. CCM Proposal to Grow the Local Low Carbon Economy and Achieve Carbon Neutrality Page 5 Page 10 of 17

11 About Cowichan Energy Alternatives Society Founded in 2008, CEA is creating a new approach for providing energy and GHG emissions inventories, planning and reduction strategies, renewable energy feasibility studies and implementation, and leading local GHG reduction initiatives. Our innovative not for profit approach is focused on finding creative solutions to energy and emissions challenges while maximizing triple bottom line benefits to sustainability partners and the community. Funds generated through CEA's revenue generating sustainability services go to support educational initiatives and a growing list of renewable energy and GHG reduction projects that truly demonstrate leadership by example. CCM Proposal to Grow the Local Low Carbon Economy and Achieve Carbon Neutrality Page 6 Page 11 of 17

12 Proposal Outline This proposal has been prepared in response to a request from the Councils of both the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts. While it has been addressed to the Districts, it has been written in the spirit of co operation and offers an open invitation to the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District (Area "C") and First Nations to participate and explore a regional approach. Four steps to grow Ucluelet and Tofino Districts s low carbon economy and for the Districts to achieve carbon neutrality through the Community Carbon Marketplace are outlined below. This proposal focuses on the first of those four steps, Phase 1: Determining the potential for local GHG Reduction Projects. Phase 1: Kick Starting the CCM and the Local Low Carbon Economy The objective of Phase 1 is to determine the potential for quantifiable, local GHG reduction projects that are eligible to be applied to achieve carbon neutrality for the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts as per applicable GCC guidelines and/or international protocols. This involves a significant outreach component initiated by a Request for Community Carbon Credits (RFC3) issued by the Districts in partnership with the CCM. The RFC3 demonstrates leadership by the Districts and sends a clear message to local organizations and the business community that the market is open for business with the Districts committing to be the first buyer of GHG reductions from eligible projects that have a quantifiable, positive impact on lowering emissions. It also sends the message that sustainable business practices such as the use of renewable energies that shift the community to a healthier, green economy will be rewarded as they help the Districts to achieve carbon neutrality and serve to reduce the overall GHG emissions of the community as a whole. In this way, Phase 1 provides the outreach necessary to make local non profits and businesses aware that previous barriers to their accessing the BC carbon market such as prohibitive cost, poor understanding of the market and how it may benefit them, and lack of sufficient scale are no longer applicable in the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts. This will be achieved by: 1. Following planning and strategy meetings with Local Government staff, a local web hub is tailored for the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts and key participants/partners which will provide background information, eligibility criteria, an online selfassessment tool for respondents and contact information for CCM staff to provide further guidance. Additional project eligibility criteria will be determined with Districts and Local Government staff in the planning and strategy meeting. CCM Proposal to Grow the Local Low Carbon Economy and Achieve Carbon Neutrality Page 7 Page 12 of 17

13 2. A joint press release by the Districts and CCM announces that the market is open for business (RFC3) with the Districts leading the initiative as the first buyer. An outreach campaign is initiated to ensure widespread awareness and understanding. 3. Local organizations and businesses with GHG Reduction Projects responding to the RFC3 and meeting initial screening criteria (such as a test for additionality) are further assessed for Community Carbon Credit eligibility. This will include a social media campaign and a workshop. CEA will work with local organizations such as the Chamber of Commerce, economic development groups, etc. to get the word out. 4. Eligible projects with the most promise for meeting Ucluelet and Tofino Districts objectives are listed for the Districts, with the first right of refusal for purchase of all resulting carbon credits/ghg reductions to the Districts. 5. Eligible projects selected by the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts are short listed for full quantification through full GHG assessments conducted by CEA in Phase 2, leading ultimately to their purchase in Phase 3, completing the cycle of local investment. Following successful completion of Phase 1, businesses that have not yet made the decision to adopt sustainable practices will have reason to join and grow the local low carbon economy as the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts, followed by future private buyers, will now provide a new revenue stream through the CCM. In this way, Phase 1 will kick start the larger CCM project and thus provide the tipping point for making sustainable business decisions in the community. A proposed timeline and with deliverables for Phase 1 is provided below. Phase 1 Key Deliverables and Timeline Proposed Timeline April 30, 2013 May 15, 2013 June 31, 2014 July 7, 2014 Key Deliverables/Milestones 1. Completion of planning and strategy consultations/meetings with staff from the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts, and preliminary outreach campaign initiated to prepare the market, including the completion of web hub tailored for the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts' CCM project. 2. RFC3 issued as joint press release by Ucluelet and Tofino Districts and CCM. Further community outreach and education conducted by CEA. 3. GHG reduction projects screened for eligibility 4. Eligible projects are listed July 14, Eligible project shortlist completed in preparation for Phase 2. A budget for Phase 1 is provided in a dedicated section below. CCM Proposal to Grow the Local Low Carbon Economy and Achieve Carbon Neutrality Page 8 Page 13 of 17

14 Phase 2: Assessments and Quantification of Local GHG Reduction Projects 1. Eligible GHG Reduction Projects selected by the Districts are short listed for quantification through full GHG assessments conducted by CEA. Baseline/Carbon Footprint assessments are conducted by CEA and/or through partnerships. 2. Initial seed money from the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts to complete first assessments and further build the local market may be necessary depending on the financial capacity of the respondents. 3. GHG Reduction Projects eligible as per applicable international protocols and GCC guidelines are listed by organization and project on the CCM Registry service. 4. A unique identifier is assigned to each GHG reduction/carbon credit (no double counting). Phase 3: Achieving Carbon Neutrality for the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts 1. The Ucluelet and Tofino Districts select, from an eligible project shortlist, which projects they wish to purchase GHG reductions/carbon credits from. 2. GHG reductions/carbon credits purchased are retired to ensure no double counting. 3. A press release is issued for each project from which the Districts purchase credits, each presenting its own unique good news story crediting the Districts and the GHG project proponent. 4. A press release is issued announcing the successful completion of the first year of the project and the Districts achievement of Carbon Neutrality and support of the local lowcarbon economy through the CCM. 5. If this first outreach effort does not generate enough carbon credits for the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts to achieve Carbon Neutrality, Phase 4 is initiated. Phase 4: Continued Growth of the Local Low Carbon Economy 1. Any surplus credits following Phase 3 will be made available for buyers other than the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts wishing to offset their carbon footprints by selecting from projects they wish to support from those listed on the online CCM. 2. The Ucluelet and Tofino Districts and other buyers may list a specific RFC3 that can stimulate new projects. For local governments this can stimulate new projects and further direct community projects to achieve Official Community Plan and Climate Action objectives. 3. The CCM is designed to be revenue positive, following an initial start up period where seed money is required to overcome current knowledge, cost and scale barriers. Once established, the market will continue to grow the local low carbon economy with or without the continued leadership and participation of the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts. 4. The model is scalable and can work in communities all throughout British Columbia and eventually throughout North America. CCM Proposal to Grow the Local Low Carbon Economy and Achieve Carbon Neutrality Page 9 Page 14 of 17

15 Phase 1 Project Budget Determining the current potential for local GHG Reduction Projects The total estimated cost for Phase 1 is $17,728 ($8,864 per District). This estimate reflects cost savings resulting from efficiencies achieved by combining the approach for both Ucluelet and Tofino Districts over the cost of conducting two separate projects. Components may be removed or added as necessary to achieve desired cost and outcomes. The costs of Phase 1 covered by the Districts will provide initial seed money that will return up to $4,900 from ICET funds towards Phase 2: Assessment and Quantification of Local GHG Reduction Projects. CCM Proposal to Grow the Local Low Carbon Economy and Achieve Carbon Neutrality Page 10 Page 15 of 17

16 Long Term Results and Measuring Success The immediate goal of this project will be to launch a local Community Carbon Marketplace capable of online transactions for the sale and purchase of community carbon credits, with the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts leading the process to meet the objectives for the community. A long term goal of this project is to facilitate the ongoing development of the green economy and build resilient communities in the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts, BC and beyond. Immediate and Long Term Project Outcomes Carbon neutrality for the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts Economic multiplier effect achieved through the direction of carbon offsetting dollars back to Ucluelet and Tofino Districts local economy Ongoing growth of the local low carbon economy and reaching beyond carbonneutrality over the long term for the entire communities of Ucluelet and Tofino Demonstration of Climate Action Leadership by the Ucluelet and Tofino Districts Early adoption and establishment of a leading Community Carbon Marketplace Community buy in of British Columbia s and Ucluelet and Tofino Districts carbonneutral objectives through increased understanding and awareness of the BC carbon market and demonstrated benefits Potential establishment as a net exporter of GHG reductions/carbon credits An online local trading framework is established for Ucluelet and Tofino communities connecting private buyers wishing to achieve carbon neutrality with a growing list of local businesses selling community carbon credits generated from sustainable business practices resulting in GHG reductions Creation of additional revenue streams as a tipping point for making sustainable business decisions that otherwise would be cost prohibitive or uncompetitive against business as usual practices. Green job growth and skills development for Ucluelet and Tofino Districts labour market Creation of the CCM as a vehicle for achieving additional Official Community Plan and Climate Action Plan objectives CCM Proposal to Grow the Local Low Carbon Economy and Achieve Carbon Neutrality Page 11 Page 16 of 17

17 Planning Strategies and Follow up Services Ongoing Services Community Carbon Marketplace (CCM), an initiative of CEA, and its partners, provides many additional opportunities to assist an organization in reducing their carbon footprint including baseline energy and carbon footprint assessments, GHG reduction project assessment, and the purchase and sale of GHG reductions/carbon credits. The CCM also provides good news marketing services and a web page for the advertising of local carbon offset projects while facilitating the sale of voluntary emissions reduction (VER) project carbon credits. Recommendations for Future CFA Planning Once an organization has completed their first CFA and base year, strategies can be implemented to continue reducing the organization's footprint year over year to achieve savings in both energy costs and from purchasing offsets, to simplify the process of future CFA's and GHG monitoring, as well as reduce future costs of participation. These recommendations can be made to organizations as part of the the CFA process. Offsetting an Organizational Carbon Footprint By buying carbon credits, organizations will be able to offset their own carbon footprint while supporting local carbon sequestration and reduction initiatives. CEA has the expertise to help organizations minimise their carbon footprint and the need for purchasing offsets. Conversely, carbon credits may also be generated by sustainable business practices that reduce GHG emissions and then sold to another organization wishing to achieve carbon neutrality. For organizations with GHG Reduction Projects, CEA can quantify eligible GHG reductions/eligible carbon credits and advise on how to grow revenue streams from carbon credit sales. Consulting In order to assist organizations in reaching their emissions targets, CEA will help create specific emissions reduction strategies and targets, ongoing consultations to keep participants on track, and can provide guidance and fundraising services where available. With CEA s assistance an organization will be able to reduce its carbon footprint and monetize eligible carbon credits generated from improvements in energy efficiency or carbon sequestration projects, providing both environmental and economic advantages. CCM Proposal to Grow the Local Low Carbon Economy and Achieve Carbon Neutrality Page 12 Page 17 of 17