Offset Network Quarterly Update - Inaugural Edition No images? Click here Offset Network Quarterly Update Inaugural Edition April 2020 E-Newsletter Created By Second Nature On behalf of the Second Nature team, please know we are thinking about you, your families and your communities during this new realty. We know this is a dynamic situation and that caring for your immediate needs and those of your community take first priority. We also know that many in-person projects, including local offset projects, may be on hold. Please know that we are committed to providing relevant resources and opportunities, and to support climate action in the higher education community as best we can. We're doing our part to social distance, and are continuing to work remotely, thereby accelerating our virtual support. Inaugural Offset Network Quarterly UpdateWelcome to the Inaugural Offset Network Quarterly Update. In these emails you can find information on the Offset Network, opportunities to get involved, and updates on active carbon offset projects. What is the Offset Network?The Offset Network is a collaboration of higher education institutions to catalyze and support offset projects that provide educational and research opportunities for students, faculty, and staff. The Network provides new pathways for colleges and universities to develop novel carbon offset projects, serving as a viable alternative to the traditional offset options. The Offset Network also provides easy access to case studies, protocols, and project development templates to help institutions develop offset projects. The Offset Network aims to decrease the cost of offset projects, and encourage research and development by leveraging the academic expertise that exists within institutions. The Offset Network is Now Hosted by Second NatureMany of you know that last fall, the Offset Network transitioned to be managed and facilitated by Second Nature. We are excited to continue supporting the innovative work of colleges and universities in developing meaningful offset projects, and participating in peer verification. New Pathway: Protocol Review ProcessThe Peer Review Committee recently completed development of a new pathway: the Protocol Review Process. Now, higher education institutions interested in developing a new carbon offset protocol can receive feedback from technical experts and ultimately have their protocol approved for use through the Offset Network. This can be used for entirely new and innovative types of emissions reduction projects, or for significant modifications to existing protocols. Duke University is currently piloting this process with their Urban Forestry Protocol. Duke is responding to the first round of comments received from 3 experts in forestry. Look out for an updated protocol in coming months. Project Highlight: Carver Community Forestry Offset ProgramVirginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Office of Sustainability, the Richmond Tree Stewards, and the Carver Area Civic Improvement League partnered to launch the Carver Community Forestry Offset Program – a pilot program exploring the viability of generating carbon offsets through tree planting in Richmond, Virginia. Through the program VCU conducted a baseline inventory of existing street trees and empty tree wells in Carver, planted 62 new trees in the neighborhood with the help of 120 volunteers; and is implementing a tree maintenance program to prevent project reversal and provide learning opportunities for students. Learn more. Upcoming OpportunitiesYour school can participate in the Offset Network by validating another university’s carbon offset project. Duke University is looking for a peer institution to validate an urban forestry project. No experience with carbon offset projects? No problem! In addition to guidance documents and report templates, the Offset Network will provide the coordination and direction needed to make participating as easy as possible. For more information on how to get involved please contact us. Get Involved!There are many ways to get involved with the Offset Network, both as an institution and on an individual level. You can:
For more information on how you can get involved with any of the above, please contact us. Duke University Subscribe for This Quarterly UpdateIf you like what you read, and would like to receive these Quarterly Updates directly to your inbox, you can subscribe to this E-Newsletter by clicking on the "Subscribe Here" button below. We're always open to your thoughts and feedback as well, so please feel free to share any thoughts/feedback you have about this E-Newsletter by emailing Amanda Belles. |