What is CO2?
CO2 is the chemical symbol for carbon dioxide and occurs naturally
in the atmosphere acting as a protective blanket for the Earth. CO2
is also one of the main greenhouse gases causing climate change.
Burning fossil fuels (such as coal, oil and gas) to produce heat and energy releases
long trapped CO2 back into the atmosphere. Burning wood for fuel also
releases CO2 but this would normally be part of a naturally balanced
cycle if replacement trees were planted to 'absorb' the released CO2.
What is climate change?
Since the industrial revolution humankind has emitted ever increasing amounts of CO2, altering the composition of the atmosphere and leading to an imbalance in the protective blanket around the planet. This imbalance increases the average temperature of the Earth's atmosphere leading to human-induced climate change. This could cause devastating effects on the natural ecosystems and people around the world. To stop this spiralling out of control, we must radically reduce emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
What is your carbon footprint?
Your carbon footprint is a way of measuring the impact you have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases your daily activities produce and is a good starting point in reducing your carbon emissions. To measure your carbon footprint and calculate how much carbon you produce and need to reduce or offset, use these quick carbon calculators:
For
businesses, please use the following two resources:
-
Carbon Trust website - includes a carbon calculator.
-
Business link website - includes practical advice.
For a detailed calculation of your whole lifestyle visit
the Act On CO2
website.
How to reduce your carbon footprint.
Avoid, and reduce your energy usage...
When you know how much carbon you produce then you can start to reduce. We all have a part to play at reducing the demands we place on the planet and avoiding unnecessary energy use by switching off lights or walking and cycling for local journeys instead of using the car are a few simple things we can do. But, there are many more ways of avoiding or reducing your carbon emissions.
The following website provides some useful tips on energy saving:
Save energy, water and money with Logicor!
Reducing our energy consumption and protecting precious water resources are two simple steps we can all take. Logicor's energy and water saving devices can play an important part in achieving these goals.
Save energy with Logicor's energy saving product range:
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Green Plug energy saving device - the source of our carbon credits
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Adaptor - complements the Green Plug product
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Wall Socket - a build-in alternative to the Green Plug
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Cone - an extension to the Green Plug concept
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Battery - 10 - a clever battery system.
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SCF - Lights - a clever energy saving light bulb
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Lite - Kettle - boil water for less than 100W
Switch to renewable energy...
Natural forms of renewable energy surround us in the UK and are clean, safe
and won't run out like oil, coal and gas. Switching to a renewable energy supplier
is one way of supporting cleaner energy and further reducing your carbon footprint.
Several UK suppliers are listed below, although others suppliers are available:
Carbon offset...
Some CO2 emissions may be unavoidable and buying carbon offsets (or credits) is a way of compensating for the damage caused by these CO2 emissions. Offsetting contributes towards projects that make an equal reduction in emissions elsewhere. Offsetting won't reverse the damage caused by your emissions but the damage can be balanced by the offset. Before choosing to offset it is important to first avoid then reduce your carbon emission where possible.
Click here to offset your CO2 emissions with Logicor.
Further information
Please click here for additional links and resources on reducing your carbon emissions. Please note, that the links on this page that leave the Logicor website are for information purposes only. Logicor is not responsible for the accuracy of these sites, and does not endorse any products available by third parties.
Read the report prepared for Logicor Ltd
by Prof M.J. Crowder of Imperial College London;
"Energy wastage due to leaving electrical appliances switched on when not in use"
Help us help the planet and win £100
