Being carbon neutral means we offset all the carbon dioxide produced during our business activities to ensure that, overall, Brik’s existence does not increase the amount of CO2 in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide emissions that we’ve offset include the CO2 emitted as a result of the electricity and gas we use, the burning of fuel in our vehicles and the waste we produce.
First our carbon footprint was calculated to work out how many tonnes of CO2 we’re responsible for emitting per year, using Government regulated methodology.
Then we reduced our footprint where possible by cutting out activities that created unnecessary emissions, for example, by commuting to the office by bicycle instead of by car.
Finally we purchase carbon credits from the clean power and CO2 sequestration projects we support to bring our overall carbon footprint down to zero or below.
Brik purchase carbon credits certified under the internationally recognised Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) scheme to offset all our emissions.
Because the VCS scheme requires projects producing carbon credits to be based outside the UK, we also purchase non-VCS verified credits from UK based tree planting projects in order to support and improve the environment in this country.
All the trees planted by the projects we support are additional to those required under Government tree planting targets, and many are planted within schools in and around the London area.
The Clean Energy Portfolio
Clean Energy Portfolio carbon credits originate from a small-scale hydroelectric power project utilising power from the Shiquan River in Guizhou province, China and a 60MW wind farm in the Indian state of Rajasthan. All offsets are verified to the VCS standard and also meet the requirements of BSI’s PAS 2060 guidance on carbon neutrality.
UK Tree Planting
The tree planting project we support plants native broad-leafed trees in the London area, mainly within local schools and other areas where long life can be guaranteed. As well as absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, these trees improve the local surroundings and provide a habitat for wildlife.
