Carbon Offsetting

In 2009 we collected and donated $1,099.45 to Carbon Neutral. This money has been invested in Carbon Neutral native biodiverse forestry projects and will sequester approximately 61 tonnes of CO2 over the lifetime of the trees.

In 2010 we collected and donated $985 to Greenfleet. This money has been invested in Greenfleet native biodiverse forestry projects and will sequester approximately 71 tonnes of CO2 over the lifetime of the trees.

In 2011 we collected $995 to donate to Greenfleet native biodiverse forestry projects.

In 2012 we aim to collect $1025 to donate to Greenfleet native biodiverse forestry projects to cover our estimated travel emmissions of 69 tonnes of CO2-e.

We’d like to congratulate you on helping us to achieve our goal of holding a greener retreat and caring for our environment. Let’s pull together and contribute to another successful green Annual Rigpa Retreat.

Why are we doing this?
It is widely recognised that some human activities are contributing to the excessive accumulation of greenhouse gases in Earth’s atmosphere which raises a significant threat to the well-being and continued development of contemporary society. This knowledge empowers contemporary society to responsibly act and work toward a healthier planet and an acceptable standard of living for all citizens of the world.

Vehicles and airplanes consume fossil fuels which contribute to the greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. The travel involved for us all to attend the Rigpa Australian annual retreat is significant and is outside of our day to day activities. In an effort to recognise and act on the importance of keeping our Earth healthy, just as we need to stay healthy, Rigpa is providing the opportunity for you to offset your emissions of travelling to and from retreat.

What is an emissions offset?
Offsetting emissions is a process that reduces the quantity of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. One method is to sequester carbon dioxide via planting and maintaining forests and it is this method which Rigpa Australia has chosen to offset our travel emissions.

Who is planting the trees?
All the money received from you will be donated to Greenfleet (www.greenfleet.com.au) to plant and maintain Australian mixed native forests comprised of species indigenous or endemic to the area of planting. The forestry offset methodology used by Greenfleet has been approved under the Federal Government’s Greenhouse Friendly™ initiative. This means the forestry method, administrative processes and legal agreements have all been independently audited and meet the criteria and standards of the government initiative.

What are the estimated greenhouse gas emissions from people attending retreat?
Based on calculations, the number of people we are expecting to attend the Rigpa Australia Annual Retreat 2012 and their mode of transport approximately 69 tonnes of CO2-e will be released to the atmosphere. A donation of $5 per person (based on the number of adults only) has been estimated to cover the cost of offsetting our travel emissions by purchasing trees to sequester carbon.

Need more information?
If you would like more information about greenhouse gas emissions from the Rigpa Annual Retreat and the collection of donations please email retreat@rigpa.org.au