The following is a summary of the fact sheet. For the entire document, Download the full PDF version of the Fact Sheet.
Offsetting Our Environmental Impact
Many of our daily activities result in the burning of fossil fuels, generating carbon dioxide, a primary cause of global warming. Many of us are taking steps to live and work more sustainably and responsibly – by recycling, by reducing our energy consumption, and by walking or taking mass transit more often.
How the Green Communities Offset Fund™ Works
The Fund raises and pools contributions from organizations, individuals, institutions and events to purchase “Green Communities Credits™” – verified carbon emissions reductions from green affordable housing developments participating in the Green Communities initiative.
How Fund Proceeds Reduce Carbon Emissions in Affordable Housing
Increasing the energy efficiency of affordable homes reduces the amount of electricity, natural gas and/or fuel oil needed to heat, cool and light the housing. Less carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere as a result. The homes remain energy efficient – and less carbon intensive – for many years.
Enterprise Community Partners’ Role
Enterprise is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to see that all low-income people in the United States have the opportunity for fit and affordable housing and to move up and out of poverty into the mainstream of American life.
Ensuring Program Integrity
Enterprise takes ultimate responsibility for the integrity of the Green Communities Offset Fund™, ensuring that Green Communities Credits™ are:
- Real - resulting in the expected carbon emission reductions
- Verifiable - no double counting
- Permanent - not a temporary reduction in carbon emissions
- Additional - above and beyond "business as usual."
A Unique Offset Opportunity
A number of worthwhile activities that can offset carbon emissions, including planting trees, supporting renewable energy projects and capturing carbon emissions in forests and agricultural soils.
