Carbon Market

The Green House Gas (GHG) Emissions credit market in Canada is in the early stages of development. Federally, Canada has decided to opt out of the Kyoto Accord on GHG reduction in favor of setting its own reduction targets and timelines.  A full review of the Environment Canada GHG framework can be downloaded at www.ec.gc.ca.

See January 14, 2009 Article in Green Business Magazine and March, 2009 Article in Oilweek Magazine (Featuring Terra Verde President, Anthony Weisshaar)

Beginning in 2007, the Province of Alberta required industrial net emitters to reduce their GHG emissions by 12% per year. Net emitters have the option to offset their required reductions with technological improvements, emission credits which qualify under one of 32 accepted protocols or guidelines or by paying $15/tonne into a technology fund, or a combination of the three. Alberta industries must complete full environmental audits and must meet reduction requirements by March 31 in each year. A full review of the Alberta regulatory requirements and accepted protocols can be reviewed here.

Credits used to meet regulatory reduction targets in Alberta must be generated in Alberta. Credits generated within Alberta can be marketed in Alberta, in other jurisdictions that accept Alberta Environment protocols as their minimum requirement or they can potentially be sold on exchanges in the United States or in Canada (when they come into being).  As of January 1, 2012, Alberta Environment will no longer accept retroactive credits (credits generated from 2002 to 2011).

Some net emitters are forging their own 'voluntary' emission reductions targets and are 'banking' credits from industry to be used to offset both regulated and corporate reduction targets. These emitters are taking the stance that GHG emission reductions, regulated or not, are good for corporate images and consumer acceptance. These emitters are 'getting on the band wagon' and are implementing marketing strategies that incorporate substantial emission reductions as part of their consumer appeal.

Terra Verde Emissions Credits Inc. is active in establishing relationships with buyers in both the regulated market and the volunteer market to ensure the best possible market price potential for suppliers of acceptable GHG emission credits.