In 1999, WRI staff pledged to reduce its net CO2 emissions to zero by 2005. An interim goal of 7% below 1990 levels was established for 2000.

The primary purpose is to take a step toward protecting the Earth's climate. We also want to encourage voluntary emissions reductions and learn by doing. Appropriate offsets (e.g. investing in projects outside WRI's operations to achieve reductions) are considered only when necessary.

In 2000, although our budget increased by 11% over 1999, WRI's emissions from energy use were nearly 30% less, due in large part to a new energy-efficient office. However, these gains were outweighed by increased air travel.

Despite reduction efforts, WRI's actual 2000 emissions were higher than 1990 levels. Since we needed to rely on carbon offsets, we decided to meet our 2005 goal early by purchasing offsets for 100% of WRI's CO2 emissions for the year. The project WRI invested in will replace oil-burning boilers with a cleaner natural gas-fired heating system in the Portland, OR public school system and will also incorporate computerized energy management tools. WRI purchased 2,011 metric tons of CO2 offsets at $10 per ton.

Taking the effort one step further, WRI implemented a system to capture staff commuting data and discovered it is the largest source of WRI's overall CO2 emissions despite the fact that most WRI staff walk, bike or use public transit to get to work.

WRI staff recognize the challenge is considerable, particularly in leased office space and in reducing transportation-related emissions. We will continue to explore innovative reduction strategies in 2001. One opportunity we are investigating is the purchase of green power through WRI's own Green Power Market Development Group (www.thegreenpowergroup.org), a collaborative project with ten companies.

Visit www.safeclimate.net to learn more about WRI's CO2 commitment, estimate your CO2 footprint, make a reduction pledge, read about current climate issues, write to your government representatives, and more. For general information about WRI, visit www.wri.org.