Establishing a baseline is the starting point for measuring and improving greenhouse gas (GHG) emission levels. A baseline is usually the first year in which data on GHG emissions is available. Once determined, the baseline becomes the standard against which subsequent performance is compared in order to measure progress and observe long-term trends.
3.2 Carbon Neutrality
Carbon neutrality means achieving net zero carbon equivalent emissions. Co-operatives can move towards carbon neutrality by: 1) reducing energy consumption, 2) generating energy on-site from renewable sources, and 3) purchasing offsets to eliminate remaining emissions. Offsets can be controversial and co-operatives need to consider carefully strategies and implications of establishing a carbon neutral goal. Below are examples of carbon neutral co-ops.
Carbon offsets are financial instruments that aim to reduce GHG emissions. Theoretically, they allow an organization to purchase more efficient GHG emission reductions than would be possible to generate on its own. Carbon offsets are frequently used to help organizations achieve carbon neutrality by offsetting emissions that are difficult to eliminate.
A carbon footprint is the measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of GHG produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide equivalency (CO2e).
The unit of measurement is a ton of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalents). CO2e expresses the impact of other greenhouse gases, for example methane, in terms of carbon dioxide. One carbon offset corresponds to one metric ton of CO2e.
The energy that buildings consume for heating, lighting, and cooling is the main component of their environmental footprint; approximating 85% of the total life-cycle impact for the typical Canadian office building.[1] One of our greatest environmental contributions and cost savings comes from using energy wisely. By being energy conscious, co-operatives can prevent the production of GHGs emitted through energy generation. Saving on your energy bill also benefits your co-operative's triple bottom line.
Certifications ENERGY STAR: a program to identify energy-efficient products-appliances, heating and cooling home electronics, office equipment, lighting, commercial food equipment, windows, doors and skylights.
ENERGUIDE: provides information on the energy use of appliances, heating and cooling equipment, houses, commercial buildings, and vehicles.
Carbon Trust: a UK-based organization that produces numerous publications that provide comprehensive and clear guidance to a range of sectors on reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It is a recommended point of entry for an organization about to embark on carbon or energy reduction strategies.
Considerations
Retrofit
Install energy efficient light fixtures (e.g. LEDs, T-5 ballasts, and compact fluorescents).
In offices, supplement with user controllable task lighting that uses compact fluorescents.
Install day-lighting sensors that can dim and/or turn off if sufficient daylight is present. Use occupancy sensors to control lighting in areas where occupancy is more intermittent (e.g. washrooms, storage spaces, janitor rooms, etc.) to ensure lights are not left on unnecessarily.
Design for individual control of lighting, heating, cooling, and ventilation to provide for individual comfort, productivity, and well-being. Make allowances for these controls in different rooms so that room environments can be individually controlled.
Use thermal masses in the flooring or other locations to absorb solar energy and act as latent heat sources (e.g. adobe brick, stone, masonry).
Purchase energy efficient appliances.
Behaviour Change
A behaviour change program requires detailed planning and organization, but can result in energy savings of 5% to15%. Key aspects include:
o Prompts: reminders such as signs to guide behaviour;
o Feedback: award schemes to encourage participation;
o Monitor: track results to illustrate whether or not the program is making a difference;
o Meter and monitor energy use regularly to understand where your largest energy uses and wastes come from so that you can modify behaviour and activities appropriately; and
o Ambassador: a point person in a department or area who is a conduit for information and a champion of the effort.
Make sure appliances have sleep modes so that they sleep during periods of inactivity.
Choose LCD computer screens rather than cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors. These screens have dual energy savings-they use 1/3 less energy in operations than CRT monitors and produce less heat, resulting in reduced cooling needs.
Provide task lighting in office spaces to reduce overhead lighting requirements while still achieving necessary light for critical tasks.
Avoid chilled water coolers. Supply water at room temperature or from a pitcher in the fridge.
Program energy monitors to set heating and cooling requirements. Room temperature can be reduced when spaces are unoccupied.
Reduce the set points for temperature and air flow during times when occupancies are reduced.
Instead of air conditioning, use operable windows and energy efficient fans for cooling spaces.
Turn off lights, computers, and appliances when they aren't in use.
When closing down for the day, shut off all appliances that do not need to operate outside of business hours. Timers can be installed to shut off appliances automatically (e.g. photocopiers, printers), and many appliances and equipment have built-in energy saver modes that can be enabled. [1]LEED Green Building Rating System, Reference Package (NC), December 2004.
Sunlight is a free, high quality, efficient source of light and heat. Indoor lighting energy use can be cut by 50% to 80% through the use of day-lighting systems (e.g. skylights, windows). The well-being of your members and other community members interacting with the co-operative's space is greatly affected by daylight. Studies have shown that increases in natural daylight have lessened depression in workers, decreased absenteeism, increased worker productivity and morale, and decreased occurrences of seasonal affective disorder. Studies have also shown that stores with natural day-lighting increase their sales.[1] Overall, natural daylight creates a more pleasant environment and will likely result in an increase in member happiness and well-being.
Considerations
· Design your space to maximize day-lighting and view opportunities, and to make daylight comfortable-take advantage of windows.
3.1 Establishing a Greenhouse Gas Baseline
A carbon footprint is the measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of GHG produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide equivalency (CO2e). 
