What Do you mean about Carbon Neutral ?

The term carbon neutral is bantered around a lot lately, and has no completely agreed upon definition, nor standards for accountability. However, basically being carbon neutral refers to a state where the “CO2 produced by a person or process is exactly balanced by the amount of CO2 offset by that person or process."
To achieve carbon neutrality, four main avenues need to be addressed.
• The usage of low-energy vehicles or their elimination of them by the use of bicycles, walking or mass transit
• Minimizing CO2 emissions from buildings, factories, animals, etc.
• Focusing on the usage of renewable energy sources such as solar panels, or switching to biofuels
• The remaining unavoidable CO2 emissions are dealt with via carbon projects or credits
Biofuels, which don’t reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, but don’t contribute to it either, are derived from renewable resources such as vegetable oils and animals fats. They do not leave a carbon footprint, as the CO2 it releases is absorbed by plants. In a process called photosynthesis, the CO2 is converted into glucose by the plant, which can be converted into sugars and starches, with the possibility of being converted into bioethanol. The oils remaining in this process can be converted into biodiesel.
It is interesting to note that the checks and balances are so efficient that for every grams of CO2 released when a biofuel is burned, a gram was removed by this photosynthesis process just a few months prior. Soybean plants are grown for the purpose of producing the biofuel and at the same time offer the CO2 absorption that is necessary for carbon neutrality.
Being carbon neutral is increasingly seen as good corporate or state social responsibility and a growing list of corporations and states are announcing dates for when they intend to become fully neutral.
At the Antioch University New England, they have set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2020. They are preparing to become dependent of fossil fuel-based sources of energy for their electrical needs. Their action plans are centered on these four areas, are being adopted by other universities, and could set a blueprint for communities nationwide.
• Conservation – Bring awareness about green-building policies, master planning and purchasing.
• Efficiency – Conduct an energy audit and incorporate the use of energy efficient appliances
• Carbon off-set purchasing
• Renewable Energy
Being carbon neutral reduces greenhouse gas emission and their effects upon the environment. The process starts with individuals and their commitment towards a healthy future for the planet. Check your carbon footprint and begin steps to lower your impact today.