If we take a tiny trip down memory lane into our high school chemistry class, we might remember that almost everything is composed of Carbon. This element can be described as the backbone of all things, because it is present everywhere in our galaxy. This means that the issue with climate change is not necessarily an issue about the existence of Carbon its self, but more about how we emit and introduce it into Earth’s atmosphere. So, why the need to create “carbon neutral” projects then?

By Victoria Chiriboga    

If we take a tiny trip down memory lane into our high school chemistry class, we might remember that almost everything is composed of Carbon. This element can be described as the backbone of all things, because it is present everywhere in our galaxy. This means that the issue with climate change is not necessarily an issue about the existence of Carbon its self, but more about how we emit and introduce it into Earth’s atmosphere. So, why the need to create “carbon neutral” projects then?

In previous posts we mentioned the fascinating inner workings of our planet and how it has the ability to preserve it’s carbon reserves naturally underground. This allows it to have the perfect conditions to sustain life. This is achieved through plant’s most basic function, photosynthesis. In this process plants naturally transform carbon dioxide into oxygen, by “kidnapping” the carbon particles within their structures; this is called carbon sequestration. Once plants decompose, the carbon that was stored in their structures fixates underground. This process is crucial for the existence of life on our planet and is the perfect example of how balance is completely integrated into nature; some life processes emit carbon, and some others absorb and transforms it.

Earth is designed to self-regulate to ensure species resilience and survival. In our post about Climate Change, we discuss how the release of carbon from this cycle at a greater rate than can be naturally absorbed interferes with this balance, creating the climate crisis. This means that we need a concrete strategy that will allow us to magnify the capacity to absorb these emissions.

Carbon Neutrality is the result of managing our carbon footprint to a point that it equals zero. In other words, the sum of actions to reduce and offset emissions neutralize the total emissions that are produced. Each action that is implemented within this strategy is designed to create a grater ecological balance by creating resilience within ecosystems, this way they can capture and fix Carbon underground. There are many methods to accomplish this, and the increased need to do so, has promoted the development of new technologies around the world. But, even with all this technological advancement, the best mechanism is still the conservation of ecosystems that naturally undertake this transformation, such as forests and oceans. Practices such as deforestation or coral bleaching due to industrial development decrease their carbon sequestration capacities.

This is why most carbon neutral proposals are tied to the preservation and recovery of ecosystems. This approach requires less energy use, is the most effective and guarantees largest capacity of sequestration.

We offer premium Carbon offsetting opportunities for industries in Ecuador, through the conservation of the Andean Chocó and the implementation of a sustainability strategies within businesses of all sizes.

We understand that offsetting is our last resource, and we need first to reduce our carbon emissions within our business models. As Fundación Futuro we provide support with carbon footprint calculations, and strategy implementation for emission reduction. Within Grupo Futuro’s companies, we have implemented a series of strategies that have achieved a significant reduction of emissions. Some of these include the addition of solar panels in corporate offices of TecniSeguros, Equivida, and Metropolitan Touring, as well as in the hotel facilities of Metropolitan Touring. These provide approximately 30-60-90% of energy needed for building’s use. On the other hand, small but powerful projects have had an immense impact. The transition into the use of anti-corrosive paint for Metropolitan’s boats have increased fuel efficiency, as well as the installation of efficient LED lighting and improvement of insulation in corporate offices and hotel facilities has resulted in a significant reduction of water and energy consumption.

This is an enormous challenge for us as well as for the companies that come along for the ride. It requires effort and changes that seem unachievable sometimes, but we know that all of these trials are worth it when we begin to see the results of increasing resilience in our ecosystems. We appreciate and applaud the efforts of the companies that have trusted us in the process because they have recognized that they are a key component in the solution for climate change.

Sustainability is one of the most important pillars in the Grupo Futuro. We recognize that living on this planet is a privilege and comes with great responsibility. We strive every day to build a regenerative economy that allows present and future generations to thrive and live a happy life. We therefore ensure and create value in our ecosystem’s seven stakeholders and the environment in one of them.