Niagara Escarpment Forest Carbon Project - Supported By Desjardins

Desjardins Chooses Carbonzero and the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy

When Desjardins first began purchasing carbon credits as part of their Carbon Emissions reduction plan, they chose Carbonzero.  The Niagara Escarpment Forest Carbon Project (NEFCP) has been their project of choice. As a result, Desjardins has been able to offset the greenhouse gas emissions from some of its more substantial events. Ultimately Desjardins set out on this journey with a goal: to offset a carbon footprint of 12,458 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions in Ontario.

"Over the years, Desjardins Group has been taking the necessary actions to promote a greener economy," says Josée Préseault, Market Development Manager at Voyageurs Credit Union,"...and [they] contribute to the socioeconomic development of [their] communities. As a financial cooperative, we can lead by example and encourage the transition to a greener economy."

The Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy and the Niagara Escarpment Forest Carbon Project

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Manitoulin Island - Niagara Escarpment Forest Carbon Project[/caption]The partnership with Desjardins is a key one for the organization behind the NEFCP. The Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC) manages the project, and protects approximately 177 nature reserves covering 13,356 acres of land (54 square km).

“This project promotes and maintains the function and diversity of ecosystems along Ontario’s Niagara Escarpment," explains Bob Barnett, Executive Director at Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy, "which stretches from Niagara Falls towards Tobermory and extends along Manitoulin Island. This partnership with Desjardins is very valuable to us."

About Desjardins Group

In addition to supporting the Niagara Escarpment Forest Carbon Project, Desjardins is the leading cooperative financial group in Canada. Desjardins is the sixth-largest cooperative financial group in the world. As a result of good practices, they've been rated one of the Best Employers in Canada by Aon Hewitt. Desjardins has also adapted to meet the diverse needs of its members and clients. The cooperative offers a full range of products and services to individuals and businesses. With an extensive distribution network and online platforms, they have subsidiaries all across Canada. According to The Banker magazine, Desjardins is among the World’s Strongest Banks. Desjardins has one of the highest capital ratios and credit ratings in the industry.

About Carbonzero

Founded in 2006, Carbonzero has rapidly risen to become a leader in the design and implementation of carbon reduction strategies and solutions. We were a top performer in the 2009 David Suzuki Foundation and Pembina Institute report on Carbon Offsetting. Carbonzero has led the way in setting the industry standard for measurable and verified emissions reduction offsets in Canada.

"Carbonzero is proud to support Desjardins on their journey towards carbon neutrality," says Carbonzero COO Dan Fraleigh, "And through our partnership with EBC, the Niagara Escarpment Forest Carbon Project fulfills our commitment to always provide the highest quality carbon offsets to our clients. Our mission has been to focus our portfolio on Canadian-based projects that support local communities and ones that are sourced through the most stringent of auditing practices and standards.”

Interested In Speaking With Us About the Niagara Escarpment Forest Carbon Project?

Are you interested in our carbon offset programs? For more information about the EBC and the Niagara Escarpment Forest Carbon Project, please contact us. Acting on climate change doesn't have to be onerous. We can help your organization (regardless of scale) to make changes that will benefit your greener bottom line. Reduce your carbon footprint today!