FAQ - CARBON OFFSET SCHEME
Our Green Environmental Policy
What is xmanonline doing to help the environment?
At xmanonline, we feel strongly about the role of business in reducing our carbon footprint on our plant. That is why we are running a carbon offset scheme to promote a cleaner, greener lifestyle. We are committed to the purchasing of carbon offset credits with each selected service purchased. So not only are you receiving a great product from us, you are also helping your environment.
When selected services are purchased though our site, we will pay (through a company known as Carbon Neutral) for the planting of a specific amount of trees. The more selected services that you buy, the more trees will be planted. You will then receive a A4 sized gift certificate (printed on 100% recycled paper) in the mail congratulating you on your contribution to the environment. This can then be proudly displayed in your home or office.
What services will accompany the purchasing of carbon offset credits?
The following services will be involved:
- Silver Web Hosting Package - 1 credit
- Gold Web Hosting Package - 2 credits
- Silver E-Commerce Plan - 1 credit
- Gold E-Commerce Plan - 2 credits
- Any Online Backup plan (on a yearly plan) - 1 credit
What does a "credit" refer to?
A credit refers to the planting of 10 trees through Carbon Neutral. This offsets approximately 1.7 tonnes of greenhouse gases. Therefore 2 credits will involve the planting of 20 trees.
Carbon Neutral
Who is Carbon Neutral Ltd?
Carbon Neutral was registered as a company limited by guarantee in April 2007. Carbon Neutral was originally set up under the community association Men of The Trees (MOTT) Western Australia and MOTT retains a controlling interest in the new company. Carbon Neutral Ltd remains a ‘not for profit' organization with any financial surplus contributed back to the environment.Carbon Neutral can be found at the address: carbonneutral.com.au
Where does Carbon Neutral operate?
Carbon Neutral's head office is in Perth, Western Australia, with representation in Adelaide, South Australia with Trees for Life. Trees are currently planted in the regional areas of WA and SA with operations planned to extend to other Australian States.
Who are Carbon Neutral's clients?
Carbon Neutral's clients are from all over Australia and overseas. They include individuals, households, small to medium businesses, large organisations and government bodies.
Does Carbon Neutral apply any formally approved standards?
Yes, plantings are conducted according to best practice and the Oil Mallee Code of Practice (WA only). Plantings comply with international Kyoto standards.
Where does Carbon Neutral plant trees?
Plantings are primarily on farms in the 350 - 450 mm rainfall wheat belt regions of Western Australia and in the Mallee and Murray Darling basin in South Australia. We also plant in the higher rainfall regions of the South West of WA.
What is the difference between Carbon Neutral & other carbon offset providers?
Carbon Neutral is a reputable not for profit organisation that was formed by Men of the Trees in 2001 as a means to get more trees planted. Men of the Trees (WA) and Trees for Life (SA) have over 30 years experience in tree planting in each state and look for multiple environmental outcomes for their plantings.
How many trees are required to sequester 1 tonne of CO2?
We currently plant an average of 6-7 trees per tonne. In the 350-450 mm rainfall area of WA, we estimate the number of trees required per tonne of CO2 varies from 4 - 10 depending on location, rainfall, tree species, soil type and type of planting. If we could plant karri trees in 1000mm rainfall areas, it could be more than a tonne of CO2 per tree!
How do I know Carbon Neutral's trees will remain healthy?
Seedlings are all planted according to the Carbon Neutral Charter and the Oil Mallee Code of Practice (WA only). All plantings are overseen by qualified Men of the Trees (MOTT) or Trees for Life (TFL) staff using either approved planting contractors or managed MOTT or TFL volunteers. Carbon Neutral ensures that infill plantings are conducted as required during in the first two years. All plantings are documented, managed and regularly monitored by qualified staff.
How do I know that the CO2 will not be returned to the atmosphere if the plantings die or are cleared?
All planting sites will have carbon rights and covenants registered to ensure that they remain under trees for at least 100 years. The requirement for the Department of Climate Change's Greenhouse Friendly standard is 70 years. Clearing or killing of the trees is forbidden by the carbon covenants. These are registered on the land title and remain for 100 years even if the property changes ownership. Carbon Neutral aims for at least 80% survival and in some cases, infill planting or re-planting will be required. Monitoring of planting sites is carried out on a regular basis.