A global conference will attract global visitors, most of whom will be travelling by plane, with all the carbon emissions that entails. And that’s before you take into account the energy use at the venue, and any internal travel. So how can such an event try to mitigate this?
For IFFCO, co-hosts of the ICA Global Cooperative Conference, one solution is to plant trees.
Delegate travel to and from the conference, plus energy used at the venue, is projected to result in indirect CO2 emissions of approximately 3,831 metric tons of CO2*. To offset this, IFFCO is planning to plant peepal saplings, across Odisha, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
The peepal (Ficus religiosa) or sacred fig is a species native to the Indian subcontinent and Indochina that belongs to the fig or mulberry family and is considered sacred by the followers of Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism. They live up to 100 years, growing 30 metres tall and with a trunk diameter of up to 3 metres. They are also known for their ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
To offset the emissions from the conference, IFFCO has calculated that 4,000 peepal trees would need to be established – but in line with the organisation’s environmental concerns and commitment to the community, 10,000 peepal salings will be planted, to reflect its dedication to reducing its carbon footprint.
“IFFCO wants to contribute to a greener environment, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change, and set an example of environmental responsibility for future gatherings” said an IFFCO spokesperson.
“As announced by Dr U S Awasthi, MD, IFFCO Ltd., under the guidance of honourable Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, the event will be carbon neutral. The Minister insisted on planting 10,000 trees for the wellbeing of all, particularly as peepal trees are good carbon absorbents, and because their religious associations prohibit the harvesting of this tree.”
IFFCO subsidiary, Indian Farm Forestry Development Cooperative Limited (IFFDC), will deliver the initiative, planting saplings in wastelands to form peepal vatika (gardens), turning areas into green spaces and contributing to environmental restoration in Odisha (where 2,500 saplings will be planted in 15 villages), West Bengal (2,500 saplings in established projects) and Uttar Pradesh (5000 saplings in 50 forestry cooperative societies).
The calculation of carbon sequestration has been done in line with standards published by Verra, a non-profit organisation that develops and manages standards for sustainable development, climate action, and responsible business practices. As per the calculation, the planting of 10,000 peepal saplings will result in the removal of 1,407 tons of carbon per year.
The project will not be registered under Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program, which could earn revenue, “because the proposed plantation will be done only for the purpose of making the event carbon neutral and not to earn revenue from it,” said the IFFCO spokesperson.
*Factors considered when calculating the carbon emissions include the estimated travel distance based on the average distance from participants’ home countries and regions; the number of participants attending in person; energy consumption during the event, including the use of electricity and heating/cooling; and emissions associated with hotel stays and other accommodations for the attendees. Emission factors are as per the US Environmental Protection Agency, EPA’s Business Travel and Employee Commuting Norms and as per emission factor of Indian Grid published by Central Electricity Authority, Ministry of Power, India.
