15 June 2009 - A landmark carbon trading deal, currently the most advanced Programme of Activities (PoA) seeking approval under the United Nation’s Clean Development Mechanism and the first to gain host country approval in Mexico, has been agreed.
The “CUIDEMOS Mexico” – Programme of Activities seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and alleviate poverty through the free distribution and installation of 30 million energy-saving light bulbs (Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs) across Mexico.
Starting with the distribution of one million CFLs in the state of Puebla, the Programme will use local partnerships with national retail chains to access a wide network of targeted households, as well as building grassroots support and momentum through media campaigns publicising the benefits of tangible energy savings and creating widespread climate change awareness. Up to 30 similar projects under the PoA are planned, with the intention of delivering the total 7.5 million CERs to Eneco Energy Trade B.V..
The deal, brokered by award-winning carbon credits broker TFS Green, partners Eneco Energy Trade B.V., a business unit of Eneco Holding N.V., a leading energy company in the Netherlands with a strong focus on renewable energy, and Cool nrg International, a global leader in innovative energy efficiency action.
Expected to launch ahead of the international climate change negotiations in Copenhagen at the end of this year, CUIDEMOS Mexico has the potential to cut CO2 emissions by up to 7.5 million tonnes while saving low-income households in Mexico a combined US$165 million per year in reduced electricity bills, contributing significantly to poverty alleviation across the country. This pioneering project is in the process of applying for the Gold Standard premium label and as such will achieve the highest standards for sustainable development in the market
Phil Cohn, Cool nrg’s Head of Carbon Markets and Accreditation, said: “Cool nrg is harnessing the power of the CDM Programme of Activities framework to tackle the twin challenges of climate change and poverty. By scaling-up the delivery of domestic energy efficiency in developing countries, this approach delivers significant emission reductions, household savings and reduced investment in new, carbon intensive electricity generation infrastructure. Working with Eneco and TFS Green, we have been able to demonstrate that the carbon market can deliver a range of tangible benefits to communities in developing countries.”
Ruben Benders, Head of Carbon Structuring at Eneco Energy Trade B.V., said: “Eneco Holding’s corporate strategy strongly focuses on both renewable energy as well as energy efficiency. Our partnership with Cool nrg in the CUIDEMOS Programme is an outstanding example of our approach to sustainable business. The project is a showcase of top quality CDM, combining both environmental and social merits.”
Alexander Savelkoul, Manager Carbon Portfolio at Eneco Energy Trade B.V., added: “We use an innovative approach and take a long term view on the carbon market. By participating in one of the first Programmes of Activities under the CDM, Eneco Holding N.V. aims to further deploy this promising instrument for fighting climate change. We are convinced that with Cool nrg we have found a solid partner to achieve this goal.”
Lucy Mortimer, Global Manager, TFS Green CDM and JI Business, said: “We are delighted to have forged the agreement between Eneco and Cool nrg, two parties who share our goal of promoting projects which aim for the highest levels of sustainability.” Suzanne Chew, senior broker in Singapore, said: “This project is a pioneering one in leading the way for programmatic CDM, and opens the global market for initiatives bringing real and immediate benefits to local communities.” Chris Halliwell, senior broker in Melbourne, added: “This stands as an inspiration to other Australian businesses to lead and succeed in the same way that Cool nrg, with roots in Melbourne, have done with this project, and essentially sets the challenge for local firms to get involved in the global carbon markets”.
The CUIDEMOS Mexico programme has won the support of Michael Schlup, Director of the Gold Standard. He said: “The Gold Standard mission is to catalyse and promote sustainable development in the carbon market. Our core values are embedded in this pioneer Programme of Activities project – paving the way to exciting new prospects for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects that reduce emissions beyond business-as-usual with a demonstrated positive impact for local communities. We hope that this will be the first of many innovative programmes going forward.”