CO2 EMISSION OFFSETTING
Commercial offers that offset CO₂ emissions generated by the combustion of the gas supplied to the end customer.
The reduction of CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere (or more broadly, CO₂eq—carbon dioxide equivalent, which includes all greenhouse gases) is the primary strategy for mitigating climate change. A valuable contribution in this regard can come from using certification tools and mechanisms that validate the reduction of CO₂ emissions associated with a specific activity or product.
In the case of natural gas supply, the CO₂ emissions produced by the combustion of gas at end-user facilities (ranging from large factories to residential users) can be offset through the purchase and cancellation of specific certificates (known as “emissions offsetting”). The purchase and cancellation of a certificate certify the reduction of a given quantity of CO₂, thereby compensating for an equivalent amount of emissions produced by the combustion of natural gas at the Customer’s premises for whom the certificate is cancelled. These certificates are issued in relation to the development of environmental sustainability projects and are usually linked to recognized international standards that ensure compliance with specific criteria.
Duferco Energia SpA offers its customers the CO₂ Free service, which can be activated for a fee. This service offsets the CO₂ emissions generated by the combustion of natural gas at the customer’s site. The estimate of CO₂ emissions from gas consumption is calculated using conversion factors published and updated annually by the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security in the “National Standard Parameters Table.”
More specifically, once the service is activated, Duferco Energia SpA will, over the course of each calendar year, purchase and cancel certificates issued in compliance with the VCS (Verified Carbon Standard). Duferco Energia SpA works with accredited counterparties for these operations. For the year 2024, the selected partner was Carbon Sink, now known as South Pole. The purchase of these certificates supports the implementation of sustainability projects developed by specialized organizations. For example, in 2024, the certificates acquired by Duferco Energia SpA were linked to projects for the construction and operation of Hydropower Plants, developed by the company Verra.
The certificates will be procured in sufficient volume to ensure full offsetting of the CO₂ emissions generated from the combustion of natural gas supplied to customers subscribed to the CO₂ Free service. These certificates are typically cancelled in aggregate for groups of customers, for which documentation can be provided upon request. It should be noted that certificates refer to data from the previous calendar year or, if the service was activated only for part of the year, for the relevant portion of the year.
For more details on how South Pole and Verra carry out project development and CO₂ emissions reduction certification, you can visit their websites:
Certificates Cancelled for the Year 2024
The carbon credits cancelled in 2024 by Duferco Energia SpA on behalf of its customers amount to 8,783 t CO₂, offsetting a consumption of 4,285,938 Smc. Cancellation certificate available.
Cost of the CO₂ Free Service
The cost of the service for the customer is €6 per year (€0.50 per month).