Aaron Bichard’s Nov 26 column stated “Issuing carbon credits is missing the real point.”

While I empathize, I believe that depends on what goal we’re aiming for and how it can be realistically achieved.

Cowichan Recyclists is aiming for beyond carbon-neutral. Bichard’s bicycle-powered recycling firm has proven this can be profitably achieved, literally, under its own power.

But the carbon market wasn’t designed for profitable green businesses, it’s to help everyone else.

What if you operate a helicopter company that provides a lifeline to remote communities or transportation for medical emergencies? What if you want to visit family in Ontario? There are no carbon-neutral transportation solutions currently available.

What if a business offering services to help us become carbon-neutral couldn’t compete in a world awash in cheap fossil fuels without financial help starting out?


Read More Here Via Cowichan News Leader!

Vancity launches new Clean Air Vehicle Loan effective December 11, 2012

December 11, 2012

Page Content

Overview:

Vancity’s Clean Air Auto Loan has been enhanced to better fulfill member needs for environmentally friendly vehicles.

Details:

Under the previous Clean Air Auto Loan, members could have only qualified for financing if they purchased a new energy efficient car. However, under this new Clean Air Vehicle loan members can purchase new or used low-CO2 energy  efficient autos, plus they can finance:

1.      Purchase of a vehicle for the purpose of installing an alternative fuel conversion system.

o   Fuel conversion system for: propane, electric, or straight vegetable oil (SVO) (bio-fuel).

2.      Purchase and installation of an alternative fuel conversion system in a members existing vehicle.

3.      Purchase of motorized or non-motorized bikes, including electric bikes, non-motorized bicycles and scooters.

The new Clean Air Vehicle Loan rewards members who choose vehicles that emit less carbon by offering preferential loan rates.  The member pricing for this loan is Vancity Prime + 1% for new automobiles, and Vancity Prime+2% for other Clean Air Vehicle loan choices.

Member and Staff Led Innovation

The loan product enhancements have been driven through member and staff led innovation. With the rise in popularity in alternate fuels and fuel conversion systems, members have been requesting financing for various green transportation options.  This new loan also fulfills staff requests for enhancements as illustrated in a Clean Air Vehicle Loan v-check submission.  

Also, competitively none of the major banks or credit unions offers such a loan for environmentally friendly vehicles and vehicle conversions.

The Clean Air Vehicle Loan positions Vancity as an environmental leader, and aligns with Vancity’s goal of working toward climate change solutions by reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Do you want an internship where you work with amazing people doing amazing things in the sustainability field?  Looking for a place to put your education to the test AND earn a fair market salary?  You want to work with us!  Honest.  The Community Carbon Marketplace is an on-line market where verified carbon credits can be listed for sale and purchased by individuals, corporations and municipalities to offset their carbon footprint…locally.  This is where you come in, designing that online marketplace. Check it out! Community Carbon Marketplace Web Design Internship and  CCM Web Design Internship Summary.