ESCRS 2025 Climate Action - Our Offsetting Approach
At ESCRS, we take our environmental responsibilities seriously. Our Mission Zero initiative is built on transparency, accountability, and measurable action to reduce the carbon footprint of our Congress.
This year, we have once again proactively offset 80% of our estimated emissions upfront through carefully selected Gold Standard-certified carbon credits from our Carbon Offsetting Partner South Pole, with the remaining balance to be calculated and offset after the event. Every project we support undergoes rigorous verification to ensure real, additional climate benefits, alongside tangible social and environmental co-benefits.
Our Gold Standard Offsetting Projects
Efficient Cookstoves in Passore, Burkina Faso: Empowering Local Communities
This project provides energy-efficient cookstoves to households in rural Burkina Faso, significantly reducing firewood consumption and harmful emissions. It addresses deforestation and indoor air pollution while easing the burden on women responsible for collecting firewood. By promoting cleaner cooking methods, the project contributes to both environmental protection and improved health outcomes for local communities.
Za Hung Hydropower, Vietnam: Clean Energy for a Sustainable Future
The Za Hung Hydropower project generates renewable energy through hydroelectric turbines in Vietnam, helping to reduce reliance on coal and promote a low-carbon environment. Beyond its environmental benefits, the project also contributes to local economic development by creating jobs, providing training, and supporting disadvantaged communities with annual donations.
Hoa Binh 1 Wind Power, Vietnam: Harnessing Wind for Renewable Energy
Hoa Binh 1 Wind Power is a renewable energy project in Vietnam, providing clean energy through offshore wind turbines. It contributes to reducing emissions and supports Vietnam’s transition to a renewable energy future. In addition to its environmental benefits, the project also creates local employment and offers health initiatives, such as free medical check-ups for the community.
Why This Matters
We chose these projects not only for their carbon reduction potential but for their alignment with ESCRS’s values: health equity, environmental stewardship, and global responsibility.
Each carbon credit is traceable, audited, and certified to meet the highest international standards – the Gold Standard, which is a leading voluntary carbon credit certification programme that provides a trusted, and credible mechanism for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through high-quality carbon credits. Developed through collaboration between the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), HELIO International, and SouthSouthNorth, this standard positions the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the heart of its certification process for offset projects.
The standard specifically certifies projects that deliver measurable, lasting benefits across three critical dimensions: social improvement, economic development, and environmental protection. This rigorous approach ensures carbon offset initiatives contribute meaningfully to sustainable development while maintaining the highest levels of credibility in emissions reduction.
However, offsetting is just one part of our broader strategy. Before offsetting, we take action to reduce waste, champion sustainable materials, and accelerate the shift to low-emission travel, driving progress toward zero waste, zero emissions, and a more responsible future for all.