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Greenhouse Gas Reduction

According to the Natural Resource Defense Council’s 2004 air emissions benchmarking report, Avista ranks among the lowest in emitting greenhouse gases (87th of 100 utilities).

We’ll keep it that way by:

  • Inventorying and updating our greenhouse gas emission and offsets each year
  • Continuing to pursue renewable energy options
  • Promoting conservation
  • Increasing efficiency at our existing facilities
  • Participating in the national "Cool Cities" initiative and other programs for voluntarily reducing greenhouse gas emissions
  • Maintaining a climate change committee to monitor and advise the company on related issues
  • Encouraging commute trip reduction among our employees

Avista’s Chicago Climate Exchange Membership

Avista has become a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX), the world’s first and North America’s only voluntary, legally binding integrated greenhouse gas emissions reduction, registry and trading system. The CCX allows participants to earn credits for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and trade the resulting financial instruments at market prices.

As part of its membership in CCX, Avista has voluntarily committed to achieving greenhouse gas emission reductions of six percent below baseline by 2010.

CCX FAQ

Here is why we're excited to be participating in this ground-breaking program:

Why has Avista chosen to join CCX?

It is the right thing to do. Avista must responsibly address global climate change issues. By joining the CCX Avista is taking a proactive approach to addressing greenhouse gas reduction.

Will Avista be able to acquire carbon offset credits?

Yes, any benefits we obtain from CCX membership capitalize on our past responsible operations. Avista has a very small carbon footprint relative to other electric utilities and future resources will help assure that our impact remains low.

How will customers benefit?

CCX membership will allow Avista to obtain near term benefits for our customers at little or no cost. We anticipate any net proceeds will be reinvested for the long-term benefit of our customers and our communities.

What other benefits are there to Avista?

Participating in CCX will allow us to learn about emerging carbon markets and develop the skills needed to participate in future government mandated climate change cap-and-trade programs.

Additional Resources

Link to websites about climate change:

  • http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/
    The United States Environmental Protection Agency Global Warming Site strives to present accurate information on climate change and global warming in a way that is accessible and meaningful to all parts of society—communities, individuals, business, public officials and governments.
  • http://www.ipcc.ch/
    The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assesses scientific, technical and socio-economic information relevant for the understanding of climate change, its potential impacts and options for adaptation and mitigation.
  • http://www.usgcrp.gov/usgcrp/default.php
    The U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP) supports research on the interactions of natural and human-induced changes in the global environment and their implications for society.
  • http://www.climatescience.gov/
    The U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) was launched in February 2002 as a collaborative interagency program to improve the government-wide management of climate science and climate-related technology development.
  • http://www.climatetechnology.gov
    The U.S. Climate Change Technology Program (CCTP) is a multi-agency research and development coordination activity, organized under the auspices of the cabinet-level Committee on Climate Change Science and Technology Integration (CCCSTI), established by the president in 2002.