Doha, 31 July 2011 – International law firm Baker & McKenzie has acquired sufficient carbon credits to offset all the anticipated scope 1 and 2 emissions associated with the 20th World Petroleum Congress, according to a joint statement by the company and the Organizing Committee of the oil and gas event.
The credits will be progressively retired by Baker & McKenzie to cover all the verified emissions from the 20th WPC shortly after it concludes.
”Together with the Organising Committee, Baker and McKenzie recognises the importance of environmental sustainability for the WPC,” said Baker & McKenzie Gulf Managing Partner Borys Dackiw. “Increasingly, emissions reduction technology and the carbon markets are playing a crucial role in the global oil and gas sector.”
The 20th WPC Organising Committee insisted upon strict criteria for any offsetting projects. Working with the specialist carbon consultancy, Perenia, Baker & McKenzie identified a suitable carbon offset project where a switch from naphtha to cleaner natural gas in an Indian power project. This has reduced emissions and generated internationally verified, monitored and registered credits, whilst keeping with the strict requirements set by the Organising Committee, the Project:
• is registered with and certified under the Voluntary Carbon Standard;
• is externally audited as compliant with the above standards;
• demonstrates a contribution to human development through the donations made by the project to the Lanco Institute of General Humanitarian Trust;
• is taking place in a member country (India) of the World Petroleum Council; and
• Is not where permanence of emission reductions are at risk
The 20th WPC, which is hosted by Qatar Petroleum, will take place at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) from 4-8 December 2011. Opening later this year, the QNCC boasts an iconic design and cutting-edge facilities in a green technology venue. It is the first facility of its kind that is being built to the gold certification of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED).
Since its establishment in 1933, this is the first time that the World Petroleum Congress will be held in the Middle East.
