Carbon Offsetting

Why is CO_₂ reduction so important?

In the greenhouse effect, the surface of the earth absorbs heat from the sun, re-emitting it as infrared radiation. This infrared radiation is absorbed by CO_₂ water, ozone, methane and chloro-fluorocarbons (CFCs) and radiated back to earth.

An unnatural increase in greenhouse gases may therefore raise global temperatures and could cause climate change with such resulting phenomena as adverse weather patterns, the melting of polar ice caps and rising sea levels.

CO_₂ is identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in their 2007 report “Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report”, as the single biggest contributor to climate change.

What species of tree will Thorlux plant?

We will plant native broadleaf species - oak, hornbeam, birch, willow and wild cherry. The faster growing trees will be harvested (to FSC guidelines) to allow room for the slower growing species to mature.

Why native broadleaf trees?

Some non-native species can absorb greater levels of CO_₂ however they will have a negative effect on local wildlife. Native species will improve the natural environment and provide a habitat for indigenous natural wildlife.

Isn’t there enough woodland in the UK?

The UK was approximately 98% forest before man settled. At the start of the 1900s, most of the forest had gone; only 5% of the UK was covered. Now, at the beginning of the 21st century, this figure is back up to 12%, but only 2% is with native species, the remainder being fast-growing conifers for the timber trade. Much of the UK’s indigenous wildlife cannot survive in these conifer forests, hence the importance of increasing the coverage of native trees.

May I visit the site and see my trees?

Yes, you are welcome to visit. You will receive an email detailing what you have purchased and the location of the site. The site will be open with free access all year round.

How did Thorlux calculate its carbon footprint?

To quantify Thorlux’s carbon footprint, we measured all electricity, gas and fuel used (including by company-owned vehicles but excluding sub-contractors’ activities) in our UK factory and selling activities. We multiplied these quantities by factors provided by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy in its “Greenhouse Gas Reporting: conversion factors 2019” to estimate the total CO_₂e produced.

By dividing the total CO_₂e produced by the number of luminaires that Thorlux produces each year, we calculated that each luminaire creates an average of 2.8 kg CO_₂e in its production and delivery.

How do I calculate my carbon footprint?

Use our online energy calculator to determine your CO_₂ emissions from Thorlux luminaires, a report will be generated in PDF format.

Use calculator

How do trees offset CO_₂?

Trees absorb CO_₂ during photosynthesis. (Trees and other plants use CO_₂ and water in the presence of light to produce energy-containing carbohydrates.) The CO_₂ remains in the tree until it dies and decomposes. Through sustainable management, trees can be harvested and used in wood products, therefore trapping the CO_₂ and not releasing it back into the atmosphere.

How do I calculate how many trees will I need to plant?

It may be necessary to plant as many as 5 trees to achieve one tonne of sequestration due to forestry management requirements. Conditions will be monitored and adjusted as required by the silviculturalist and the Woodland Carbon Code. Each tree that grows to maturity will absorb approximately 1 tonne (1000 kg) of CO_₂e over 100 years. 1 tonne of CO_₂e equates to approximately 5,170 kWh of electricity (0.1934 kg per kWh, 2022 figure). Divide your total carbon footprint (kg CO_₂e) for a year by 1000 to provide the total number of trees required that year. Alternatively, divide your energy use in kWh by 5,170.

What is ISO 14001?

ISO 14001 is an internationally accepted standard that sets out a framework of essential elements for putting an effective environmental management system in place.

An environmental management system allows an organisation to consistently control its impact on the environment, reduce the risk of pollution incidents, ensure compliance with environmental legislation, and continually improve business operations.

ISO 14001 addresses the delicate balance between maintaining profitability and reducing environmental impact.

Will offsetting reverse climate change?

Carbon offsetting alone is not a cure for climate change. The most effective action you can take is to reduce your emissions. However, carbon offsetting can help reduce the impact of our energy consumption, and it makes us think more carefully about our effect on the environment.

How can Thorlux controls save up to 70% electricity?

The Thorlux SmartScan System uses presence detection and daylight linking to control light levels. Lights turn off when an area is vacant. When the lights are switched on, the light levels adjust automatically to combine with available natural light. Measurements have proven significant energy savings, depending on natural light ingress and presence frequency.

What is the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)?

The FSC is an international organisation to promote responsible management of the world’s woodlands. For further information, see fsc.org.

What is the Natural Resources Wales?

Natural Resources Wales is a government department established for looking after the environment, with a division dedicated to forest management. For further information, see naturalresources.wales.

What is the Woodland Carbon Code?

The Thorlux Woodland project is the first site in Wales to gain approval with the Woodland Carbon Code, a voluntary standard for woodland creation projects in the UK to monitor and assess claims about the CO_₂ sequestered. See woodlandcarboncode.org.uk.