Q 1.1 What does the offset programme involve?
A: The offset programme has two elements. Firstly, Jaguar Cars Limited will offset the CO2 emissions from its manufacturing assembly operations for all vehicles from April 2009. Secondly, Jaguar is setting up a mechanism for owners of all new and used Jaguar vehicles to pay to offset the CO2 emissions produced by their vehicle, calculated on the certified CO2 emissions level for each Jaguar model. These programmes will be administered independently by a highly respected CO2 offset provider, ClimateCare and involve a mixed portfolio of offset projects:
• Renewable energy – such as wind or solar to replace fossil fuel use
• Energy efficiency – this reduces the amount of fuel needed
• Technology change – developing and rolling out new technologies
Q 1.2 What do you mean by an offset programme?
A: Funding will go towards real environmental technologies that can be introduced in different places or communities to reduce CO2 emissions – such as wind turbines or solar power. There will also be projects to prevent energy being wasted and increase the pace of technological change through investment in the development of new technologies. Jaguar is offsetting its manufacturing emissions and encouraging customers to offset their own vehicle emissions.
Q 1.3 Is this just about Jaguar easing its conscience?
A: No. Jaguar is fully committed to reducing CO2 emissions. The CO2 Offset Programme is just part of a wide ranging set of measures announced by Jaguar Land Rover which will see considerable investment (£800m) in environmental technology to reduce CO2 emissions from its vehicles.
Q 1.4 Why is Jaguar only offering a mechanism for customers to offset their impact – is it serious about reducing its contribution to greenhouse gases?
A: Jaguar wants to ensure that the programme works well for its customers and the offset projects offered can deliver the best results. At the same time, Jaguar will be offsetting all the CO2 emissions from its manufacturing operations.
Q 1.5 Shouldn't Jaguar be addressing the real problem – the emissions from its vehicles?
A: Jaguar has reduced emission levels with each successive model in its range. In Europe, Jaguar's fleet average CO2 emissions have reduced by 33% since 2005. The CO2 offset plan is part of Jaguar's overall approach to reducing emissions.
Q 1.6 So what exactly is the CO2 offset Jaguar hopes to achieve?
A: Jaguar has estimated that from the launch in April, its programme will support the offset of around 70,000 tonnes of CO2 in 2009.
Q 1.7 Could Jaguar actually use the customer contributions to fund further product development?
A: No. The whole programme will be independently administered by the CO2 offset provider ClimateCare and it will ensure the funds raised are spent appropriately on suitable projects.
Q 1.8 Is Jaguar doing this because it's cheaper than investing in technology to improve the product?
A: This is not cheap, nor is it an alternative. Jaguar is investing significant sums to help minimise its impact on the environment as a business. Jaguar Land Rover is also investing £800m in environmental technologies to reduce CO2 emissions from its vehicles.
Q 1.9 How does Jaguar calculate the cost, in monetary terms, of offsetting CO2?
A: The emission levels have been verified by the independent offset provider ClimateCare. The price of a CO2 offset is dependent on many factors such as the project type, for example renewable energy or technology change.
Q 1.10 Can you give examples of some of the projects?
A: Under the CO2 Offset programme, the contribution made by Jaguar and its customers will fund projects that reduce emissions globally. As well as making savings in greenhouse gases, the projects also have wider benefits to the local communities and environment too. Further details of specific projects are available on the ClimateCare website.
Q 1.11 There is no mention of tree planting. Why is that?
A: The projects are chosen by ClimateCare, and are designed to be the most effective means of delivering CO2 offsets. All the projects will reduce CO2 emissions at source rather than ‘soak it up’ through tree planting programmes which are not necessarily permanent.
Q 1.12 Can customers offset their own CO2 emissions in any market?
A: The programme will be administered independently by offset provider, ClimateCare and can be accessed via their website. The website is in English and includes a limited number of currencies but is accessible to anyone.