carbon offset frequently asked questions

• What is carbon offsetting?
  Carbon offsetting is the process of measuring greenhouse gas emissions and then compensating for, or "offsetting" these by investing in projects that reduce the amount of greenhouse gas emitted into the atmosphere.
  
  
• Is carbon offsetting of my accommodation and/or meeting event compulsory?
  No. Offsetting your accommodation stay and/or meeting event is entirely voluntary.
  
  
• Why offset your accommodation stay or meeting event with us?
  Each accommodation stay and meeting event has an impact on climate change due to the emissions generated as a result of the services and facilities we provide. At The Westin Melbourne we have set ourselves a challenge to continually reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. The Westin Melbourne has invested in systems and processes that offer our guests and event planners the opportunity to offset the emissions generated as a result of their visits or events.
  
  
• How are my emissions and payment calculated?
  The Westin Melbourne has undertaken an extensive study into the carbon footprint of our conference facilities and guest rooms so as to understand the life cycle of emissions associated with a typical event held at the hotel or an accommodation stay within a defined boundary.
  
  A comprehensive carbon footprint report for a typical event as well as a typical one night hotel stay was calculated for The Westin Melbourne by third party vendor CarbonView™. The Westin Melbourne's overall carbon footprint has been measured utilizing CarbonView™ technology and independently verified and audited by Net Balance Management Group.
  
  This report illustrates the major emission sources and components associated with both of these processes, including:
  • Lighting
  • Onsite Fuel Consumption (Heating/Cooling)
  • Appliance Power Consumption
  • Water Consumption
  • Refrigeration
  • Transport – delegate/guest
  • Staff Emissions- travel
  • Supplier Emissions – food & beverage, contract cleaning, consumables, disposal services, etc.
  • Waste
    
    

The report also outlines the methodology and assumptions made for each emission source, aligning itself as closely as possible with the carbon footprinting standard PAS 2050 (Publicly Available Standard 2050) as set by the Carbon Trust and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

The carbon offset payment amount generated is based on the purchase price of greenhouse gas abatement projects (dollars per tonne).




• What will my carbon offset payment go toward?
  The Westin Melbourne will place 100% (minus GST) of your carbon offset payment toward the purchase of Voluntary Carbon Standard, renewable energy carbon credits through Climate Friendly™. Climate Friendly™ only invests in projects that:
  • Address the root cause of climate change. Climate Friendly™ only select renewable energy projects that keep carbon in the ground and effect rapid transition to a sustainable energy future.
  • Are permanent. Climate Friendly™ only select credits from renewable energy projects that are guaranteed to permanently reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Are additional. Climate Friendly™ projects are over and above "business as usual". These projects would not have occurred without outside investment through carbon credits.
  • Are verifiable. All Climate Friendly™ projects are independently verified using the highest international standards, such as the Voluntary Carbon Standard, Gold Standard, and the Australian Government's GreenPower program and are real and tangible.
  • Are project based. Climate Friendly™ do not purchase credits from projects that are allowance-based, such as those that are part of complying with national emissions reduction legislation.
  • Contribute to sustainable development. Climate Friendly™ only select projects with broader environmental and social benefits beyond climate change.
  • Are synchronous. The abatement from Climate Friendly™ renewable energy projects are closely matched to the time your emissions occur.
  • Are exclusive. Climate Friendly™ ensure that there is no double counting of carbon credits from the projects they select.


• Can I choose my own offset project?
  No. Through The Westin Melbourne's partnership with Climate Friendly™ you can be assured that you are investing in projects that: address the root cause of climate change; are permanent; are additional; are verifiable; are project based; and, contribute to sustainable development. This is due to the robust screening process undertaken by Climate Friendly before it purchases credit for any project. Information on the projects in Climate Friendly's portfolio is available at: https://climatefriendly/projects.
  
  
• Will The Westin Melbourne be profiting from my contribution?
  No. Other than GST, 100% of your payment will be used to purchase abatement from approved Climate Friendly™ carbon offset projects. The Westin Melbourne does not receive any financial benefit for such purchases.
  
  The Westin Melbourne is covering all costs associated with the development, emission measurement, contribution collection and management of the carbon offset program.
  
  
• Can I use Starwood Preferred Guest Starpoints to offset carbon emissions?
  No. Unfortunately we are unable to offer Starpoint redemption for carbon offsetting.
  
  
• Can I get a refund of my carbon offset payment?
  If you cancel your carbon offset instructions any time prior to final settlement of your hotel account we will remove any offset charges. As the abatement from Climate Friendly™ renewable energy projects are synchronous and closely matched to the time that your emissions occur, we are unable to offer refunds after check-out and once final payment of your hotel folio has taken place.
  
  
• Will I get a receipt for my contribution?
  Yes. The offset contribution that you pay will appear on your hotel folio account or carbon invoice associated with your event.
  
  
• Is my contribution tax deductible?
  No. As you are making a carbon credit purchase contribution, and not a donation, the payment is not tax deductible.