First Carbon Neutral Zone Created in the United States

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Climate change is one of the most daunting challenges of the 21st century, but the recent growth and popularity of American eco-consciousness has created a new sense of urgency to address this problem. Today the green movement took a significant step forward as the first “Carbon Neutral Zone” in the United States was announced in Atlanta.

By purchasing carbon offsets, an entire retail community known as The Corner-Virginia Highland, effectively offset its residual greenhouse gas emissions using an innovative collective approach that will set the standard for American companies looking to adopt sustainable business practices and reduce their carbon footprints.

Atlanta Establishes First Carbon Neutral Zone in the U.S.

The zone, established at The Corner-Virginia Highland shopping district, was initiated by Verus Carbon Neutral, and spearheaded by Antje Kingma, founder of Eco-Bella. “Many of us have taken steps to run environmentally friendly companies for years,” said Ms. Kingma, “this zone gave us all a chance to come together for our community.”

Verus specializes in auditing individual and corporate footprints and providing carbon offsets from the Chicago Climate Exchange. Sponsored by the Meddin Company, each of the 18 businesses on The Corner submitted to a carbon footprint audit. Verus Carbon Neutral completed all audits and calculated the metric tons of carbon emissions that needed to be offset. The businesses volunteered to purchase the required offsets to create this first-of-its-kind Carbon Neutral Zone.

“Climate change is the number one issue of our time, and it is critical for our leaders to be committed to addressing these issues on a local level and to lead by example,” said Mandy Schmitt, director of sustainability for the city of Atlanta. “Today’s announcement is an exciting and important step in the right direction and is representative of our overall efforts to green our city.”

Carbon Offsets-The Next Step In Sustainable Business Practices

The offset provider for this project is Valley Wood, a sustainable forestry manager, and 100 percent of offset profits are donated to the Humane Society and other charities. Carbon offsets include the development of projects like solar and wind power, reforestation/afforestation and methane collection. All offsets were approved by the Chicago Climate Exchange and third-party verified. The Chicago Climate Exchange is the world’s first and North America’s only active, voluntary and legally binding offset trading system. Carbon offsets also provide some side benefits that include: habitat creation and reuse of waste products (methane) for energy production.

Verus Carbon Neutral Partnership

The Verus Carbon Neutral Partnership is an innovative and eco-conscious company that aids businesses and individuals looking to reduce their carbon footprints. After conducting an audit to determine the size of their footprint, Verus provides a simple way to reduce or completely offset their client’s CO2 emissions, supplying them with a tangible way to communicate their commitment to improving the environment. Privately held, Verus is based in Atlanta and more information can be found at their website: .