Isra-Mart llc : Global IT leasing market’s first carbon offset scheme launched

Isramart llc news:
The UK’s leading independent IT leasing company, CSI Leasing, has signed a new contract with myclimate, the Switzerland-based, not-for-profit carbon offsetting specialist. The deal will allow CSI Leasing’s global customer base in Europe, North America, South America and Asia to offset their carbon on every new IT leasing deal.

myclimate, the brainchild of professors and students at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, was recognised as one of the top-three carbon offsetting organisations in the world by the 2008 EndsReport. CSI Leasing will include a myclimate approved carbon calculator on its website allowing customers to work out how many tonnes of carbon will need to be compensated for over the term of the lease. This minimal payment will be added to monthly leasing instalments. myclimate then commits to generating the carbon offset within two years.

Chris Lloyd, UK Sales Director at CSI Leasing comments: “While this carbon offset programme is voluntary for our customers, we feel it’s necessary to include it in our service offering and expect a strong uptake. The initiative complements our existing green credentials. IT leasing has seen a surge in popularity with organisations since the WEEE directive came into force in 2007. CEOs and IT Directors are concerned about their companies’ carbon footprints and the environmental issues associated with disposal of IT kit.

“One benefit of leasing is that it allows a company to leave the uncomfortable disposal process to us. Our recycling and remanufacturing unit complies with the latest regulations, and provides full, documented certification. The fact that our customers and resellers can now offset their carbon really differentiates us from the competition.”

myclimate achieves carbon neutrality through global project work in which it aims to replace fossil fuels with renewable sources of energy and increase energy efficiency. 80% of the money received is funnelled directly into carbon offset projects and these are registered under the CDM and/or the Gold Standard, currently the strictest standards for carbon offset projects.

René Estermann, CEO at myclimate says: “Since launching in 2002 we’ve seen exponential growth as companies look for ways to fulfil their environmental responsibilities. CSI Leasing is the first company in its industry to approach us. It’s encouraging that a global leasing provider is offering its customers and channel partners a way to neutralise the carbon created by IT equipment in business.”

Carbon offsetting through myclimate will be available with all new leasing contracts from early August onwards.