WHY IS CNIS CARBON NEUTRAL? CNIS believes that a clean environment is an important part of a healthy society and supports environmental initiatives.
CNIS has determined that our most significant impact is from Carbon Emissions, and since 2007 has adopted a policy of Carbon Neutrality. CNIS offset our Carbon Emissions through ERA (www.eraecosystems.com). Last year, CNIS was responsible for removing 97.5 metric tonnes of carbon emissions from the atmosphere.
The Green Facts
Going carbon-neutral is not simply about planting trees, but also includes restoration strategies such as removing invasive species, re-introducing native species, and creating biodiversity. Carbon-neutrality involves measuring all emissions, andreducing these emissions by recycling; the goal is to have zero net emissions by offsetting the remaining emissions.
Carbon Offsets is a financial instrument representing the reduction in, or removal of, greenhouse gas emissions. There are six primary categories of greenhouse gases, but carbon offsets are measured in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). One carbon offset represents the reduction of one metric ton of carbon dioxide, or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases, based on their global warming potential. Individuals, businesses and organizations like ours can purchase carbon offsets to mitigate our greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, electricity use, and other sources. CNIS’ major source of emissions is from air travel, flying surgeons and obstetricians to and from Africa. A Carbon Footprint is the measurement of the amount of CO2 emitted through the use of energy and the combustion of fossil fuels. At CNIS, our carbon footprint involves everyday operations, such as transporting surgeons and equipment, and holding courses in Canada and Africa.
CNIS Environmental Policy
1. All CNIS projects will include an assessment to ensure environmental sustainability of activities undertaken by CNIS and its porjects/program partners.
2. CNIS will promote environmental sustainability discussions within its programming activities.
3. Where appropriate, CNIS will identify ways to positively benefit the environment and lessen negative environmental impact.
4. CNIS will promote new initiatives in environmental sustainability in its best practices and will disseminate learning through public engagement.
5. Safe practices concerning needles, sharp instruments and biological hazards (HIV and hepatitis) are always implemented as part of the CNIS
Essential Surgical Skills course.
