Carbon Neutral

Ethical Bean has been Carbon Neutral since 2007. We purchase carbon offsets from The Carbon Neutral Company, an international organization with projects based throughout the world. Our credit dollars are applied to the development of hydro power projects and reforestation in Guatemala.

Based in the North Central area of Guatemala, this inaugural project generates clean energy through the construction of a 4.3MW hydro power plant. This run-of-river facility uses the water from the Trece Aguas River, reducing CO2 emissions by displacing electricity from fossil fuel fired power plants. The project also avoids the atmospheric pollutants associated with power generated from fossil fuels, such as sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide.

Located in a region where electricity is not widely available, the project provides power to local communities and their businesses, helping to improve local economic development.

The project developer has also implemented an afforestation and reforestation plan in the areas surrounding the project. To date, approximately 450 hectares have been planted, offering hundreds of workplaces for the communities surrounding the project site.

Guatemala has huge potential for hydroelectric power generation but lack of incentives has led to a steep decline in the proportion of hydroelectric capacity connected to the grid, while fossil fuel power plant construction has continued.