VGS is helping to transform Vermont’s energy future
In a move that will allow VGS to entirely offset this year’s emissions from its company vehicle and fuel usage, VGS is partnering with the Vermont Land Trust as part of its Forest Carbon Cooperative to purchase locally generated carbon credits through VLT.
The first such initiative in the United States according to VLT, the Forest Carbon Cooperative helps Vermont’s forestland owners participate in the voluntary carbon market. Ten landowners, managing 7,500 acres of forestland in the northern Green Mountains, receive payment and support to manage their lands for enhanced climate benefits.
“We’re thrilled that VGS is a partner to preserve and manage natural environments for small landowners across our state,” Neale Lunderville, president and CEO of VGS, told American Gas. “Our forests and working landscape are central to Vermont’s beauty and pristine environment. They provide many benefits, and this type of partnership is a win-win for all involved—VGS, VLT, the landowners and the entire region—as we work toward decarbonization.”
VGS did extensive research ahead of launching its climate goals to ensure they aligned with its customers’ priorities, Lunderville said. “We found overwhelming evidence that they wanted us to pursue a more renewable supply to reduce their carbon emissions, while balancing this goal with safety and affordability,” he said.
VGS plans to explore more avenues to offset carbon at the local level and expand the partnership in future years.
Lunderville said the natural gas industry is uniquely positioned to reduce carbon, but the industry can’t do it alone.
“As part of VGS’ climate commitment, we expressly stated we would leverage more partnerships to decarbonize,” Lunderville said. “We work on these partnerships—including measuring them in our annual key performance indicators—to ensure we’re known as an active participant in transforming Vermont’s energy future. There are no downsides to engaging. By working together, we are better positioned for success.”