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Leapfrog carbon reduction initiative jumps ahead
London, 25 June: The Leapfrog initiative, which aims to provide specialist volunteers to help bring emission reduction and clean technology projects to fruition, is moving ahead on several projects and is planning a formal launch on 24 September.
London law firm Travers Smith, which pioneered the concept, (see Environmental Finance, May 2009, page 8) says it has also had contact with lawyers interested in replicating the initiative in China, Australia, South Africa and the US.
The main criterion for selection of Leapfrog projects is that they reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but they must also demonstrate other sustainability benefits. Any carbon credits generated by the projects will be sold and part of the proceeds will be invested in other projects, with the rest being used to fund adaptation, social and environmental initiatives in the host country.
Leapfrog trustees are currently working to identify the skills needs of several projects and to put together suitable teams of volunteers to help meet these needs. Most of the early projects are UK-based, but one is to help the SolarAid charity convert kerosene lamps to solar power in Kenya under the terms of the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism.
Within the UK, the initial projects include: installing a micro power grid in the village of Ashton Hayes, which aims to become the first carbon-neutral village in England; helping the Student Switch Off campaign, which encourages energy-saving measures in universities; re-introducing hydropower to the town of Bollington; and creating a charitable clean-tech investment fund.
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