Our 20/20 by 2010 program provides employees with an innovative way of reducing their personal greenhouse gas emissions. The name refers to setting a goal for the year 2010 for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% through energy efficiency and another 20% through use of renewable energy.

The 20/20 by 2010 program also offers ways for companies to track employee reduction efforts, communicate company incentive programs, and encourage employee participation.

The system is not tied to any specific greenhouse reduction method – it suggests only near-term action through efficiency measures and the use of renewable energy. In June 2007, Seventh Generation kicked-off an employee climate change program centered around 20/20 by 2010. We are encouraging employees to design their lives to be carbon-less and Seventh Generation will extend its current energy incentive program to help fund these projects.

How It Works

The 20/20 by 2010 system is powered by open source software Tracker. After creating a user name and password, users enter information on their fossil energy use – electricity, heating fuels, auto and other ground transportation, and air travel. The system converts this data and computes the user’s monthly and annual carbon footprint. Unlike other web-based tools, the system stores user data, allowing participants to update their information over time (e.g., monthly or yearly). Easily navigable graphing tools display a user’s data, allowing him or her to view changes in CO2 emissions and utility and travel data over time. Our goal is to create an exponential effect at the local level that will lead to a nationwide wave of change.

Methodology

The system uses peer reviewed methodologies compiled by the World Resources Institute and the World Business Council on Sustainable Development. These methodologies can be found at www.ghgprotocol.org and www.safeclimate.net.