UPS is offering eco-minded customers the option of paying a price to offset the emissions associated with shipment of their packages.
The UPS Carbon Neutral program costs just a nickel per package for regular ground services and 20 cents per package for Next Day Air, 2nd Day Air and 3 Day Select services, according to a press release.
In addition to the cost of the offsets, the price includes the cost of calculation and administrative costs associated with the service.
UPS will purchase offsets based on the carbon associated with customer shipments, however UPS chose a flat fee to encourage consumer trial of the service. The company also says it will match the offset purchases up to an amount of $1 million for 2009-10.
The calculation to measure the CO2 impact of the customers' shipments is based on a variety of current and historical operational data, including distance and transport mode, according to the release. UPS's calculation methodology and processes are verified by Societe Generale de Surveillance. The calculator is based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and the carbon offset process is certified by The CarbonNeutral Company.
At first, the program will be available only to UPS customers who use the company's internet portal and have an assigned customer shipping number. Sometime in 2010 UPS plans to roll out the program to all customers.
