"It is scandalous that for the certification of carbon credits, a tree is planted somewhere in Africa," says Peter Bontekoe of Salixkwekerij Bontekoe. At his nursery, there are thousands of small and large salix trees that, according to him, are grown carbon-negative.
The showpieces of Salixkwekerij Bontekoe.
CO₂-negative
"We generate more energy with our solar panels than we can use," he explains. "No exact CO₂ calculation is really possible, but I have made an attempt. We know what a tree will absorb on average, and from there I started calculating. I assumed 1/25 to 1/50 to a normal tree, because we grow small trees. Considering that we take 0.5 to 1 million kilograms of CO₂ out of the air, it turns out that we absorb much more CO₂ than we use. Currently, carbon credits in tree nurseries are not a feature yet, but it would be nice if there is or will be a similar system. Looking at it very carefully, I would be entitled to at least 50 to 100 carbon credits. And that's being very conservatively, because if we remove half a million kilograms of CO₂ from the air, that stands for 500 carbon credits. I just can't measure or prove it."
Lots of potential
"Anyway, I am not a fan of the current carbon credit system," Peter continues. "People basically buy the credits, and somewhere in Africa trees are planted in return. It would be better to plant trees here. At least then one could see what the credits are for directly. Unfortunately, too little is still happening in that area, but there is a lot of potential. It remains a difficult matter. We really need a system to start working on it in the Netherlands and for tree nurseries. We would like to participate in a system, but one that really contributes to the environment in the Netherlands. Wherever CO₂ enters the air, it must be reduced as well."
For more information: 
Salixkwekerij Bontekoe
Tel: +31 (6) 13 30 64 02
[email protected]
www.salixen.nl