The association has already sold more than 500 shares to various customers and on top of that, a company just ordered 200 more as Christmas gifts for its customers.

‘The most important thing is that people are cutting down on their own CO2 consumption,’ said Christian Poll, climate policy officer at the society.

‘Whether it’s through steaks, cars or their homes is up to the individual,’ he told public broadcaster DR.

One quota equals an allowance to discharge one tonne of carbon dioxide. The idea behind quotas is that buying them off the market prevents companies increasing their energy consumption. The certificate shows that the quota has been annulled.

Michael Mikkelsen, electricity trading manager at energy consultancy firm Local Energy, said the COP15 climate summit has helped to increase interest in quotas.

‘We’ve sold 350 in all – 95 percent of them to private individuals and most during this year alone,’ he said. ‘Many are buying them as Christmas gifts, but there are also some who just buy them for the sake of their own conscience.’

Dong Energy also sells quotas, and among its private customers the company sold nearly 900 last year and expects around the same number this year.

Those looking to ease their environmental consciences can buy carbon dioxide quota certificates through energy companies or the conservation society.

Source: The Copenhagen Post