4.03.2008 - 10:00am ET

(CSRwire) NORTHAMPTON, MA, April 3, 2008 - The Center for International Studies (CIS), a study abroad organization, announced today a new partnership with Carbonfund.org, one of the country's leading carbon offset organizations.

As a part of a new green initiative, CIS has partnered with Carbonfund.org to offset the CO2 emitted from the air travel of all study abroad program participants. CIS is offsetting approximately 4 million flight miles, or 2,000 metric tons of carbon, through the support of Carbonfund.org's renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects.

By offsetting on behalf of its program participants, CIS engages U.S. college students as environmental ambassadors. In addition, CIS educates its study abroad participants about climate issues in host countries (e.g., Australia, England, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Scotland or Spain) and offers local volunteer opportunities that benefit the environment.

As an organization, CIS is committed to zeroing-out its carbon footprint through Carbonfund.org's CarbonFree(R) Business program. Currently, CIS is working with Carbonfund.org to calculate and offset its remaining carbon footprint, while also taking steps to reduce its climate impact. Its new green initiatives include using 100% recycled paper and water-based dyes in printed material; reducing printed marketing material by 30%; purchasing clean energy from a regional electric company; reducing corporate travel; and volunteering as a company for local environmental projects.

"As a small business in rural western Massachusetts, we're proud to be able to 'punch above our weight'—as they say in New Zealand—to battle climate change," said Jeff Palm, Founder and President of CIS. "As we think about all we can do, the ideas just keep pouring out. By involving our students in this initiative, they become more conscious of their actions. They not only positively affect the environment but also influence the actions of those around them."

"CIS provides an innovative education by immersing students in different languages, cultures and environments. In order for future generations to enjoy these benefits, CIS is extending its program to educate students about their host country's environment and encouraging them to help protect it," said Eric Carlson, Executive Director of Carbonfund.org. "We're proud to partner with CIS in promoting eco-consciousness internationally."

About CIS

CIS, the Center for International Studies, is an international education organization whose mission is to provide innovative programs that foster academic, professional, and personal development and lay the foundation for participants to become engaged global citizens. Founded in 2000, CIS sends nearly 500 students abroad annually to countries on four continents including Australia, England, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Scotland and Spain.

About Carbonfund.org

Carbonfund.org is one of the country's leading carbon reduction and offset organizations, making it easy and affordable for individuals, businesses and organizations to reduce their climate impact. Carbon offsets enable individuals and businesses to reduce carbon dioxide emissions they are responsible for in their everyday lives by supporting high-quality verified renewable energy, energy efficiency and reforestation projects. Carbonfund.org works with over 600 corporate and non-profit partners including Discovery, Allstate, Volkswagen, Dell, Orbitz, Environmental Defense, and Lancôme.

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