The Value Of Reducing Carbon Footprints Environmental Sciences Essay

The regard as Of Reducing speed of light Footprints Environmental Sciences EssayThis report examines the concept and respect of measuring and reducing a credit line or reaping nose back enddy stones throw as well some renewable capacity dodgings uncommitted, that could sum up to century reduction and faculty efficiency. Guides and legislation already exist. In expectancy of future devisements, regarding sustainable practices and strict mandatory requirements for organizations and businesses, it is important to take action. Fin whollyy, several(prenominal) renewable talent systems ar presented and evaluated with recommendations for the communitys building.IntroductionThe last tether decades the hurtful human impact on the environment became the subject of extensive study. nowadays it is internation bothy acknowledged that the extensive utilise of fogey supply and over implement of earths re solutions has led us into an environmental crisis. kelvinho hold Gas ( GHG) sackings produced by the intent of fossil fuel atomic number 18 the intimately threatening factor to temper Change (IPCC, 2007). The international commitments concerning degree Celsius reduction emissions, at the recent humor Change Summit in December 2009, show the need for fast(a) and effective measures. To meet this ch on the wholeenge the industry and commerce sectors must also take action.Today the quantification and retraceup of GHG emissions is expressed by the term Carbon Footprint. This report analyses the composition of a businesss Carbon Footprint in analogy to its activities, harvest-festivals and properties. Moreover, its explained why this course of action is necessary and how it could benefit the whole business and its harvestingion service. Finally, some of the most typical renewable energy technologies argon examined and suggested for the companys office exposit located in Athens Greece.The definition of speed of light foot tone of voice.Throug hout snip thither were more attempts to define what a atomic number 6 paper footprint is. Nowadays, the definition of Wiedmann and Minx (2007, p.4) is what is widely accepted The deoxycytidine monophosphate footprint is a measure of the exclusive total amount of century dioxide emissions that is instanter and in take uply caused by an activity or is accumulated over the carriage stages of a product. This includes of individuals, populations, governments, companies, organizations, accomplishes, industry sectors etc. Products include goods and services. In any case all direct (on-site, internal) and indirect emissions (off-site, external, embodied, upstream, downstream) need to be taken into account.The in a lavishlyer place reference work to degree Celsius dioxide (CO2) emissions includes all six Kyoto communications protocol (1997, Annex A) Green House Gases (GHGs). These gases, besides Carbon Dioxide, (CO2) be Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide (N2O), Hydrofluoro one Cs (HF Cs), Perfluoro vitamin Cs (PFCs) and Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). They are all aggregated and quantified in tonnages of CO2 equivalent (CO2e). The conversion is ground in each gass Global Warming Potential (GWP) over a period of one C years. The GWP is defined as the congress impact of a GHG compared to Carbon Dioxide (CO2) over a given period of time. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate variegate (IPCC) in its 3rd opinion Report (2001) provides the determine as well as the calculation method.Carbon Footprint for business, companies and organizations. there are two compositors cases of Carbon Footprint for a business or an organization. organizational carbon footprintProduct carbon footprintOrganizational carbon footprintThe Organizational carbon footprint is made up from all direct and indirect GHG emissions caused by the organizations activities (Carbon Trust, 2010). jibe to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol the direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions are divided into thre e scopes (categories) (WBCSD WRI, 2004). ambit 1 Direct greenhouse gas emissionsThese are emissions created by the organizations additions and production processes e.g. on site fuel use for production process, vehicle use for deportee of employees, actuals, products and waste, refrigerant loses, oil and fuel leakages, physical or chemical processing etc. Generally, emissions resulting from the organizations activities.Scope 2 Indirect GHG emissionsEmissions created by the use of electrical energy, heat and steam purchased for in premises use of the company or organization. (The energy suppliers emissions).Scope 3 Indirect GHG emissions separate than the Scope 2 categoryEmissions created from activities needed for the company to function but not made buy the company or organization itself. Extraction and transportation of raw material from suppliers, commuting of employees, transportation of fuel for use, re hertz, waste canalise and disposal are examples of what is included in this category. Generally any product or service purchased by the company necessary for its production process except from electricity and heat (scope 2).Product carbon footprintThe product (goods or services) carbon footprint is made up from the emissions of its spirit cycle. This includes all the emissions generated from the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing or service provision, use, reuse and finally its recycling and disposal as waste. Those emissions are generated similarly like the organizational carbon footprint by the use of energy, fuel combustion for manufacturing and transportation, and losses and leakages that drive directly to the environment like refrigerants, gases (methane) etc (Carbon Trust, 2011).Caution is necessary when calculations of both the organizational and product carbon footprint are made so as to not undercount or over count its quantity out-of-pocket to the complexness of these calculations.The necessity of carbon footprint calculation and reduction.There are many reasons why a business or organization should develop a management system for the reduction of its carbon footprint. As mentioned above there are two types of carbon footprint organizational and product (goods and/or services) Its noteworthy that the calculation of either or both footprints sets a reference point for the comparison and evaluation of progress made (Carbon Trust, 2010).Organizational carbon footprint reductionsThe organizational carbon management and reduction will relieve the environmental burden of a businesss activities. Uncontrolled anthropogenic GHG emissions from usage of fossil fuel, deforestation, manufacturing, industrial procedures (steel, iron, cement production) and other activities thicken the greenhouse gas story. This seam traps more re-radiated solar energy from the earths surface into the lowest atmospheric layer the Troposphere. This results to global warming (Denman K.L et al, 2007).Furthermore the quantification of the c arbon footprint helps managers and employees to recognize the areas which stimulate the greatest potential for further reductions and cost savings over time (Carbon Trust, 2010) .Another major reason is to report the reductions to third parties concerned with GHG emissions. According to the Carbon Trust Carbon Footprinting guide (2010), this should be done in order toDisplay social conscientiousness or for marketing purposes work up out requests of businesses, customers, investors for carbon emission entropyShow compliance with mandatory mode change legislation such as the Carbon Reduction lading (CRC) (2010) or European Union (EU) Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) (2008)Provide information by the companys participation to initiatives that have a purpose to help organizations, investors, governments, consultants, academics and primarily anyone concerned, develop energy and emission policies, reduce their carbon footprint and make research. An example is the Carbon Disclosure Pro ject CDP (2001).To enforce a carbon reduction strategy or purchase or sell carbon offsets.Carbon Offset transactions are made based on the Clean developing Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol (1997).Product carbon footprint reductionsMany of the benefits from the reduction of the product carbon footprint result from the room these reductions take place. In order to reduce its products carbon footprint, the company should admonisher and try to make changes to its whole manufacturing process. Emissions roll in the hay from the whole life cycle of the product. Thus, reductions should be made in every stage of this cycle, to every comment and output. Correct selection of materials and suppliers, product design and manufacturing and decreased energy consumption, are all key contributors to effective carbon management. As a result, aside from environmental benefits and reduced costs, the organization will ultimately drive change to the whole supply chain. Furthermore, develop bett er relationship with its suppliers and help them notice and reduce their own inefficiencies (Carbon Trust, 2010)There are also advantages for the market and habitual image of an organization. Public conscience and awareness about environmental sociable practices and sustainability has grown notably the past two decades. The reduction of a products carbon footprint can enhance a brand name and extract more customers and shareholders (Carbon Trust, 2010). This is a result of the differentiation from other products, which have not yet developed carbon management programs or have big footprints.Current common practice and approach to calculation, reduction and publication of carbon data is by the use of the GHG Protocol and Publicly acquirable spec (PAS) 2050 for organizations and products respectively. Independent validations and security systems for greenhouse gas emissions denote transparency of the organization, could attract amuse and provide reassurance to stakeholders. C ontinuous progress is necessary for both the organizational and product carbon footprint in anticipation of future (and stricter) legislation and tougher competition.The companys carbon footprint.An indication of the companys carbon footprint in Athens Greece, can be given by the annual energy consumption of its building. In 2010 the energy consumption of immanent gas and electricity was 225230kWh and 379125kWh respectively. The Greek code of twist cipher Performance in table B.1 (2010, p.5336) gives values of 0,989kgCO2/kWh for electricity and 0.196kgCO2/kWh for natural gas. This means, that approximately 419 tones of CO2 per year are produced by the companys office premises alone.renewable energy technologiesRenewable energy comes from natural sources abundant in our environment. Solar, wind, rain, waves, heat from earth and newly produced native material are all used to provide zero carbon energy. The most common applications are passive solar designs, solar photovoltaic (PV ), solar thermal, biomass heating, ground source heating and wind power generation. Other Low Carbon technologies such as absorption cooling and combined heat and power (CHP) can also be incorporated with the use of this technology. Considerations should be made relative to different building types and locations as well as costs.Passive solar designs use the buildings design and structure (orientation, design, shading, windowpane glazing and thermal insulation) to store or deduct heat and provide ventilation. The basic concept is to optimize the direct use of the energy available from the buildings environment. Although trump suited for new buildings, exist could use some of its concepts. The benefits from such an application include better functional environments, less temperature fluctuation, natural air ventilation and less dependence and use of mechanical means for heating and lighting. This results to, increased productivity, low maintenance, higher asset value, lower energy bills and emissions (SEEDA).Photovoltaic systems, convert solar shaft of light to electricity. The systems lie of a set of PV cell panels, inverters and wiring. PV cells are made from semiconductor material abundant in earth like silicon. The panels can be installed in either the roof and/or sides of a building, or directly on the land. The effectiveness and efficiency of such an application depends a lot from the available area, its orientation as well as from the shading of neighboring buildings and other obstacles. They have low maintenance requirements, long warranties and even longer life expectancy. Still they have high initial capital costs. These systems are generally recommended when correct conditions like lighting, orientation and available area exist and/or grants from governments. It is anticipated that soon these systems will be highly competitive due to fuel price increments and continuous evolution and optimization of the technology (SEEDA). For a 750Kwh /year sy stem prices average at 6000 minus any grants and evaluate returns that may exist.Solar thermal pissing heating, is a system, installed on roofs, that collects the suns radiation to heat a non corrosive (antifreeze and pissing mixture) liquid. This liquid runs through a coil in a water cylinder and transfers its heat to the water (Menzies, G.F, 2009) The Carbon Trust (2005) reports that approximately 60 % of hot water make could be covered by solar water heating. Its considered one of the most effective and cheap solutions for carbon reduction and cost savings. Menzies (2009) reports 1-3% carbon reductions for commercialized applications sized to cover 50% of hot water demand.Biomass heating, uses boilers that burn organic material from plant and animal matter to produce heat, fuel or electricity. The system typically consists of a furnace with piping that transfers heat for topographic point or water. It is considered as carbon neutral because the CO2 and CH4 are part of the bustling carbon cycle (accumulated from plants and animals recently and now put back in nature, unlike the carbon emitted from the burning of fossil fuel which was out of the system for millions of years)( Menzies, G.F 2009). Biomass Boiler fuel comes cheaper than electricity, oil, LPG heating (Menzies, G.F, 2009). More so, flexibility to convert to heat, fuel or electricity is also a positive(p). Still, high initial costs, space requirements for fuel storage and availability of suppliers should be carefully considered. Its typically best for businesses with organic byproduct material as result of their industrial process and/or for longer hours of operation than usual. Payback periods usually range from 3 to 9 years depending on the replaced system ( Carbon Trust, 2011)Ground denotation heat pumps, use the relatively constant underground temperature, for space and water heating purposes. These systems are not considered carbon neutral (but low carbon) because, pumps use electrici ty or gas to convert the gathered low take aim heat to useable high-grade. Still carbon reductions could be substantial for non municipal applications especially if used for the whole heating demands. Carbon reductions of 14%-27% and 16%-23% have been reported for new build and retrofit applications respectively though, 100% demand coverage may be impossible for large buildings (Menzies, G.F, 2009). whizz the downside these systems have high initial capital costs for installation or retrofitting. Generally, they difficult to apply because of the required ground surveying, long piping, large collectors and fatuous space (Carbon Trust, 2005).Wind power generation, comes from the conversion of wind energy to electricity or kinetic energy (wind mills, water pumps) through wind turbines (Menzies, G.F, 2009). They come in varying sizes to suit energy demands. The viability of this option depends largely on wind speed, direction, as well as sufficient wind data and lack of obstacles. N oise and vibration should also be taken in consideration (SEEDA). For roof applications there could be prohibiting building regulations or readying permissions needed (Carbon Trust, 2005). Their initial cost as well as the high probability of obstacles (e.g. neighboring buildings) and unpredictable wind patterns, of most urban locations makes the investing unsuitable for most buildings. On the contrary, well chosen sites with sufficient meteorologic data could be highly energy efficient and lucrative plus enhance the company profile.Application to the companys buildings in Greece.The Greek Ministry of Environment cleverness and Climate Change (MEECC) (2009), reports that Buildings in Greece are responsible for 36% of the house servant energy use. This waste of energy happens, due the lack of use of modernistic technologies, the old age of most buildings and the lack of legislation concerning insulation standards (up until recently).Moreover, electricity in Greece is the most car bon intensive energy, produced mainly by burn and lignite. This means, that by saving electricity or using an alternative energy source (renewable or other fossil fuel such as natural gas), has the greatest potential for CO2 emissions reduction. Furthermore, extensive sunshine periods make the use of solar energy a very efficient sustainable practice.The companys offices in Athens Greece (3600m2, 95 employees) are considered a mix of a naturally ventilated open plan and air-conditioned standard type (Action Energy, 2003). An coronation for a 40kWp solar PV system as well as a solar hot water system of 8m2 (500lt) would result to emission reductions of approximately 15% (Appendix). These, combined by passive solar upgrades (insulation, window glazing, sunshades) could achieve an even greater reduction of CO2 emissions.Overall the use of renewable energy sources, will upgrade the energy performance certificate of the companys building, enhance its public image, asset value and reduc e costs (after the investment payback period).ConclusionsAs outlined above, sustainable practices are not sole(prenominal) an obligation towards our environment and future generations. The incorporation of carbon management systems and renewable energy sources is actually an investment which will yield profits for all areas of the production and commercial process. Furthermore, this course of action is anticipated to be adopted generally and enforced legally. Thus, it is clear that its in a businesss interest to develop sustainable low carbon development strategies and policies as soon as possible.List of referencesAction Energy, (2003) Energy Consumption Guide 19 Energy use in offices. Revised Edition. London Carbon Trust available at http//www.carbontrust.co.uk/Publications/pages/publicationdetail.aspx?id=ECG01 9 viewed on 20/02/2011.Carbon Trust, (2005) New and Renewable Energy Fact Sheet (GIL137). London Carbon Trust available at http//www.carbontrust.co.uk/Publications/page s/publicationdetail.aspx?id=GIL137 accessed on 17/02/2011.Carbon Trust (2010) Carbon footprinting The next step to reducing your emissions (CTV043). 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