What are greenhouse gas (ghg) emissions?
Greenhouse gas emissions are gases that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. Without greenhouse gases the average global temperature would go from 59 degrees Fahrenheit to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The most notable greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), halocarbons that contain fluorine such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) (EPA 2003c). Each greenhouse gas differs in its ability to hold heat. This ability is called global warming potential or GWP. Carbon dioxide has a GWP of one, and the GWP of all other gases is measured relative to CO2. Often the amounts of greenhouse gases are described in terms of millions of metric tons of carbon equivalents (MMTCE) or eCO2 (carbon dioxide equivalents). You can think of this as saying one molecule of gas A has the same heat trapping effect as 1*GWPA molecules of CO2. For instance, methane has a GWP of 21. If 10 molecules of methane are emitted, the emissions
Greenhouse gases (GHG) are a natural part of the earth’s atmosphere. They trap the sun’s warmth and maintain the earth’s surface temperature at a level necessary to support life. The problem we now face is that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels (such as coal, oil and natural gas) and land clearing, are increasing the concentrations of these gases, creating the prospect and reality of global climate change.
To begin the journey of changing your organization’s energy costs, operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions, you should determine your current “energy profile.” To start with, look at the emissions from your vehicles, your home and your business. To get you started, try the calculators shown below or find your own calculator online. If you are a school, municipality or business, Johnson Controls’ engineers can help you calculate your emissions and help you craft a plan for change. Our expertise is energy. Our mission is to help create a more safe, comfortable and sustainable world. Contact a Johnson Controls sales representative to learn more.
Related Questions
- What sources of greenhouse gas emissions were included in Richmond’s community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventory and government operations inventory?
- What is the difference between Richmond’s community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and government operations inventories?
- Who provided ICLEI with the data necessary to calculate Richmonds greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions?
