10: GHG emissions
Emission patterns can be of different variant. majority of which are greehouse gases (GHG) which are far-reaching and potentially catastrophic. So how can companies lower their emission patterns, let's look at some of the Industry best practices.
Greenhouse gasses are a group of gasses that exist in the Earth's atmosphere and play a critical role in regulating the planet's temperature. The most well-known greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide (CO2), but other gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide, also have a significant impact on climate. These gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat from the sun and cause the greenhouse effect, leading to global warming and climate change. GHG emissions are primarily produced by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels for energy, deforestation, and industrial processes. The amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has increased significantly in recent decades due to human activities, leading to a phenomenon known as Global Warming.
The primary source of GHG emissions is the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, for energy. The burning of these fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Deforestation, land use changes, and industrial processes also release GHGs into the atmosphere.
The consequences of GHG emissions are far-reaching and potentially catastrophic. Global temperatures are rising, leading to more frequent and intense heat waves, droughts, and wildfires. Rising sea levels and ocean acidification are threatening coastal communities and ecosystems. Climate change is also causing more frequent and severe weather events, such as hurricanes, typhoons, and floods.
Despite the dire impacts of GHG emissions, there are still many people who deny the existence of climate change or question its causes. However, the overwhelming majority of scientists agree that GHG emissions from human activities are causing the Earth's climate to change at an unprecedented rate.
Reducing GHG emissions is critical to mitigating the worst impacts of climate change. Governments, businesses, and individuals can take steps to reduce emissions, such as switching to renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, and reducing waste. The transition to a low-carbon economy will require significant investments in renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, but it is a necessary step to protect our planet and future generations.
Types of GHG Emissions:
Scope 1 emissions are the greenhouse gas emissions generated from the sources which are controlled or owned by the organization. This includes emissions due to combustion of any fuel in a boiler, heater, furnace, oven, thermal oxidizer, turbines, incinerator and cooling system at a facility/industry and fuel used in company vehicles. Therefore, they are also called direct emissions. The fuel consumption data may be taken from purchase receipts/records or utility bills or metered fuel documentation etc.
Scope 2 emissions are the greenhouse gas emissions generated due to purchased electricity, steam, heat or cooling. These emissions are not generated at the source where they are used but at the facility where they are generated. Since organisations are consuming this energy it is accounted for in the greenhouse gas inventory of the organisation. These are also called indirect emissions as they are generated in the upstream activities.
Scope 3 emissions are generated due to the activities which are not owned or controlled by the organisation. The emissions are generated in the value chain of the organisation from all sources not within the scope 1 and scope 2 boundary. They are called value chain emissions which may be generated in the upstream or downstream activities. Further, scope 3 emissions are divided into 15 categories - 8 in upstream activities and 7 in downstream activities. Examples: purchased good and services, transportation, distribution, business travel, waste generated operation, employee commute, processing of sold goods, end of life treatment etc.
Best Practices for Industry
GHG emissions are a critical issue that have to be addressed to mitigate the impacts of climate change. There are many technologies to reduce emissions and make a positive impact on the environment. The industry best practices to reduce GHG emissions are:
- Energy efficiency: Implementing energy-efficient technologies and processes that can reduce energy use and GHG emissions. This can include upgrading equipment, optimizing production processes, and reducing energy waste.
- Renewable energy: Switching to renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower can significantly reduce GHG emissions.
- Carbon capture and storage (CCS): CCS technology captures carbon dioxide emissions before they are released into the atmosphere and stores them underground. This has been used at certain places to reduce emissions from industrial processes that are difficult to decarbonize.
- Green procurement: To adopt sustainable practices and sourcing materials and products with lower GHG emissions can help reduce emissions in the supply chain.
- Employee engagement: The employees can also contribute by adopting sustainable practices and reducing energy use in the workplace can help reduce GHG emissions.
- Emissions trading: Participating in emissions trading schemes, such as cap-and-trade programs, can provide a financial incentive for reducing GHG emissions.
- Collaboration and partnerships: The last approach is working with other companies, organizations, and governments to develop and implement solutions to reduce GHG emissions that will be more effective and cost-efficient than working individually.
By adopting these best practices, industries can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Case Study
Unilever, a global consumer goods company had set a goal in 2010 to reduce its absolute GHG emissions by 50% by 2020, based on a 2008 baseline. To achieve this goal, Unilever implemented a range of initiatives, including:
- Energy efficiency: Unilever improved the energy efficiency of its factories and warehouses, reducing its energy consumption by 20%.
Renewable energy: The company increased the use of renewable energy sources in its operations, such as solar and wind power, and committed to sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020. - Supply chain: Unilever worked with its suppliers to reduce emissions in its supply chain, for example, by promoting sustainable agriculture practices and reducing waste.
- Product design: Unilever improved the design of its products to reduce their carbon footprint, for example, by using more sustainable packaging materials and reducing the weight of its products.
As a result of these initiatives, Unilever was able to achieve its goal of reducing its absolute GHG emissions by 50% by 2020. This reduction in emissions not only had a positive impact on the environment but also helped to improve the company's bottom line by reducing its energy costs.