The earth's climate has changed drastically, as a result of increased human activities over the years, and will continue to change as long as there is continued expansion in the various sectors; this meant that more 'Fossil Fuels' had to be consumed in order to produce enough energy to supply the ever growing demand. This increased energy consumption, elevated the levels of 'Greenhouse Gases (GHG)' in the atmosphere and with 'Carbon dioxide (CO2)' having the largest by percentage, caused the earth's atmosphere to heat up giving rise to 'Global Warming'
'An increase in the average temperature of the earth's atmosphere, especially a sustained increase that causes climatic change'
http://www.appinsys.com/GlobalWarming/GW_TemperatureProjections_files/image001.jpg
Diagram 1
Comparison of IPCC Third Assessment Report (TAR) 2001 and Assessment Report (AR4) 2007
The truth is that 'CO2' is an unavoidable by product, and that each person's daily activities coupled with this rapid expansion in the various sectors are to be blamed for the sudden increase in the percentage of 'GHG' in our atmosphere. Industries, businesses, companies, organisations etc. are some of the largest contributors to global warming for the mere fact that they require vast amounts of energy for continued sustenance.
There is a growing concern about global warming and the lasting impact it will have on humanity and the environment. This crisis has led the Global community to implement a number of legislations geared towards the reduction of CO2 emissions, two (2) of which are the 'Kyoto Protocol' See Appendix 1 and 'Copenhagen Accord' See Appendix 2. So the need to reduce our CO2 emissions and the dependency on 'Fossil Fuel' by using more 'Renewable Energy Sources' to produce clean energy.
2.0 INTRODUCTION
The increased number of human activities over the last 30 years has lead to the rapid expansion in various sectors, creating the need for a lot more working space. This caused the emergence of new buildings to taking place at much faster rate, than the refurbishment or demolition of other predated structures. With existing buildings already requiring a vast amount of energy, for continued sustenance, this additional infrastructure only added to the already high energy demands.
'Electricity consumption in the commercial building sector doubled between
1980 and 2000, and is expected to increase another 50% by 2025 (EIA 2005)'
With the expectation that these older buildings will be around for a lot longer period and the need to make them more energy efficient, by re-designing or enabling them to reduce their 'CO2 Emissions' and to produce enough energy by using 'Renewable Energy Sources' to offset their present energy demands and the present impact they have on the environment is of utmost importance.
'Buildings have a significant impact on energy use and the environment.
Commercial and residential buildings use almost 40% of the primary energy and approximately 70% of the electricity in the United States (EIA 2005)'
As of February16th 2005, the 1997 'Kyoto Protocol' an international agreement linked to the 'United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change' finally became law, making it mandatory for all associated countries to reduce their 'CO2 emissions', but with this protocol due to expire in 2012, world leaders realised that a lot still needed to be done to stabilize the concentration of 'GHG' in the atmosphere. So in 2009 at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen Denmark, the 'Copenhagen Accord' document entitled; 'A framework for climate change mitigation beyond 2012' was drafted, it is intended to take over from the 'Kyoto Protocol' when it expires.
This document continues to recognise that 'Climate Change' is one of the greatest challenges facing us at this time and that actions should be taken to avoid any temperature increases to below 2°C and for reducing 'CO2 emissions'. A number of countries by way of their governmental representatives signed on to this accord, making a commitment to reduce their emissions by 2015.
With 'Trinidad and Tobago' being associated with both these agendas, the 'Kyoto Protocol' since January 28th 1999 and formally submitting a letter to the United Nations on January 28th 2010, indicating their intention to be associated with the 'Copenhagen Accord' but they are yet to submit what reduction actions they would be taking. At present, their share of the world's total 'GHG's' is 0.08% and 'CO2 emissions' per capita (tCo2eq) is 27.3%, for a complete breakdown See Table 5.
With legislations on climate change becoming more mandatory, it's only a matter of time before compliance and reporting on 'Energy Consumption' and 'CO2 emissions' are required by law and with these legislations are not only geared towards large organizations but for all energy consumers.
So being an Engineering Organization centrally located in Port -Of -Spain, Trinidad consisting of 25 members of staff and occupying a 15 year old 2 story building, does not make us immune. This gives us yet another opportunity to show our leadership qualities, by being proactive rather than reactive, and lead from the front on yet another initiative. But for us to achieve these objectives set out in both these agendas for carbon emission reduction. All our organisation's activities, both from a personal and professional point of view need to be addressed; this is expected to take one year and will be administered in three stages:
Stage 1 - Obtain the organisation's 'Carbon Footprint'
Stage 2 - Development of an 'Effective Energy Policy' for the organisation
Stage 3 - Implement, control, monitor and report all energy usage and CO2 emissions.
3.0 STAGE 1 - Obtain The Organization's 'Carbon Footprint'
This will enable us to effectively accumulate all required data on the organization's activities, so as to obtain the percentage of CO2 emitted on a daily basis from the quantity of energy consumed from each activity; this process is called a 'Carbon Footprint'.
'The total set of greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an [individual, event, organization, product] expressed as CO2 equivalent (CO2e) (Carbon Trust)'
Breakdown of a typical person's carbon footprint
Diagram 2
The pie chart above shows the main elements which
make up a typical person's total carbon footprint in the developed world.
These activities are to be then categorized by their emissions into three (3) groups or scopes using the 'Greenhouse Gas Protocol' standard:-
Scope 1 - Direct emissions
Result from activities within the organisation's control.
Examples include: on-site fuel combustion, manufacturing and process emissions, refrigerant losses and company vehicles.
Scope 2 - Indirect emissions: electricity and heat
Result from the purchase and use of energy by the organisation. Example includes: electricity, cooling, heat and steam.
Scope 3 - Indirect emissions: other
Result from sources not directly controlled by the organisation. Examples include: employee business travel, outsourced transportation, waste disposal, water usage and employee commuting.
4.0 STAGE 2 - Development Of An 'Effective Energy Policy'
For any continued reduction in our energy consumption to take place, an 'Effective Energy Policy' must be developed and implemented. This plan will be built around the information gathered on our 'Carbon Footprint' and using the five key guidelines set out in the 'Good practice Guide 200 - GPG 200'-:
The five key guidelines are:
Commitment - All Levels (Stakeholders, Management,
Finance, Human Resource, HSE, Engineering,
Technical, Employees etc.)
Understanding - Quantify, Identify, Analyse & Anticipate
Plan and Organise - Develop, Set Objectives & Designate
Implement - Initiate, Train, Integrate, Communicate & Overcome
Control and Monitor - Audit, Review & Improve
This will enable us to effectively manage and reduce our CO2 emissions, but if this venture is to have any success the full corporation and commitment of the entire organisation is essential. We can also reduce our CO2 emission by 'Carbon Offsetting' this is considered to be the primary approach by many organization's for controlling the impact they have on the environment, by implementing various processes and policies, so as to encourage continued CO2 emission reduction.
5.0 STAGE 3 - Implement, Control, Monitor And Report All Energy Usage And CO2 Emissions
Once all the stages have been completed and the 'Effective Energy Policy' has been fully accepted and integrated into our daily activities. This would enable us to effectively control our daily energy consumption and CO2 emissions, and achieve the international standards set out by the 'Copenhagen Accord' & 'Kyoto Protocol'. Apart from achieving international standards it also comes with a number of 'Organizational Benefits' such as-:
Enhanced profile and reputation
Enhanced Public Relation opportunities e.g. - Increased service appeal
- Corporate Social Responsibility
Competitive advantages e.g. - Long term sustainability
- Customer loyalty and referrals
- Repeated business
- Fresh marketing
- Premier choice for employment
Returns on your investment e.g. - Savings on energy bills
Government incentives
Obtain an international rating e.g. - EPBD
- BREEAM
All these benefits will enable us to gain the gain the upper hand over similar service rivals, and in so doing insure that our organization will continue to have a sustainable future, with the eventual aim of achieving a zero carbon working environment by 2020.
6.0 THE ORGANIZATION'S ACTIVITIES
6.1 Transportation
With the need to get from one point to another and the continued growth and expansion of different modes of transport available today, causing fossil fuel to be consumed in vast quantities on a daily basis. This continued consumption causes the carbon dioxide levels in our atmosphere to increase, making transportation one the single largest contributors to CO2 emissions worldwide.
The CO2 emitted from the transportation needs existing within our organization shown in 'Table 1' are not much different, in fact it is way above average for an organization of our size. So for any reduction to take place all the recommended suggestions should be implemented, this could be done without incurring any major cost, but it would mean having to make major adjustments in both our attitude and behaviour for this to be achieved. This could be enhanced even further with the purchasing of eco-friendly vehicles to replace the fleet when that time comes around.
6.2 Building
For any building to be energy efficient it must first be properly designed, technologically advance and it occupant's behaviour must be geared towards energy conservation, but this is not so with the building we presently occupy since it is 15 years old.
For us to achieve any sort of CO2 emission reduction, the implementing of the suggestions shown in 'Table 2' is highly recommended. Some of which are a quick fix solution and will not incur any initial cost, but it does not solve the overall building's energy inefficiency, so for the eventual aim of obtaining a 'Zero Carbon' building to be achieved, all of the building's imperfections needs to be addressed.
6.3 Office Equipment
Give that the majority of our Office Equipment are over 10 years old and at the time of purchase, energy conservation was not a prerequisite for purchasing equipment therefore, energy saving features were either not required or nonexistent as can be seen in 'Table 3'.
However legislations on climate change have made manufactures rethink the way that their products are manufactured and how they perform in the working world. This next generation of energy saving equipment will eventually replace its predecessors, because apart from energy efficient they are also smaller, lighter, faster more user friendly. So for any energy conservation to take place all of the recommended suggestion needs to be implemented.
6.4 Material Usage
Although we are not directly responsible for the production or manufacture of the materials we consume on a daily basis see 'Table 4'. But we are responsible for; insuring that the products which we use are both environmentally friendly and are produced or manufactured by green energy suppliers, by this we will be doing our part by insuring that the level of CO2 emission do not increase any further.
7.0 ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Conforming to international standards, from the information gathered on our organisation's carbon footprint should be of major concern, given the vast amount of energy consumed by our Lighting, Air Conditioning & Outdated Office Equipments. Apart from the implementation of all the suggestion made, to improve our CO2 emissions, and help to reduce the overall impact that we could have on the environment. A lot can still be done to further reduce our CO2 emission by the implementation of 'Low and Zero Carbon Technology' (LZCT) to reduce our present energy consumption.
With the advancement in LZCT, new buildings are being constructed and outfitted with a number of these energy saving devices, they help reduce the overall 'Carbon Footprint' by 'Offsetting' the building's energy demands, making a building a lot more 'ECO-Friendly'. Older buildings weren't so lucky, because at their time of construction 'LZCT' technology was not readily available and whatever little information they did have, was not convincing enough to warrant the need for 'Energy Conservation'.
By using 'LZCT's' to produce energy from renewable energy sources such as Solar, Wind, Wave, Biomass, Geothermal and Nuclear. This would help to offset our now existing energy consumption, by producing enough electrical energy to run both our lighting and air condition systems. But given our geographical location, the readily available natural recourses, land mass and our property location, the only renewable energy source that is both practical and cost effective would be solar. There are two (2) options to consider which uses solar as their main energy source they are:
7.1 Photovoltaic (PV)
This uses solar cells to convert sunlight (Solar Radiation) into electrical energy, they basically do not contain any moving parts in their design and require very little or no maintenance. They can be easily mounted onto the existing roof structure.
Examples of 'Building Integrated PV Designs' -:
- 4 Times Square
Location: Broadway and 42nd Street, New York City, New York
- General Services Administration, Williams Building
Location: 408 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts
7.2 Absorption Cooling (Solar Cooling Systems)
It is recommended that the cooling system should be upgrade, to one that is both technologically advanced and eco-friendly, for this reason the 'Solar Cooling Systems' was chosen because it is basically an air condition system which is not driven by electricity but by solar heated solutions or fluids such as water. They can either be used as stand-alone or with conventional AC systems and are energy efficient and environmentally safe.
8.0 CONCLUSION
Global warming is fast becoming the world's most crucial concern, and is causing the earth's climate to change at such an alarming rate, that it has become one of mankind's greatest riddles, because of its devastating effects on our planet's eco system. With the environment the way it is at present everything that could be done, should be done by us both as an individual and to a greater extent an organisation.
So this initial cost of reducing the levels of CO2 emitted by reducing our energy consumption, should not be seen as an obstacle, but more so as investment in our organisation's future. Because if this global phenomenon continues to go unchecked, the earth's eco system will eventually reach a point that it can no longer sustain life. Some of these effects can already be seen in the forms of extreme weather conditions, earthquakes, melting of the polar ice caps, extreme droughts etc. some of which may be already irreversible. So we should therefore ask ourselves these two questions-:
1.) Are we will to sit idly by and continue consuming the amount of energy and emitting the quantity of CO2 we presently do, knowing that at our present rate of consumption there will be nothing left but a planet unable to sustain life ?.
2.) Are we will to lead from the front as a responsible organisation by doing our part in helping to reduce the amount of CO2 presently emitted, so that our children will be able to have a sustainable future ?.
'Table 1' below shows our organization's 'TRANSPORTATION' activities, and gives reasons for our 'CO2 emissions' and recommended suggestions on how to reduce them.
ACTIVITIES
INITIAL COST
REASONS FOR CO2 EMISSIONS
RECOMMENDED
SUGGESTIONS
Transportation
Non
Vehicle use above average
When possible car pool
Non
Use the public transportation system more often, walk or cycle if distance is short
Non
AC is being used too often
Use fresh air as often as feasible possible
Non
Driving at excessive speeds
Use proper driving techniques
Medium
Too much unnecessary business trips
Where possible use video conferencing
'Table 2' below shows our organization's 'BUILDING' activities, and gives reasons for our 'CO2 emissions' and recommended suggestions on how to reduce them.
ACTIVITIES
INITIAL COST
REASONS FOR CO2 EMISSIONS
RECOMMENDED SUGGESTIONS
Cooling
Non
Use more natural ventilation
Non
Temperature fluctuations
Setting the thermostat to a specific temperature
High
Improper duct insulation
Refurbish duct insulation
High
Improper sealing of building envelope and structure
Correct imperfection in building envelope and structure
High
Present windows allow too much heat and noise to enter
Install double coated glazed windows
Lighting
Non
Make more use of natural light whenever possible
Non
Ensure they are turned off in areas which are not in use
High
Light bulbs not energy efficient
Lighting fixtures can be outfitted with high frequency ballasts and energy efficient tubes
Medium
Lighting fixtures poorly arranged
Re-arrange lighting fixtures for more efficiency
Water Usage
Non
Leaving taps open for long periods
Close once finished
Medium
Install water saving devices on all washroom fixtures
Medium
To many leaks
Find and repair all leaks
High
Majority of piping is corroded
Renew piping
High
All fixtures are outdated
Update all washroom fixtures
'Table 3' below shows our organization's 'OFFICE EQUIPMENT' activities, and gives reasons for our 'CO2 emissions' and recommended suggestions on how to reduce them.
ACTIVITIES
INITIAL COST
REASONS FOR CO2 EMISSIONS
RECOMMENDED SUGGESTIONS
Office Equipment
Non
Little or no energy saving features available and not environmentally friendly -
(PC's, Photocopies, Printer etc.)
Ensure that all equipment are switched off at the end of the workday and on weekends
High
Install an appliance level smart metering system
High
Equipment are outdated
All outdated equipment needs to be upgraded to those which are more cost effective
'Table 4' below shows our organization's 'MATERIAL USAGE' activities, and gives reasons for our 'CO2 emissions' and recommended suggestions on how to reduce them
ACTIVITIES
CATOGARY
( Initial Cost )
REASONS FOR CO2 EMISSIONS
SUGGESTIONS
Material usage
Non
Consumption - Too many unnecessary printing
Reduce paper trails - Email it once possible
Non
Prints should be done in draft and or double sided if possible
Low
Suppliers location
Buy from a closer supplier if possible
Purchased - (Ink, Paper, Toner, etc.)
By products from green energy suppliers
Use environmentally friendly product / service (LCA)
Medium
Does not recycle - (Waste disposal)
Implement the 4 'R' - Reduce, Repair, Reuse and Recycle
'Table 5' below shows 'TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDICATORS'
APPENDIX 1 - 'THE KYOTO PROTOCOL'
The Kyoto Protocol is a protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC or FCCC), aimed at fighting global warming. It is an international environmental treaty with the goal of achieving "stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would minimize dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system."
The Protocol was initially adopted on 11 December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan and entered into force on 16 February 2005. Under the Protocol, 37 industrialized countries (called "Annex I countries") commit themselves to a reduction of four greenhouse gases (GHG) (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulphur hexafluoride) and two groups of gases (hydro-fluorocarbons and per-fluorocarbons) produced by them, and all member countries give general commitments.
The five principal concepts of the Kyoto Protocol are:-
Commitments to reduce greenhouse gases that are legally binding for annex I countries, as well as general commitments for all member countries.
Implementation to meet the Protocol objectives, to prepare policies and measures which reduce greenhouse gases; increasing absorption of these gases (for example through geo-sequestration and bio-sequestration) and use all mechanisms available, such as joint implementation, clean development mechanism and emissions trading; being rewarded with credits which allow more greenhouse gas emissions at home.
Minimizing impacts on developing countries by establishing an adaptation fund for climate change.
Accounting, reporting and review to ensure the integrity of the Protocol.
Compliance by establishing a compliance committee to enforce commitment to the Protocol.
APPENDIX 2 - 'THE COPENHAGEN ACCORD'
In 2009 United Nations Climate Change Conference (Copenhagen Summit), was held at the Bella Centre in Copenhagen, Denmark, from 7 to the 18 of December. It was at this summit that the 'Copenhagen Accord' document entitled; "A framework for climate change mitigation beyond 2012" was drafted:-
The Accord
Endorses the continuation of the Kyoto Protocol
Underlines that climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time and emphasises a "strong political will to urgently combat climate change in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities"
To prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system, recognises "the scientific view that the increase in global temperature should be below 2 degrees Celsius", in a context of sustainable development, to combat climate change.
Recognises "the critical impacts of climate change and the potential impacts of response measures on countries particularly vulnerable to its adverse effects" and stresses "the need to establish a comprehensive adaptation programme including international support"
Recognises that "deep cuts in global emissions are required according to science" (IPCC AR4) and agrees cooperation in peaking (stopping from rising) global and national greenhouse gas emissions "as soon as possible" and that "a low-emission development strategy is indispensable to sustainable development"
States that "enhanced action and international cooperation on adaptation is urgently required to... reduce vulnerability and build.. resilience in developing countries, especially in those that are particularly vulnerable, especially least developed countries (LDCs), small island developing states (SIDS) and Africa" and agrees that "developed countries shall provide adequate, predictable and sustainable financial resources, technology and capacity-building to support the implementation of adaptation action in developing countries"
About mitigation agrees that developed countries (Annex I Parties) would "commit to economy-wide emissions targets for 2020" to be submitted by 31 January 2010 and agrees that these Parties to the Kyoto Protocol would strengthen their existing targets. Delivery of reductions and finance by developed countries will be measured, reported and verified (MRV) in accordance with COP guidelines.
Agrees that developing nations (non-Annex I Parties) would "implement mitigation actions" to slow growth in their carbon emissions, submitting these by 31 January 2010. LDS and SIDS may undertake actions voluntarily and on the basis of (international) support.
Agrees that developing countries would report those actions once every two years via the U.N. climate change secretariat, subjected to their domestic MRV. NAMAs seeking international support will be subject to international MRV
Recognises "the crucial role of reducing emission from deforestation and forest degradation and the need to enhance removals of greenhouse gas emission by forests", and the need to establish a mechanism (including REDD-plus) to enable the mobilization of financial resources from developed countries to help achieve this
Decides pursue opportunities to use markets to enhance the cost-effectiveness of, and to promote mitigation actions.
Developing countries, especially these with low-emitting economies should be provided incentives to continue to develop on a low-emission pathway
States that "scaled up, new and additional, predictable and adequate funding as well as improved access shall be provided to developing countries... to enable and support enhanced action"
Agrees that developed countries would raise funds of $30 billion from 2010-2012 of new and additional resources
Agrees a "goal" for the world to raise $100 billion per year by 2020, from "a wide variety of sources", to help developing countries cut carbon emissions (mitigation). New multilateral funding for adaptation will be delivered, with a governance structure.
Establishes a Copenhagen Green Climate Fund, as an operating entity of the financial mechanism, "to support projects, programme, policies and other activities in developing countries related to mitigation". To this end, creates a High Level Panel
Establishes a Technology Mechanism "to accelerate technology development and transfer...guided by a country-driven approach"
Calls for "an assessment of the implementation of this Accord to be completed by 2015... This would include consideration of strengthening the long-term goal", for example to limit temperature rises to 1.5 degrees
