Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Enfor uses up to date, BC-recognized standards and reporting templates to evaluate your greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This includes reference to ISO 14064 internationally recognized standards for greenhouse gas accounting.
An evaluation (audit) will establish your greenhouse gas baseline, an assessment of reductions achieved and required, and recommendations for future reductions. We'll provide prioritized recommendations for reducing greenhouse gases that meet your needs and your abilities, and can arrange a schedule for future assessments to help you stay compliant.
Major sources of GHGs include:
- Combustion of fossil fuels used to generate electricity.
- Combustion of fossil fuels in transportation. Transportation is the single largest contributor to GHG emissions in BC.
- Combustion of fossil fuels for space and water heating. In BC, buildings account for around 11% of GHG emissions (according to the Ministry of Environment). The majority of this is from natural gas consumption, although propane and heating oil also play a role.
- Decomposition of organic wastes. Organic wastes, including paper, wood, waste food and sewage solids all emit GHGs as they decompose. Decomposition produces significant quantities of methane, a more potent GHG.
- Removal of 'carbon sinks'. Clearing without replacing forests, green space and other ecosystems within a community causes the release of that carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and prevents the ecosystem from absorbing further carbon dioxide.
Some key actions that communities, business and individuals can take to reduce GHGs which Enfor's experts can advise on include:
- Reducing methane release. Since methane is such a potent greenhouse gas, projects that reduce methane emissions may result in the greatest reductions of your GHG. Such projects include the beneficial use (e.g. energy production) of landfill gas and digester gas arising from anaerobic digestion of sewage, and the capture and destruction of methane (e.g. flaring).
- Fuel switch from fossil fuels in industrial processes. Industries, businesses and communities can lower their GHG emissions by switching to use, or co-firing with, carbon neutral energy sources such as biomass energy (wood pellets or briquettes). Our experience shows that you will save energy costs as well as reduce your carbon budget, making the switch economically viable.
- District heating systems for communities. The use of biomass fired combined heat and power systems are common in Europe, taking advantage of the heat energy from a power system to heat local buildings while generating electricity. Reducing the carbon footprint and reducing heat and power costs at the same time.
Enfor Consultants Ltd. is committed to deliver you a successful GHG project. Please feel free to contact us to see how we can help meet your needs.