A Carbon Footprint Calculator Is A Vital Resource
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by: DanielStouffer | Total views: 84 | Word Count: 471
Faced with the knowledge that almost every facility gives out some type of greenhouse gas, a carbon footprint calculator has come into its' own, to help organizations reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The calculator allows them to more easily recognize the problem, put in place measures to reduce emissions and then gauge their progress.
Within the past several years, there have been many efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Among them are the U.S. Clean Air Act and The Climate Registry, which is a nonprofit agency that sets uniform standards for calculating, verifying and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. Membership in The Climate Registry is voluntary, however most North American states, provinces, territories and native sovereign nations are participating.
The carbon footprint calculator is a valuable tool in which facilities can enter data about their daily operations in areas that contribute greatly to greenhouse gas emissions. Energy use, waste generation, purchased materials and transportation are among the main areas that play a major role in the emitting of harmful gases into the environment.
It is imperative that carbon emissions are reduced, and that businesses measure their carbon footprint accordingly. As the future health of our planet depends on it and research shows that certain gases deplete the ozone layer, steps must be taken now to slow this damage. Gases are expected to remain in the atmosphere for hundreds of years hence.
By using a carbon footprint calculator, businesses will be able to measure how much of the environmentally harmful gases they use. These substances include carbon dioxide, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). According to scientists, these gases contribute to the earths warming, which could lead to extreme heat waves, rising sea levels and severe harm to humans, animals, plant life and marine life, if no action is taken to stop the damaging effects.
Following EPA requirements, an organization can identify the extent of their greenhouse gas emissions, can create a management plan, can set goals and report their findings through the use of a carbon footprint calculator. The calculator should be of particular benefit to companies that have multiple locations.
Emissions Factors and Global Warming Potential data is entered into a carbon footprint calculator, for each emissions source. For example commercial refrigeration and air-conditioning systems or heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Indirect emissions are also classified and described as being used by a company during its daily operations, but supplied by another source -- such as the use of electricity or heat. The total emissions involve reading EF and GWP at each source.
The task of monitoring, tracking and reporting greenhouse gas emissions is a somewhat cumbersome and tedious one. Companies are required to input complex data into a carbon footprint calculator so many companies who use HVAC systems in stores, warehouses, offices or hospitals are turning to computerized refrigerant management programs to help them achieve the task.
About the Author
Daniel Stouffer has a lot of data on the carbon footprint calculatorand how the refrigerant-tracker will aid you.
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