Greenhouse Gas Reduction Determined by Additionality
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by: DanielStouffer | Total views: 78 | Word Count: 459
Companies that have facilities which use refrigeration and air-conditioning systems or heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems have to measure changes which are imposed upon them due to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionality is a measure which compares the level of emissions prior to implementation with the levels after a greenhouse gas reduction project has been introduced.
Before a greenhouse gas reduction project is implemented, a monitoring and verification (M&V) plan must be developed to quantify and verify results. The additionality metrics included in the plan should explain when, how and who will be conducting the monitoring and verification process. Generally, software developed by specialists in the area is used to streamline the M&V process.
Many facilities that use refrigerant conduct a project specific assessment to determine additionality. This method evaluates greenhouse gas reduction projects on an individual basis by creating a baseline of emission levels before the project is in place. After the project is implemented, the emission levels are compared to the baseline to determine actual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
A performance standard assessment is used to determine additionality. Such an assessment is assessed for specific industries, like heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system or refrigeration and air conditioning system manufacturers. Measures show performance improvements as compared to existing standards for particular processes or appliances, in so far as they relate to the reduction of greenhouse gas.
Additionality plays an important role in determining the effectiveness of any reduction project. Global climate change is severely impacted by greenhouse gas emissions. Numerous industries are affected by greenhouse gas offsets projects in all sectors, just a few examples including renewable energy efforts, reforestation and methane capture and recovery in landfills.
It is essential that businesses account for the benefits of a greenhouse gas reduction program. Additionality criteria must be established in order for it to be a true emissions reduction. Monitoring and verification ensure that reductions are real and sustainable. Many facilities involved in the development of methods to reduce their usage are relying on monitoring and tracking software and web-based applications that have been developed by experts in this area.
An important part of an additionality equation involves an examination of the permanency of the project. Risk factors must also be determined, leakage issues addressed and proper accounting maintained through verification and monitoring.
Within the United States and overseas, the debate continues regarding funding. Whether or not funds should be made available to companies to enact programs aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions is under question. As a benchmarking system for certain industries is under development, the determination of funding would require feedback through additionality to show that the project went beyond regular business activities. As an example, funding would not be made available if the project would have occurred anyway due to conventional business improvement.
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Daniel Stouffer has a lot of information about the importance of additionalityand how the refrigerant-tracker can aid you.
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