climate change and the community 1010
DESCRIPTION
What is climate change? How does this affect American communities? What can people do and what are the additional benefits?TRANSCRIPT
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Climate Change & Our Community
Marc Karell, P.E., CEM
Environmental CommitteeBorough of Milltown, NJ
October 5, 2010
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Goals
Understand the basics of climate change, greenhouse gases (GHGs), and sustainability
Learn what we as individuals, businesses, and the community can do
The many ways and benefits of “greening” our activities
You Hear About it On The News, But Is Climate Change For Real?
Part 1: “Global Warming” Is Happening
Avg. global temp. ⇑ 1.10F in past century. Real increase. Another 40F rise in next 35 years?
If this continues, long-term effects on: our climate, oceans, diseases, agricultural, tourist, insurance & oil markets, and ecosystems.
Our economy and way of life
“Climate Change”
The Arctic is Melting
Is Climate Change For Real?Part 2: Causes of Climate Change
Certain compounds in our atmosphere trap heat, called “greenhouse gases” or GHGs.
Each GHG has a different relative effect. GHGs derive from both natural & man-made sources. Atmospheric CO2 levels have risen by about 40% since
late 1800’s, correlating with fossil fuel combustion. Global temperature rise correlates with these activities.
Large majority of climatologists believe that man-made GHG emissions significantly contributes to climate change. But there is legitimate dispute. See the Stern Report.
from the Pew Center on Global Climate Change
To Address Climate Change We Need To Understand What Are GHGs and From Where They
Are Emitted
GHGs are a group of non-toxic compounds that trap heat. Carbon dioxide (CO2) Methane (CH4) Nitrous oxide (N2O) Many refrigerants
CO2 is the most common one, derives from the combustion of fuel: electricity production, transportation, keeping warm
Indirect emissions. When we use electricity, we don’t emit GHGs from our home, but we cause a power plant somewhere to potentially emit GHGs.
Attempts to Address Issue: Reduce GHG Emissions
Scientific consensus: global GHG emissions must be reduced by 70-80% from 1990 baseline by 2050 to reverse effects and prevent disaster. Effects are global, so action must be global.
“Kyoto Protocol” was initial attempt to reduce GHG emissions. U.S. never approved Kyoto
The Obama Administration and Congress promised aggressive federal GHG emission reduction rules.
Some states and regions are currently developing and implementing their own GHG rules.
GHG Regulation - Here in NJRegional Greenhouse Gas Initiative
“RGGI” is a market-based CO2 trading program for power plants in 10 NE states, including NJ.
Affected states must have met total CO2emissions equal to a early 2000’s baseline rate beginning in 2009 and a 10% reduction by 2019.
CO2 emission reduction by individual power plants by a cap and trade system.
The Concept of Cap and TradeC
O2
emis
sion
s - 1,000
+ 1,000purchased units
sold units
Company 2
Emissions cap
Company 1
Decision making:Comparison between cost to reduction GHG emissions vs. market price for emission credits
Why Develop a Climate Change (CC) Program?Many Business (Non-regulatory) Reasons
1. $$$. The growing cost of energy Actions that reduce energy usage reduce GHG emissions Given the price of energy these days, much $$$ saved! Example. DuPont claims they invested $120 million in energy
efficiency programs in the 1990’s and as a result has saved over $3 billion in avoided energy costs
2. $$$. GHG emission reductions can become sellable credits Example. Blue Heron Paper Co. (OR) improved energy efficiency
by 25% (191,000 metric tons GHGs/yr). Financial incentives, tax credits for project and a pledge to buy all verified GHG emission reduction credits.
Why Develop a Climate Change (CC) Program?Many Business (Non-regulatory) Reasons
3. Public relations and product development Just say “Climate Change” to Toyota and GE!
4. Pleasing customers. Firms ask about the “carbon footprint” of products. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Example. Major retailers Walmart and Tesco are
requesting GHG emission data throughout product life cycle entering local store.
Non-regulatory Pressures in the U.S.Pleasing Customers
Life cycle assessment (LCA). What is the “carbon footprint” of a product from “cradle to grave”?
Sometimes called “Walmart Effect”, as Walmart has become the most prominent retailer to ask suppliers.
More firms are being asked to calculate GHG emissions from all phases of a product life.
From where do most of the GHG emissions derive: Life cycle quiz
GHG Emissions Along Product Life Cycle
• Transportemissions
NewInvestment/
DesignSupply Chain
Production/Operation Distribution
Sales and Consumer End Use
Recycling/End of Life
• Transport emissions• Emissions related to
energy demand for recycling
• Emissions related to energy demand of processes
raw / input materials• Emissions related to
processing of raw / input materials
• Transport emissions
• Emissions related to energy demand at filling facility
• Emissions due to storage, cooling
• Transportemissions
NewInvestment/
DesignSupply Chain
Production/Operation Distribution
Sales and Consumer End Use
Recycling/End of Life
• Transport emissions• Emissions related to
energy demand for waste disposal
• Emissions related to energy demand of processes
• Emissions related to raw / input materials• Emissions related to processing of raw / input materials•Transport emissions
• Emissions related to energy demand at end user
• Emissions due to storage, usage
Green Building•
Borough of Milltown’s Carbon Footprint
A carbon footprint is a calculation of GHGs being emitted by an entity and from which sources. Such data can be used to determine strategies to reduce GHG emissions rationally and at minimal cost.
The Borough of Milltown is attempting to perform such a carbon footprint of the community and the municipality.
It is important to cooperate and provide as accurate answers as possible so that the most effective solutions can be determined.
Borough of Milltown’s Carbon Footprint
Carbon footprint will tell us from where most GHGs are emitted (businesses, municipality) and from where (electricity, fuel combustion, transportation).
The results will provide Milltown with potential cost-effective strategies to reduce the carbon footprint.
Not only will GHG emissions be reduced, but this will also save people, businesses, and Milltown $$$, reduce energy usage, reduce emissions of other, toxic compounds, and reduce traffic congestion.
What Is Sustainability?
Policies that meet society’s present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Economic development must proceed in a way that protects our finite natural resources.
Productivity Planet People
What we have talked about – climate change and its effects on our way of life and Earth – is just 1 part of sustainability. Besides climate change, there is also: Water conservation Energy conservation Waste minimization Recycling
Sustainable JerseyCertification Program for Municipalities
A rating system and guideline for municipalities, sponsored by groups including the NJDEP, NJ Board of Public Utilities, the Municipal Land Use Center at College of NJ, and others.
Sustainable Jersey strives for: Prosperity – support local economy; use community resources Planet – practice responsible environmental management and
conservation People – social equity and fairness
What Can We Do To Positively Affect Sustainability? from
www.SierraClubGreenHome.com
1. Insulate your home
2. Evaluate lights; use compact fluorescents; remove, move fixtures3. Energy-efficient (Energy Star) appliances4. Fuel efficient automobiles; for municipality: more efficient routes5. Install a clothesline (call it solar drying)6. Compost, reducing garbage and need for fertilizer7. Install low-flow shower heads and faucets8. Use thermostats to not waste fuel; sensors to turn off unneeded lights9. “Vampire” energy: turn off power strips if not in use10. Install cotton or hemp curtains to keep in warmth
2030 U.S. abatement potential under mid-range commitment and action
The Green Building Revolution
A lot of usage of resources and GHG emissions is passive – in our homes, schools, and offices daily
Features can be built into these structures to minimize our environmental impact
US Green Building Council: LEED Standards Reduce energy, water usage, waste generation,
exposure to toxic compounds Govt, NGO, private funding in many cases Studies show improved worker productivity, fewer sick
days
Average Savings of Green Buildings
ENERGYSAVINGS
30%
CARBONSAVINGS
35%
WATERUSE
SAVINGS30-50%
WASTECOST
SAVINGS50-90%
Source:Capital E
Low waterconsumption fixtures
Sustainable UrbanDrainage System
(SUDs)
Superior insulation,and using low VOC,
renewable, high recycled content
materials
Rain harvesting
Photovoltaics Combined Green Roof with High Albedo membranes
Urban wind turbines
Double-glazed windowsplus film
Tracking skylights &light pipes
HVAC: upgrade chillers,use dehumidification
system
Energy recoveryusing heat exchange
Sensors, sensors,sensors
Radiant coolingIncreased daylighting &high efficiency lighting
Fuel Cell power generators running
on biofuel from wastes
UN HQ Renovation into High Performing Green Buildings
“The insuffurable arrogance of human beings to think that Nature was made
solely for their benefit.”
- Who said this? When?
“The insuffurable arrogance of human beings to think that Nature was made
solely for their benefit.”
- Cyrano de Bergerac, 1655
