report on carbon footprint

8/6/2019 Report on CARBON FOOTPRINT

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1. Introduction

Do you know we all are Smokers?

Yes, thats true every one of us is a Smoker!

But the Smoke we are talking about is not the Carcinogenic smoke of the

nicotine. We are talking about Carbon dioxide and Carbon monoxide,

which is equally dangerous if not less! All our daily activities are

Cigarette and we are Smokers!

We may not be aware but the smallest of our activities which requires

energy which comes from electricity results in small amount of Carbon

emission. The cumulative effect of such small cigarettes being smoked

by each one of us 6 billion human beings living on this planet generateshuge amount of CO2 which is now showing its effect on our very own

earth!

CO2 naturally constitutes about 0.3% of the Air we breathe but after the

17th century; Industrial Revolution in Europe, this percentage is on

steady rise and now as we enter the second decade of the 21st century,

the CO2 levels are reaching alarming levels and thus its our duty to

control the same because if we dont act now it might be too late! The

whole world is moving towards reducing carbon emission throughcollective action overseen by the United Nations itself. As the Charity

begins at home, so we need to be more responsible at household level. If

we take care of small things, big things will take care of it itself.

So through this project we aim at making the lay man aware how does he

contribute to Carbon emission, the hazards of the same on personal level

as well as to the whole world and thus suggest small and simple steps

that we can take to prevent carbon emissions .We must remember that

this world is not a gift for us to enjoy, but we are its caretaker and its our

moral and existential responsibility to protect it for our next generation!

2. What is Carbon footprint?

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A carbon footprint is "the total set of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event or

product".

It is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and

in particular climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse

gases produced through our daily activities.

It is a measurement of all greenhouse gases we individually produce and

has units of tones (or kg) of carbon dioxide equivalent.

The pie chart above shows the main elements which

make up the total of a typical person's carbon footprint in the developed world.

A Carbon Footprint is made up of two parts:

The primary footprint (shown in green slices of the pie chart) is a

measure of our direct emissions of CO2 from the burning of fossil

fuels including domestic energy consumption and transportation

(e.g. car and plane). We have direct control of these.

The secondary footprint (shown in yellow slices) is a measure of

the indirect CO2 emissions from the whole lifecycle of products we

use - those associated with their manufacture and eventual

breakdown. To put it very simply the more we buy the more

emissions will be caused on our behalf.

3. Greenhouse Gases are Indispensible?

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The Sun powers Earths climate, radiating energy at very short

wavelengths, predominately in the visible or near-visible (e.g.,

ultraviolet) part of the spectrum. Roughly one-third of the solar energy

that reaches the top of Earths atmosphere is reflected directly back to

space. The remaining two-thirds is absorbed by the surface and, to alesser extent, by the atmosphere. To balance the absorbed incoming

energy, the Earth must, on average, radiate the same amount of energy

back to space. Because the Earth is much colder than the Sun, it radiates

at much longer wavelengths, primarily in the infrared part of the

spectrum.

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Much of this thermal radiation emitted by the land and ocean is absorbed

by the atmosphere, including clouds, and reradiated back to Earth. Hence

the atmosphere acts as a one way valve. This is called the greenhouse

effect. The two most abundant gases in the atmosphere, nitrogen

(comprising 78% of the dry atmosphere) and oxygen (comprising 21%),exert almost no greenhouse effect. Instead, the greenhouse effect comes

from molecules that are more complex and much less common.Water

vapour is the most important greenhouse gas, and carbon dioxide (CO2)

is the second-most important one. Methane, nitrous oxide, ozone and

several other gases present in the atmosphere in small amounts also

contribute to the greenhouse effect.

The main worry is that, the amount of radiation which escapes depends

on the concentration of greenhouses gases in the atmosphere - carbon

emissions add to the concentration, meaning that less radiation escapes.

This means that the surface temperature of the Earth increases - by

0.6C 0.2C over the last century. This may not sound like much, but

the warming will increase with time, and could have disastrous

consequences.

Hence, the so-called greenhouse effect is not a bad thing as such -

without it, the temperature of the surface of the Earth would be -18C,

instead of the actual value of about 15C.So all the fuss is about the

unchecked emission of Greenhouse gases (mainly CO2) in atmosphere.

4. Why Are Atmospheric Levels Increasing?

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Levels of several important greenhouse gases have increased by about 25

percent since large-scale industrialization began around 150 years ago.

During the past 20 years, about three-quarters of anthropogenic (human-

caused) emissions came from the burning of fossil fuels. Concentrations

of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are naturally regulated by numerousprocesses collectively known as the carbon cycle.

Figure: Carbon Dioxide Emissions and Carbon Dioxide

Concentrations (1751-2004)

The movement (flux) of carbon between the atmosphere and the land

and oceans is dominated by natural processes, such as plant

photosynthesis. While these natural processes can absorb some of the net

6.2 billion metric tons (7.2 billion metric tons less 1 billion metric tons of

sinks) of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions produced each year

(measured in carbon equivalent terms), an estimated 4.1 billion metric

tons are added to the atmosphere annually. This positive imbalance

between greenhouse gas emissions and absorption results in the

continuing increase in atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases.

Figure: Global Carbon Cycle (Billion Metric Tons Carbon)

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Information Agency (Department of Energy), which estimates carbon

dioxide emissions from all sources of fossil fuel burning and consumption.

Here we list the 20 countries with the highest carbon dioxide emissions

(data are for 2006). A graph of the top 20 carbon dioxide emitters is also

available.

Country Total Emissions(Million metric tons of CO2)

Per Capita

Emissions(Tons/capita)

1. China 6017.69 4.58

2. United States 5902.75 19.78

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3. Russia 1704.36 12.00

4. India 1293.17 1.16

5. Japan 1246.76 9.78

6. Germany 857.60 10.40

7. Canada 614.33 18.81

8. United Kingdom 585.71 9.66

9. South Korea 514.53 10.53

10. Iran 471.48 7.25

11. Italy 468.19 8.05

12. South Africa 443.58 10.04

13. Mexico 435.60 4.05

14. Saudi Arabia 424.08 15.70

15. France 417.75 6.60

16. Australia 417.06 20.58

17. Brazil 377.24 2.01

18. Spain 372.61 9.22

19. Ukraine 328.72 7.05

20. Poland 303.42 7.87

The picture that emerges from these figures is one wherein general

developed countries and major emerging economy nations lead in total

carbon dioxide emissions. Developed nations typically have high carbon

dioxide emissions per capita, while some developing countries lead in the

growth rate of carbon dioxide emissions. Obviously, these uneven

contributions to the climate problem are at the core of the challenges the

world community faces in finding effective and equitable solutions.

The pie chart below shows carbon dioxide emissions for different sectors

in London based upon a 2006 survey

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The inference drawn from the above pie-chart indicates that the carbon

dioxide emissions from domestic sector constitute quiet healthy

percentage. Hence there is a need for awareness at the domestic level.

6. The source of increased CO2 in the atmosphere

The Carbon Cycle

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Some scientists have suggested that when the earth was new

(about 4.5 billion years ago), CO2 may have made up as much as

80% of the earth's atmosphere. About 2 billion years ago, the

concentration of CO2 was likely 20 or 30%. Human life and even

most life could not have survived in such an atmosphere. With theevolution of photosynthesizing plants, the concentration of CO2

dropped and the percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere

increased.

Remember that in photosynthesis:

CO2 +H2O + energy from sun ==> O2 + sugar

Both plants and animals undergo respiration in which

Sugar + O2 ==> CO2 +H20 + energy

In addition, when plants and animals die, the dead organisms decay

and give off CO2.

According to BBC Weather, the present amount of carbon dioxide

taken out of the atmosphere every year by plants is almost

perfectly balanced by amount of carbon dioxide put back into the

atmosphere by respiration and decay. The carbon dioxide produced

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in this manner is part of a cycle in which new carbon does not enter

the system, but rather it keeps changing in form. They might be

contained in sugars, proteins, starches, cellulose and the list goes

on and on. As living organisms undergo respiration (the metabolism

of sugars to produce energy for basic metabolic needs), or asorganisms die and decompose, the carbon compounds are broken

down and add CO2 to the atmosphere. The CO2 is used by plants in

the photosynthesis reaction, and the cycle keeps going.

Deforestation

When trees die and decompose, CO2 is released. This is part of the

normal carbon cycle. When trees are cut down and used for fuel,

the CO2 is also released. The rate at which CO2 is released as a

result of using trees for fuel is increased. However, when trees are

used for building construction, furniture, etc, the carbon is not

released rapidly into the environment. One would suspect then that

harvesting trees for this purpose would result in less CO2 release

into the atmosphere for any given period. That might be correct,

except that the tropical forests are being depleted, and with a

reduction in vegetation, there is a reduction in photosynthesis. As a

result, the carbon cycle is interrupted and the CO2 is not being

converted into sugars and oxygen. CO2 accumulates. According to

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University of Maryland researchers (3), the UN reported that

deforestation had decreased between 1980s and the 1990s, when,

in fact, it had increased, and the CO2 emissions from deforestation

had increased. If CO2 is increased due to deforestation, one would

expect the oxygen level to decrease as a result of decreasedphotosynthesis.

Fossil Fuels

A third source of carbon dioxide comes from stored CO2. The carbon

found in fossil fuels was laid down over millions of years. Because

the organisms did not decay completely, the carbon was neverreleased into the atmosphere as CO2. Instead, it was stored up in

the earth. Once fossil fuel has been recovered, processed andburned, the CO2, which would normally have been released over

tens of millions of years, is suddenly all released within a period of

a few hundred years, thus increasing the amount of CO2 in theenvironment.

Power Plants

Power plants are the major contributors to the increased level of

carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. The plants work for

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generating electricity by burning fossil fuels in a massive scale,

which produces large amounts of CO2. Coal is known to be

responsible for about 93% of the emissions in the power plants.

Natural gas produces 80% less carbon per unit of energy than coal,

and hence so much of impact on the environment results in theever-increasing pace of global warming.

Vehicles

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Gasoline-burning engines produce about 20% of carbon dioxide

emitted in the atmosphere. In the United States, 33% of emissions

are from vehicles. Sports bikes and vehicles result in more emissionthan general vehicles designed for normal roads.

7. Effects of Carbon Emissions

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7.1 Personal Health Hazards

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is naturally present in the atmosphere at levels of

approximately 0.035%. Short-term exposure to CO2 at levels below 2%

(20,000 parts per million or ppm) has not been reported to cause harmful

effects. Higher concentrations can affect respiratory function and cause

excitation followed by depression of the central nervous system. High

concentrations of CO2 can displace oxygen in the air, resulting in lower

oxygen concentrations for breathing. Therefore, effects of oxygen

deficiency may be combined with effects of CO2 toxicity.

Volunteers exposed to 3.3% or 5.4% CO2 for 15 minutes experienced

increased depth of breathing. At 7.5%, a feeling of an inability to breathe

(dyspnea), increased pulse rate, headache, dizziness, sweating,

restlessness, disorientation, and visual distortion developed. Twenty-

minute exposures to 6.5 or 7.5% decreased mental performance.

Irritability and discomfort were reported with exposure to 6.5% for

approximately 70 minutes. Exposure to 6% for several minutes, or 30%

for 20-30 seconds, has affected the heart, as evidenced by altered

electrocardiograms.

Workers briefly exposed to very high concentrations showed damage to

the retina, sensitivity to light (photophobia), abnormal eye movements,

constriction of visual fields, and enlargement of blind spots. Exposure toup to 3.0% for over 15 hours, for six days, resulted in decreased night

vision and colour sensitivity.

Exposure to 10% for 1.5 minutes has caused eye flickering, excitation

and increased muscle activity and twitching. Concentrations greater than

10% have caused difficulty in breathing, impaired hearing, nausea,

vomiting, a strangling sensation, sweating, and stupor within several

minutes and loss of consciousness within 15 minutes. Exposure to 30%

has quickly resulted in unconsciousness and convulsions. Several deathshave been attributed to exposure to concentrations greater than 20%.

Effects of CO2 can become more pronounced upon physical exertion, such

as heavy work.

CO2 gas is not irritating to the skin. Contact with liquefied CO2 can cause

frostbite. Symptoms of mild frostbite include numbness, prickling and

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itching in the affected area. Symptoms of more severe frostbite include a

burning sensation and stiffness of the affected area. The skin may

become waxy white or yellow. Blistering, tissue death and gangrene may

also develop in severe cases.

7.2 Global Warming

Both as an environmental phenomenon and as a topic, 'global warming

and carbon dioxide' has been showing no signs of cooling down. Know

about the different repercussions of global warming and CO2 emissions in

the environment, from what follows

Global warming results from the effect of what is called the 'greenhouse

effect'. Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, water vapor, nitrous oxide andozone are the main greenhouse gases. The main purpose of a greenhouse

is to allow sun's radiation (heat) to enter the enclosure easily, however,

does not allow the heat to be radiated back to the atmosphere. Similar to

a greenhouse, our atmosphere allows the sun's radiation to heat the

Earth and slows down the radiated heat to go back into the space. This

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greenhouse effect is essential to sustain life on Earth.

Now, due to the increased level of greenhouse gases, the atmosphere's

ability to trap and hold the heat increases more than required. As a

result, the average temperature of the Earth increases and this naturalphenomenon is known as 'global warming'. It is also defined as a

sustained increase in the atmosphere that causes abnormal climate

change.

Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the

Earth's near-surface air and oceans since the mid-20th century and its

projected continuation. Global surface temperature increased 0.74

0.18 C (1.33 0.32 F) during the last century. The Intergovernmental

Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) concludes that most of the observed

temperature increase since the middle of the 20th century is caused by

increasing concentrations ofgreenhouse gases resulting from human

activity such as fossil fuel burning and deforestation. The IPCC also

concludes that variations in natural phenomena such as solar radiation

and volcanoes produced most of the warming from pre-industrial times to

1950 and had a small cooling effect afterward. These basic conclusions

have been endorsed by more than 40 scientific societies and academies of

science, including all of the national academies of science of the

countries. A small number ofscientists dispute the consensus view.

Climate model projections summarized in the latest IPCC report indicate

that the global surface temperature will probably rise a further 1.1 to

6.4 C (2.0 to 11.5 F) during the twenty-first century The uncertainty in

this estimate arises from the use of models with differing sensitivity to

greenhouse gas concentrations and the use of differing estimates of

future greenhouse gas emissions.

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Some other uncertainties include how warming and related changes will

vary from region to region around the globe. Most studies focus on theperiod up to the year 2100. However, warming is expected to continue

beyond 2100 even if emissions stop, because of the large heat capacity of

the oceans and the long lifetime ofcarbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

An increase in global temperature will cause sea levels to rise and will

change the amount and pattern ofprecipitation, probably including

expansion of subtropical deserts. The continuing retreat ofglaciers,

permafrost and sea ice is expected, with warming being strongest in the

Arctic. Other likely effects include increases in the intensity ofextreme

weather events, species extinctions, and changes in agricultural yields.

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8. Global Warming Effects on the Ecosystem

The effects of Global warming are going to be catastrophic. The early

signs are clearly visible and they are the precursors to the impending

dangers. The following are the list of scientifically verified facts:-

Climate model simulations predict an increase in average surface

air temperature of about 2.5C by the year 2100 (Kattenberg et al.,

1996).

The likelihood of "killer" heat waves during the warm season will

increase (Karl et al., 1997)

The IPCC Second Assessment Report estimates that sea-levels will

rise by approximately 49 cm over the next 100 years, with a range

of uncertainty of 20-86 cm.

Sea-level rise will lead to increased coastal flooding through direct

inundation and an increase in the base for storm surges, allowing

flooding of larger areas and higher elevations.

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The evidence for global warming and climate change includes the

following:-

Global surface temperatures have risen about 0.7C in the past 100

years [Met Office]

Sea temperatures have risen by on average 0.5 degrees C (0.9

degree F) over the last 40 years [Tim Barnett, Scripps Institution of

Oceanography in La Jolla, California]

20,000 square kilometers of fresh water ice melted in the Arctic

between 1965 and 1995 [Ruth Curry, Woods Hole Oceanographic

Institution in Connecticut]

Worldwide measurements from tidal gauges indicate that global

mean sea level has risen between 10 and 25 cm (18 cm average)

during the last 100 years [Warrick et al., 1996]

11 of the last 12 years rank amongst the 12 warmest years on

record for global temperatures (since 1850) [IPCC, 2007]

Since 1975, the increase of the 5-year mean temperature is about

0.5C - a rate that is faster than for any previous period of equal

length [NASA, 1999]

There is widespread evidence that glaciers are retreating in many

mountain areas of the world. For example, since 1850 the glaciers

of the European Alps have lost about 30 to 40% of their surface

area and about half of their volume [Haeberli and Beniston, 1998]

Average annual temperature in the Arctic has increased by about 1

C over the last century, a rate that is approximately double that of

global average temperatures [IPCC, 1998]. Thus all the Prime

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coastal cities are in the danger of being partially or fully drowned in

near future.

Water shortages

Another result of global warming will be water shortages

At least one sixth of the world suffers vulnerability from water shortages.Rising temperatures mean that there will be more rain and less snow in

the mountains but also that snow will melt earlier in the year resulting in

more water in rivers and streams much earlier than they should be.

At present, water scarcity affects around 2 billion people in the world.

Due to climate change, severe and prolonged droughts will occur more

often which will lead to a serious lack of water for many people, animals

and crops. In contrast to droughts, glaciers are expected to disappear in

a few decades which can either cause floods or more droughts. Animalsare affected by extinction and people are more susceptible to diseases,

or, even worse, death. To add to this factor, there will be a decrease in

crops because of the temperature rise and lack of rain to help them grow.

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9. Initiatives for Carbon Reduction

9.1 Carbon Credits

Carbon credits are a key component of national and international

attempts to mitigate the growth in concentrations ofgreenhouse gases

(GHGs). One Carbon Credit is equal to one ton of Carbon. Carbon trading

is an application of an emissions trading approach. Greenhouse gasemissions are capped and then markets are used to allocate the

emissions among the group of regulated sources. The idea is to allow

market mechanisms to drive industrial and commercial processes in the

direction of low emissions or less "carbon intensive" approaches than are

used when there is no cost to emitting carbon dioxide and other GHGs

into the atmosphere. Since GHG mitigation projects generate credits, this

approach can be used to finance carbon reduction schemes between

trading partners and around the world.

There are also many companies that sell carbon credits to commercial

and individual customers who are interested in lowering their carbon

footprint on a voluntary basis. These carbon offsetters purchase the

credits from an investment fund or a carbon development company that

has aggregated the credits from individual projects. The quality of the

credits is based in part on the validation process and sophistication of the

fund or development company that acted as the sponsor to the carbon

project. This is reflected in their price; voluntary units typically have less

value than the units sold through the rigorously-validated Clean

Development Mechanism.

There are two distinct types of Carbon Credits: Carbon Offset Credits

(COC's) and Carbon Reduction Credits (CRC's). Carbon Offset Credits

consist of clean forms of energy production, wind, solar, hydro and

biofuels. Carbon Reduction Credits consists of the collection and storage

of Carbon from our atmosphere through biosequestration (reforestation,

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forestation), ocean and soil collection and storage efforts. Both

approaches are recognized as effective ways to reduce the Global Carbon

Emissions crises.

9.2 Kyoto Protocol

As of February 2009, 183 states have signed and ratified the Kyoto

Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate

Change, aimed at combating warming. The Kyoto Protocol is a protocol

to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

(UNFCCC or FCCC), an international environmentaltreaty with the goal of

achieving "stabilization ofgreenhouse gas concentrations in the

atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenicinterference with the climate system."The Kyoto Protocol establishes

legally binding commitment for the reduction of four greenhouse gases

(carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulphur hexafluoride), and two

groups of gases (hydro fluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons) produced by

industrialized nations, as well as general commitments for all member

countries.

As of January 2009, 183 parties have ratified the protocol, which was

initially adopted for use on 11 December 1997 in Kyoto, Japan and which

entered into force on 16 February 2005. Under the Kyoto Protocol,

industrialized countries agreed to reduce their collective greenhouse gas

(GHG) emissions by 5.2% from the level in 1990. National limitations

range from the reduction of 8% for the European Union and others to 7%

for the United States, 6% for Japan, and 0% for Russia. The treaty

permitted the emission increases of 8% for Australia and 10% for

Iceland.

As of February 2009, 183 states have signed and ratified the Kyoto

Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate

Change, aimed at combating global warming.

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9.3 Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC)

What is the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) Energy Efficiency

Scheme?

The CRC is a UK mandatory cap and trade scheme proposed to cut carbon

emissions by 1.2 million tonnes of carbon per year by 2020.

The key is energy efficiency and the reduction of emissions. Organizations

will have to devise a carbon abatement strategy, consider energy efficientmeasures, monitor, assess and manage their carbon emissions.

Who is affected?

The CRC is targeting large non-energy intensive private and public sectororganisations within the UK, whose combined electricity use through half

hourly metering exceeds 6,000 MWh per year. Approximately 5,000

organisations with energy spend greater than 500,000 will be obligatedto take part.

Are there any exemptions?

Emissions covered within the EU-ETS (EU Emissions Trading Scheme) andCCAs (Climate Change Agreements) are exempt. Subsidiary

organisations with over 25% of their emissions within CCAs will beexempt, but not the whole CRC organisation.

Is it the law?

Regulations are expected to be published shortly. These will be tabled inParliament to follow the Climate Change Act, having received Royal

Assent on 26 November 2008. Currently the CRC's third consultation is

being reviewed.

When does the Carbon Reduction Commitment start?

A 3 year introductory phase will begin in April 2010, however actions will

be necessary during 2009. Qualification for the scheme will be based onan organisations total half hourly electricity usage over the full calendar

year of 2008.

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What this means to your business?

It is likely to cost a business a minimum of 40,000 to purchase their

allowances in April 2011's first sale, and more if your energy usage is

greater than 6,000 MWh per year. Added to this a low league table

position will lead to further penalties.

You need to prepare your organization for the CRC by making an early

assessment of your carbon emissions via a Carbon Footprint Appraisal,

and then start reducing them.

By reducing energy & CO2 you will

Save operational costs

Avoid punitive charges Have an opportunity to trade your carbon savings into real profit

Gain marketing differentiation & advantage

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10. HOUSEHOLD TECHNIQUES TO CUT ONCARBON EMISSIONS

By taking small steps, you can contribute to the global climate changeeffort - and save money on your energy and heating bills! Learn how easy

it is with these simple tips.

Switch off your air conditioner every day for four hours when you're not

in the house in summertime and save about 300 kg CO2 per year.

This is based on the assumption that an air conditioner of 1 kW is

switched off for 4 hours per day during 4 months per year. This

corresponds to an energy saving of 480 kWh per year. Reference

electricity (electricity from natural gas with total greenhouse gas

emissions of 616 g/kWh) has been used to calculate CO2 emissions. Air

conditioners are real energy gobblers - use them sparingly and look for

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the most energy-efficient model. Fans might be an alternative! Switch to

green electricity and save about 520 kg CO2 per household per year.

This is based on average household electricity consumption in EU.

(Eurostat, 2003) It is also assumed that green electricity is a mixture of

hydro, biomass and wind power with a greenhouse gas emission factor ofaround 10 g/kWh (Vattenfall, 2001). At present 14% of the electricity in

Europe is generated from renewable energy sources such as wind, hydro,

wood, biogas, and solar. Demand creates supply: By switching to green

electricity in regions where citizens have the choice, you'll help

strengthen renewable energy sources. Fitting solar panels on the roof of

your home can help conserve more electricity.

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Replace five ordinary light bulbs in lamps that you use around 5 hours a

day with low energy (CFL) bulbs and save about 250 kg CO2 per

year

Switching to low energy light bulbs can reduce your lighting costs by up

to 60 Euros and they last up to 10 times longer than ordinary light

bulbs. Low energy light bulbs are more expensive to buy, but

cheaper over their life span. This is based on the assumption that

five 60 W ordinary light bulbs are replaced by five 16 W low energy

light bulbs and that these light bulbs are used 5 hours a day. An

ordinary 60 W light bulb is equivalent to a 16 W compactfluorescent lamp (AEA Technology, 1999). Reference electricity

(electricity from natural gas with total greenhouse gas emissions of

616 g/kWh) has been used to calculate CO2 emissions.

Make sure to use the washing machine only when it's full and save

about 45 kg CO2 per year. Dry clothes naturally instead of using a

tumble dryer and save about 280 kg CO2 per year.

This is based on a standard European dryer that consumes about 3,06

kWh per cycle (European Energy Network, 1995) and is used for about

150 drying cycles a year. It is also assumed. Reference electricity

(electricity from natural gas with total greenhouse gas emissions of 616

g/kWh) was used to calculate CO2 emissions Install a low-flow

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showerhead and save about 230 kg CO2 per person and year.

This is based on the assumption that a shower consumes 1 kWh/min

(flow rate of 28 l/min, 40 degrees, heat capacity of water is 4.18

kJ/kg,C) and that a low-flow showerhead saves 66% of the energy

(Vattenfall, 2006). It is also assumed that the duration of the shower is 5minutes and takes place 5 times a week. The actual figure is probably

even higher due to energy losses in the water heating system.

Switch to green electricity and save about 520 kg CO2 per household per

year.

This is based on average household electricity consumption in EU.(Eurostat, 2003) It is also assumed that green electricity is a mixture of

hydro, biomass and wind power with a greenhouse gas emission factor of

around 10 g/kWh (Vattenfall, 2001). At present 14% of the electricity in

Europe is generated from renewable energy sources such as wind, hydro,

wood, biogas, and solar. Demand creates supply: By switching to green

electricity in regions where citizens have the choice, you'll help strengthen

renewable energy sources. Fitting solar panels on the roof of your home can help

conserve more electricity.

Make sure to use the washing machine only when it's full and save

about 45 kg CO2 per year.

This is based on a standard European washing machine that consumes

about 1,24 kWh and is used for about 240 washing cycles a year

(European Energy Network, 1995). It is also assumed that half of these

yearly washing cycles are half full. This implies that you can do the sametotal wash load by reducing the number of cycles to 75% of today's total

amount. Reference electricity (electricity from natural gas with total

greenhouse gas emissions of 616 g/kWh) was used to calculate CO2

emissions.

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Dry clothes naturally instead of using a tumble dryer and save about

280 kg CO2 per year.

This is based on a standard European dryer that consumes about 3,06

kWh per cycle (European Energy Network, 1995) and is used for about

150 drying cycles a year. It is also assumed. Reference electricity

(electricity from natural gas with total greenhouse gas emissions of 616

g/kWh) was used to calculate CO2 emissions.

Boil just enough water for your hot drink and save about 25 kg CO2 per

year. If all Europeans boiled just the water they needed, thus avoiding 1

litre of unnecessarily boiled water per day, the energy saved could

power one third of Europes streetlights.

The energy needed to raise the temperature of one kg of water by one

degree Celsius is 4.18 kJ (the heat capacitivity of water is 4.18 kJ/kg,C).

In this calculation we assume 1 litre of boiled water is avoided per day

and that the avoided water would have been heated from 10C to 100C

with reference electricity (electricity from natural gas with total

greenhouse gas emissions of 616 g/kWh

Install a low-flow showerhead and save about 230 kg CO2 per personand year.

This is based on the assumption that a shower consumes 1 kWh/min

(flow rate of 28 l/min, 40 degrees, heat capacity of water is 4.18

kJ/kg,C) and that a low-flow showerhead saves 66% of the energy

(Vattenfall, 2006). It is also assumed that the duration of the shower is 5

minutes and takes place 5 times a week. The actual figure is probably

even higher due to energy losses in the water heating system.

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Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and save about 3 kg CO2 per

year.

This is based on the assumption that the flow rate of the tap is 1.5 litres

per minute. If you brush your teeth for 3 minutes, 2 times a day with the

water running, you will consume 9 liters of water. This is 8 liters more

than if you turn the tap off while brushing your teeth. To calculate CO2

emissions it is also assumed that the water is produced with reference

electricity (electricity from natural gas with total greenhouse gas

emissions of 616 g/kWh).

Turn down the heat.

Reducing the temperature by just 1C can cut 5-10% off your family'senergy bill and avoid up to 300kg of CO2 emissions per household and

year.

Program your thermostat

So that at night or while you are out of the house, the temperature is set

low and by the time you wake up or return home, the temperature is

comfortable again. This can reduce your heating bill by 7-15%.

Replace your old single-glazed windows with double-glazing.

This requires a bit of upfront investment, but will halve the energy lost

through windows and pay off in the long term. If you go for the best the

market has to offer (wooden-framed double-glazed units with low-

emission glass and filled with argon gas), you can even save more than

70% of the energy lost.

Don't let heat escape from your house over a long period.

When airing your house, open the windows for only a few minutes. If you

leave a small opening all day long, the energy needed to keep it warm

inside during six cold months (10C or less outside temperature) would

result in almost 1 tonne of CO2 emissions.

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Install good home insulation.

one of the most effective ways to reduce CO2 emissions and to save

energy in the long term. Heat loss through walls, roof and floor commonly

accounts for over 50% of overall space heat loss. Insulate your hot water

tanks, the pipes of your central heating as well as your wall cavities and

fit aluminium foil behind your radiators.

Move your fridge and freezer-

Placing them next to the cooker or boiler consumes much more energy

than if they were standing on their own. For example, if you put them in

a hot cellar room where the room temperature is 30-35C, energy use is

almost double and causes an extra 160kg of CO2 emissions for fridges per

year and 320kg for freezers.

Defrost old fridges and freezers regularly.

Even better is to replace them with newer models, which all have

automatic defrost cycles and are generally up to two times more energy-

efficient than their predecessors. When buying new appliances (not onlyfridges, but also washing machines, dishwashers, etc.), choose those with

the European Grade A+ label, meaning that it's very efficient - but also

compare the energy consumption among A+ graded appliances since it

can vary.

Be careful which settings you use -

If you set your fridge on its coolest setting, you will not only consumemore energy; your food will not keep fresh as long since it might be spoilt

through freezing.

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Avoid putting hot or warm food in the fridge.

You save energy by letting it cool down first before placing it in the fridge.

Check if your water's too hot.

Your cylinder thermostat doesn't need to be set higher than 60C. The

same goes for the boiler of your central heating. Remember, 70% of the

energy used by households in the EU is spent on heating homes and

another 14% on heating water.

Human activity generates six giga tonnes of carbon dioxide per year.

Human activity generates six giga tonnes of carbon dioxide per year,

while the Earth can recycle only three giga tonnes. The rest accumulates

each year in the atmosphere, thus reinforcing the greenhouse effect.

Remember to save energy!

Fill up that freezer!

Help it consume less energy by keeping it full. It requires less energy to

cool a full freezer than an empty one. Should you not have filled it, add

some plastic bottles filled with water or even old newspapers until you

need the space!

The recommended temperature for a refrigerator is between 1 4 C

For the freezer it should be set at -18 C. Each degree below these

temperatures makes no difference as to how well the food is preserved,

but it does increase energy consumption by approximately five per cent.

Place a thermometer in the refrigerator and the freezer to check the

temperature!

Defrost your food by taking it out of the freezer the night before

Placing it in the refrigerator or simply leaving it out on the counter. Avoid

defrosting in the microwave and adding to your electricity bill!

Don't use the pre-wash cycle on your washing machine.

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Modern washing machines allow you to bypass this cycle, saving 15 % of

the energy that would otherwise be used.

Bake in one go!

When baking a quiche, why not profit from an already heated oven and

place your apple pie in it as well? You will save 50 % on your gas or

electricity consumption!

Switch the stove or oven off a few minutes

Before your food is ready and make use of the residual heat to finish

cooking.

To save on energy when cooking,

Cut up your veggies into small pieces to reduce the cooking time. When

boiling or steaming vegetables, boil the water in the kettle first rather

than on the hob, and use only as much water as is necessary.

Switch to LED flashlights.

With a lifespan of almost 100 000 hours, this lamp will serve you fordozens of years without producing any waste or pollution!

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9. CONCLUSION

Doing this project was an amazing experience, not only did we came toknow a lot of energy and carbon saving ideas ourselves but we are proud

to have been able to share it with you all. It is evidently clear that thoughthe awareness regarding the perils of Carbon emission is high , majority

of the people still take things lightly when it comes to conserving the

environment the main reason for this being the deterioration ofenvironment being a slow process its immediate effects are not seen .

But we now have scientific proofs of changing climate and theenvironment, we must act now or else it would be too late to salvage the

situation. The entire coastal region faces the danger of being submergedunder the sea as Global warming melts more and more Polar ice. The

protection of our planet is our own duty. Its possible to bring about a

change if each one of us decides and makes a conscious effort to reduceour carbon emissions. We must remember to Reduce Reuse Recycle and

be Responsible!

So lets pledge to take every possible step to preserve our beautiful earth

and make it a better place to live in.

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report on carbon footprint

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