GHG

Following are the 6 GHGs idendified under the Kyoto Protocol:

Carbon Dioxide

Methane

Nitrous Oxide

Perfluorocarbons

Hydroflurocarbons

Sulphur Hexafluoride

One Carbon Credit is equivalent to One tonne reduction of Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere. All the GHGs have a Global Warming Potential associated with them eg. Carbon Dioxide has a GWP of 1 and therefore all GHGs have different values in terms of carbon credits hence, 1 tonne of Carbon Dioxide is equvalent to 1 carbon credit.

Similarly other GHGs have their GWPs:

Carbon Dioxide = 1 GWP

Methane = 23 GWP

Nitrous Oxide = 296 GWP

Perfluorocarbons = 11,000 GWP

Hydroflurocarbons = 11,000 GWP

Sulphur Hexafluoride = 22,200 GWP

Therefore, 1 tonne of sulphur hexaflouride reduction is equivalent to 22,200 Carbon credits.

CO2 and CH4 are emitted into the atmosphere from many different sources including:

Landfill waste disposal sites

Power generation

Transportation

Natural gas flaring

Coal mines

Gas distribution networks

Animal and human waste

Nitrous Oxide is produced in the production of Adipic Acid and Nitric Acid – used in the production of nylon and fertilizers.

Fluorocarbons are released in the production of:

Landfill waste disposal sites

refrigents

aerosols

fire retardant foams

aluminium

semi-conductors

Sulphur Hexafluoride is emitted in the production of magnesium and electrical insulation materials.