"Scientists have established that a number of human activities contribute to global warming, adding excessive amounts of greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere. Greenhouse gasesGreenhouse Gases in the earth's atmosphere absorb and re-emit infrared radiation. The Kyoto ProtocolAn international agreement linked to the UNFCCC and sharing its aim of stabilising atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, but requiring separate ratification by governments. The Kyoto Protocol, among other things, sets binding targets for the reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions by industrialized countries. It entered into force for ratifying countries in February 2006 and commits developed nations to collectively cut their greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2 per cent of 1990 levels by 2012. Came into force in Australia on 11 March 2008. lists six major greenhouse gases, which vary in their relative warming effect. The six gases are: carbon dioxideA greenhouse gas that is produced as a by-product of oil and gas production, burning fossil fuels and biomass, as well as from all animals, plants, and a number of other natural sources. Carbon dioxide is the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas that affects the earth’s temperature. (CO2), methane (CH4Methane (CH4) is a greenhouse gas with a GWP of 21. ), nitrous oxideAgriculture accounts for the majority of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in Australia, The transport sector also contributes to emissions of N2O. N2O has a high global warming potential of about 310 times that of CO2.it breaks down very slowly – over about 120 years (N2O), HFCs (hydrofluorocarbonsMajor releases of HFCs are from leakage from refrigeration equipment during operation and its end-of-life destruction. Minor releases arise from the use of HFC-containing aerosols, air conditioners and metered dose inhalers.HFCs have very high global warming potentials (140 to 11,700 times that of carbon dioxide).), PFCsMost emissions of PFCs in Australia are generated during aluminium production. PFCs have extremely high global warming potentials (5000 to 10,000 times that of carbon dioxide). However, because they are only released in relatively small amounts, their contribution to global warming is minor. Due to their stability they have very long atmospheric lifetimes (thousands of years). (perfluorocarbons) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) is a man-made chemical. The major sources of SF6 release include leakage from electrical switchgear, from magnesium smelting processes and use in semiconductor manufacture. It has by far the highest global warming potential (23,900 times that of carbon dioxide), however it is only released in relatively small amounts.). such as carbon dioxideA greenhouse gas that is produced as a by-product of oil and gas production, burning fossil fuels and biomassBiomass is non-fossilized and organic biodegradable material that can be used as fuel or for industrial production. Most commonly, biomass refers to plant matter grown for use as Biofuels, but it also includes plant or animal matter used for production of fibres, chemicals or heat. Biomass may also include biodegradable wastes that can be burnt as fuel. , as well as from all animals, plants, and a number of other natural sources. Carbon dioxide is the principal anthropogenic greenhouse gas that affects the earth’s temperature. accumulate in the atmosphere and trap heat, resulting in temperature increases.
While many greenhouse gases occur naturally and are needed to keep the Earth warm enough to support life, use of fossil fuels by humans is the main source of excess greenhouse gases. By using electricity from coal-fired power plants we release carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere. Deforestation is another significant source of greenhouse gases, because fewer trees results in less carbon dioxide being converted to oxygen.
Alliance Network International (ANI) is proud to be involved in an environmental program that will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Our goal is to help as many properties, public and private to achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
GreenAlliance is an ANI initiative.
ANI has an approved program under the NSW Greenhouse Gas Reduction (GGASSee The NSW Greenhouse Gas Abatement SchemeNew South Wales Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme commenced on 1 January 2003 and targets are set until 2012. It is one of the first mandatory greenhouse gas emissions trading schemes in the world. GGAS aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and use of electricity. For more information see here. ) Scheme. Green Alliance has approved programs under the Victorian Government VEETThe Victorian Energy EfficiencyEnergy efficiency improvements refer to a reduction in the energy used for a given service (heating, lighting, etc.) or level of activity. Such savings are generally achieved by substituting technologically more advanced equipment to produce the same level of end-use services (e.g. lighting, heating, motor drive) with less electricity. Target (VEET) is the target within the Energy Saver Incentive, the mandatory energy efficiency target scheme in Victoria that commenced on 1 January 2009. The legislative requirement is administered by the Essential Services Commission, while compliance is placed on energy retailers through the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Act 2007. Scheme and the Department of Climate Change Greenhouse FriendlySee AGO GF'Australian Greenhouse Office Greenhouse Friendly' Abatement Program was launched in 2001 and now forms part of the Australian Government's Greenhouse Challenge Plus programme. It provides businesses and consumers with the opportunity to sell and purchase greenhouse neutral products and services and broaden the basis for investment in additional greenhouse gas abatement. For more information, see here. Scheme. All of these programs aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of electricity. "