What is the connection between my office or homes energy consumption and my carbon footprint (emissions)?
Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are a by-product of consuming fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas (GHG) which numerous studies have linked to climate change. In our region many assume hydro-power is our primary energy source for generating electricity. In reality, approximately only 40% of our energy comes from hydro-power. The bulk of the remainder is generated by coal-powered plants, with small amounts from biomass, wind, geothermal (renewable sources) and natural gas. Coal power used to generate electricity creates global warming pollution, mainly from carbon dioxide. Designing smaller buildings that use less energy or generate their own, as in a solar panel installation, results in lower carbon emissions. Decreasing your energy use directly reduces your carbon emissions. Here is a simple comparison given the same amount of energy: • Solar, hydro or wind-generation = 0 lbs. CO2 = “carbon neutral” • Natural gas = approx. 11 lbs. CO2 • Fuel oil = approx. 16 lbs. CO2 • A ga
