Q: What is renewable energy?It is called renewable energy because it comes from natural sources that replenish themselves, such as:
- wind (a main source of EasyGreen)
- water (hydro power)
- the sun (solar photovoltaic)
- biomass (including gas from landfill or burning of specially grown crops)
Using renewable energy is one of the best ways to reduce your impact on the environment, because it generates very little, or no greenhouse gases.
|
Q: Why are all emissions measured in carbon dioxide - what about other gases?- There are many gases including carbon dioxide, or CO2, emitted over the life-cycle of electricity production, handling and supply. So that accurate calculations and comparisons can be made, CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent), is used as the single unit of measurement for all emission calculations. So for instance, 1kg of Methane (CH4) can be stated in terms of 21kg of CO2e. All the conversion figures used for EarthFriendly are those published by the Australian Greenhouse Office.
|
Q: How are the greenhouse gas emissions calculated?The Greenhouse Friendly Program calculates emissions produced at every step of your energy's life-cycle. It takes into account:
- the extraction and processing of coal and gas
- transportation to the power station
- preparing and moving the fuels within the power stations
- energy used in the power stations to run the station
- generating the electricity
- transmitting the electricity to you
- use of the electricity
For our calculations, we use the Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO) greenhouse intensity figure, published in the AGO Factors and Methods Workbook. The figure is currently 0.98kg CO2e per KW sold.
|
Q: Can Synergy contribute to any project that reduces greenhouse gas emissions?- No, the Greenhouse Friendly Program has some strict requirements. So for instance, projects can’t be certified if they’re set-up to satisfy legislation, for commercial reasons, or if they’ve received government funding. The project must be specifically for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
|
Q: Why is it important to reduce greenhouse gas emissions?- Preventing greenhouse gases from entering our atmosphere, helps protect our environment. Greenhouse gas traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing global warming. Rising temperatures can trigger droughts, fires and higher sea levels.
|
