2. Green house gas coefficients

The table below lists the greenhouse gas coefficients for each state from highest to lowest.

State National Greenhouse Accounts Factors, Published by the
Australian Government, www.climatechange.gov.au

The following examples show the annual greenhouse emissions calculations for two commercial properties.

Example: Calculation 1

A factory in Victoria has ten (10) water pumps fully loaded at 20 kW each. The pumps continuously operate for eight hours per day, 300 days per year.

Question: What are the annual greenhouse emissions?

Working out:

Total load = 10 pumps x 20kW per pump = 200kW (per hour)

Annual Operating Hours = 8 hours/day x 300 days/ year = 2400 hours per year

Annual GHG     =     (200kW/hr x 2400 hours) x 1.31 kg CO2–e/kWh

=     628,800 kg CO2–e per year

=     628.8 t CO2–e per year

Answer:

The Victorian factory emits 628.8 tonnes of greenhouse gases in one year of operation.

Example: Calculation 2

Using the data from the contestable electricity bill shown earlier in this section, calculate the greenhouse gas emissions:

Working out

Total energy consumption: 323,795kWh

Monthly GHG emission      =     323,795kWh x 1.31 kg CO2-e/kWh

=     424,171 kg CO2-e

=     424 t CO2-e

The previous calculations took you through calculations for a commercial sector electricity bill. Now you should try a few calculations for yourself. In the following activity you will take a look at two billing situations: residential and commercial sector bills.