Climate Change Quiz 2

Question 0

Indirect Emissions

Answer 0

• Emissions that result from organizations activities but the sources are owned or controlled by a separate organization
• Scope 2: emissions are from the use of purchased electricity, steam or heat
• Scope 3: all other emissions. Examples: business travel in a non-company car, employee commuting, paper usage, waste disposal & outsourced activities

Question 1

Direct Emissions

Answer 1

• Scope 1.
• Generated from sources that an organization owns.
• Examples: company cars, natural gas boiler

Question 2

Reduction Targets

Answer 2

• Amount of GHG emissions that an organization commits to reducing
• 3 steps:
  1) Establish a base year - benchmark against which to compare current emission
  2) Determine a target year - year by which company will achieve reductions
  3) Set target reduction

Question 3

Absolute targets

Answer 3

• Concrete goals to eliminate emissions

- Formula: total emissions - yearly emissions / total emissions

Question 4

Carbon Offsets

Answer 4

• Emission reduction credit purchased to compensate for GHG emissions
• Removal of emissions occurs outside of company operations
• Supplement internal reductions
• Purchased through certified carbon offset retailers

Question 5

Intensity Targets

Answer 5

• linked to the performance metric of the organization

- formula: emissions / yearly visitors

Question 6

Carbon Neutral

Answer 6

• By offsetting entire footprint, a company can achieve a net zero carbon footprint

Question 7

In calculating a company’s GHG’s, what is the difference between direct and indirect emissions?

Answer 7

Direct emissions are generated from sources a company’s owns while indirect emissions are generated from company activities but are owned/controlled by a separate organization

Question 8

Why is it important to differentiate between direct and indirect emissions?

Answer 8

To avoid accounting for the same emissions twice.

Question 9

What are the steps in calculating a company’s GHGs?

Answer 9

Activity Data X Emissions Factors = GHG Emissions

Question 10

What are some examples of actions a company can take to reduce its GHGs?

Answer 10

• fuel efficient cars/regular maintenance on current company cars
• purchase carbon offsets
• more conference calls/Skype/etc…instead of flying
• recycling programs / turning lights off when leaving a room / printing less
• energy efficient appliances - ENERGY STAR for computers/monitors/servers/printers/fax/copiers
• incentives to take public transit/carpool/bike
• set heating to a minimum overnight and weekends when no one is in the office

Question 11

Why should a company set a target for reducing its GHGs?

Answer 11

• motivate staff
• help drive long-term strategies
• save money through energy efficient projects

Question 12

What benefits can a company expect from reducing its GHG’s?

Answer 12

• Financial example: saving money on energy costs OR attract investors
• Non-financial example: enhance competitive position/reputation OR attract/retain best employees

Question 13

What are the pros and cons of carbon offsets? How can the cons be overcome?

Answer 13

Cons:

• not addressing the root cause - emissions are still being produced by doing that activity
• marketing tactic to get people to still use that product e.g. Flying

Pros

• money goes back into community, non-profit, good causes that reduce emissions
• form of mitigation since money is being used to mitigate climate change e.g. Tree planting