Glossary Flashcards
(18 cards)
Absolute Target
A target defined by reduction in absolute emissions over time
e.g., reduces CO2 emissions by 25%
below 1994 levels by 2010.
Additionality
A criterion for assessing whether a project has resulted in GHG emission reductions or removals in
addition to what would have occurred in its absence.
This is an important criterion when the goal of
the project is to offset emissions elsewhere.
Allowance
A commodity giving its holder the right to emit a certain quantity of GHG
Cap and Trade system
A system that sets an overall emissions limit, allocates emissions allowances to participants, and
allows them to trade allowances and emission credits with each other.
CER: Certified Emission Reductions
A unit of emission reduction generated by a CDM project. CERs are tradable commodities that can be
used by Annex 1 countries (contries with obligation to reduce emissions) to meet their commitments under the Kyoto Protocol
Double counting
Two or more reporting companies take ownership of the same emissions or reductions
Emission factor
A factor allowing GHG emissions to be estimated from a unit of available activity data (e.g. tonnes of
fuel consumed, tonnes of product produced) and absolute GHG emissions.
fugitive emissions
Emissions that are not physically controlled but result from the intentional or unintentional releases
of GHGs. They commonly arise from the production, processing transmission storage and use of fuels
and other chemicals, often through joints, seals, packing, gaskets, etc.
Intensity Target
A target defined by reduction in the ratio of emissions and a business metric over time e.g., reduce
CO2 per tonne of cement by 12% between 2000 and 2008
Leakage (Secondary effect)
Leakage occurs when a project changes the availability or quantity of a product or service that results
in changes in GHG emissions elsewhere.
Mobile combustion
Burning of fuels by transportation devices such as cars, trucks, trains, airplanes, ships etc.
Operational boundaries
The boundaries that determine the direct and indirect emissions associated with operations owned or
controlled by the reporting company. This assessment allows a company to establish which operations
and sources cause direct and indirect emissions, and to decide which indirect emissions to include
that are a consequence of its operations.
Organisational Boundaries
The boundaries that determine the operations owned or controlled by the reporting company,
depending on the consolidation approach taken (equity or control approach)
Reversibility of reductions
This occurs when reductions are temporary, or where removed or stored carbon may be returned to the
atmosphere at some point in the future
Rolling base year
The process of shifting or rolling the base year forward by a certain number of years at regular intervals of time
Target double counting policy
A policy that determines how double counting of GHG reductions or other instruments, such as
allowances issued by external trading programs, is dealt with under a GHG target. It applies only to
companies that engage in trading (sale or purchase) of offsets or whose corporate target boundaries
interface with other companies’ targets or external programs
