Greenhouse gas indicator

 

 

 

 

 

 

Victoria's Greenhouse Gas emissions from energy use

The greenhouse gas indicator provides real time information on the level of greenhouse gases produced each week in Victoria from energy use.

EPA is proud to partner with The Climate Group to display the Greenhouse Gas Indicator.  For further information on the development of the indicator go to: www.theclimategroup.org/indicator .

 

Top

Graph 1.  Victoria’s GHG emissions from energy use calculated in million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2-e).    

 

 

For more detailed information on the composition of this week’s emissions see The Climate Group Indicator.

• Victoria’s GHG emissions target is a reduction of 60% from 2000 levels by 2050, which is equivalent to an annual emissions target of 48 MtCO2-e by 2050.
• Victoria’s emissions were 121.9 MtCO2-e in 2006, which is 1.5 % higher than 2000 levels.

To achieve the 60% emissions reduction target, Victoria needs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1.5% per year.

Greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector are increasing every year, from 2000 to 2005 emissions from the energy sector increased by 3.3%. The total emissions calculated in 2007 from energy use (almost all of the energy sector) were 103.582 Mt CO2e.

Top

What are ‘emissions from energy use’?

Emissions from energy use are calculated from the use of 3 fossil fuels to create specific types of energy.

Coal  generation of electricity.

Natural gas

• heating
• cooking
• generation of electricity

Petroleum

• automotive gasoline
• diesel (automotive and industrial)
• LPG (transport and non-transport)
• aviation (gasoline and turbine)
• fuel oil

Top

Victoria’s total greenhouse gas emissions

In 2006 Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions contributed 20.9% to Australia’s national greenhouse gas emissions. Victoria’s energy sector accounted for about 85% of the State’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

Emissions not measured by the indicator include agriculture, waste and industrial processes and forestry.

For more information on Victoria and Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. 

Top

Trends in Victoria’s emissions from energy use

Clear seasonal trends in the GHG emissions from energy use in Victoria are evident. Changes in temperature throughout the year see demand fluctuate.  Households, retail outlets and offices all alter the level of the air conditioning and heating in response to weather changes, resulting in changes in Victoria’s GHG emissions. 

Graph 3. The monthly average emissions from energy use mapped against the average monthly temperatures.

Top

Households - What can you do?

The residential sector contributes 21% of Victoria’s energy use.  The majority of this is used for space heating and cooling, and water heating.  We can all make a difference to GHG emissions by examining heating and cooling practices within the home. 

EPA Victoria has developed a range of programs and tools that can help you to understand more about your emissions.

• Ecological Footprint – measure your personal footprint, your home footprint and more in hectares. 
• Greenhouse calculator – calculate your yearly greenhouse gas emissions and compare them with that of a 'typical'     house and a 'green' house.
• In the Home - Ecolgical Footprint Tips – ideas for ways to reduce the footprint of your home, from little to big things.

Further information on climate change is available in the EPA climate change section of our website.

For more ideas on how to reduce your household energy use go to:

• Sustainably Living at Home information pages by Sustainability Victoria.
• Household and Communities resources section by the Department of Climate Change.

Top

Business and Industry - What can you do?

EPA Victoria has a range of programs and tools that can assist business and industry in managing greenhouse gas emissions.

• Environment and Resource Efficiency Plans (EREP) - a new innovative regulatory program to help businesses to reduce water, energy and waste generation.
• Carbon Management Principles – a step-by-step framework that organisations can use to drive good environmental and business outcomes.
• Carbon Innovators Network – a network for business leaders and climate change experts to share and expand on knowledge of carbon management and innovation.
• Carbon Offsets – information on the carbon offset market and how businesses can approach purchasing offsets.

Further information on climate change and greenhouse is available on EPAs Carbon management pages

For more information on how businesses and industries in Victoria can reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy use go to:

• Business and Industry resources section by the Department of Climate Change.
• Energy Division within the Department of Primary Industries.
• Sustainable business and industry information pages by Sustainability Victoria.

Top