GWP (Global Warming Potential) - TX: Difference between revisions

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==IMDE Framework Table to be used==
==IMDE Framework Table to be used==


Within the IMDE framework when combining all GHG gas emissions into the total GHG Emission value the conversion is based on a '''20 year''' time horizion and the following GWPs:
Within the IMDE framework when combining all GHG gas emissions into the total GHG Emission value the conversion is based on a '''100 year''' time horizion, using the conversion factors from the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report, 2014 (AR5)
The full list can be [https://ghgprotocol.org/sites/default/files/ghgp/Global-Warming-Potential-Values%20%28Feb%2016%202016%29_1.pdf downloaded here].
 
Table with the most used GWPs:
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Greenhouse Gas !! Chemical Formula !! ImdeGwp20y
! Greenhouse Gas !! Chemical Formula !! GWP 100y
|-
|-
| Carbon Dioxide || CO2|| 1  
| Carbon Dioxide || CO2|| 1  
|-
|-
| Methane || CH4 || 85
| Methane || CH4 || 28
|-
|-
| Nitrous Oxide || N2O || 265  
| Nitrous Oxide || N2O || 265  
|-
|-
| HFC-134a || C2H2F4 || 3830
| HFC-134a || C2H2F4 || 1300
|-
|-
| SF6 || Sulfur Hexafluorid || 17300
| SF6 || Sulfur Hexafluorid || 17300

Revision as of 09:02, 12 February 2024

Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a metric used to compare the relative impact of different greenhouse gases (GHGs) on global warming. It measures how much energy the emissions of 1 ton of a gas will absorb over a given period of time, compared to the emissions of 1 ton of carbon dioxide (CO2). The larger the GWP, the more that a given gas warms the Earth compared to CO2 over that time period.

Time Horizons for GWP

The GWP values are typically calculated over specific time horizons, most commonly 20 years and 100 years, due to the differing lifetimes of GHGs in the atmosphere. This provides a measure of the immediate and long-term impacts of these gases on the atmosphere:

  • 20-Year Time Horizon: Highlights the short-term impacts of GHGs. It's particularly useful for gases like methane (CH4), which have a shorter atmospheric lifetime but a high short-term impact on global warming.
  • 100-Year Time Horizon: Provides a measure of the long-term impact of GHGs. This is the more commonly used time frame, especially in global climate agreements and policies.

GWP Values for Common GHGs

Below is a table showcasing the GWP values for some common greenhouse gases over both 20-year and 100-year time horizons:

Greenhouse Gas Chemical Formula GWP (20 years GWP (100 years)
Carbon Dioxide CO2 1 1
Methane CH4 84-87 28-36
Nitrous Oxide N2O 264-268 265-298
HFC-134a (1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane) C2H2F4 3830 1430
Sulfur Hexafluorid SF6 17300 23500

IMDE Framework Table to be used

Within the IMDE framework when combining all GHG gas emissions into the total GHG Emission value the conversion is based on a 100 year time horizion, using the conversion factors from the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report, 2014 (AR5) The full list can be downloaded here.

Table with the most used GWPs:

Greenhouse Gas Chemical Formula GWP 100y
Carbon Dioxide CO2 1
Methane CH4 28
Nitrous Oxide N2O 265
HFC-134a C2H2F4 1300
SF6 Sulfur Hexafluorid 17300

Standardizing on one time period and one GWP value will make Carbon FootPrint values comparable and will support consolidation for example in ESG reporting.

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