Abstract
The world is currently dealing with an increase in greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions since the 1750s. The said increase is mainly driven by increased burning of fossil fuels for different purposes, such as power or electricity generation, and energy for industrial processes. GHG emissions have unfortunately exacerbated the rate of climate change, and this has led to a range of natural disasters and changes in the natural environment. Since it is difficult to manage what has not been measured, Carbon accounting was developed to assist in measuring the amount of GHG emissions emanating from different human activities. This study was therefore focused on investigating the role of carbon accounting in reducing the noted increase in GHG emissions globally. The study was conducted using the former South African National Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) as a case study.
The data was collected through emails and phone calls and was used to determine the amount of GHGs emitted by the DEA during a 10-year period from the year 2010 to 2019. The data was also used to determine the impact of interventions and to predict the future DEA’s GHG emissions, specifically looking at the period between 2020 and 2029. The future DEA’s GHG emissions were predicted under two scenarios (i.e., actual and business as usual (BAU) emissions). The results found that scope 1 GHG (i.e., direct) was the main GHG emissions contributor in the DEA. Scope 2 came second, followed by scope 3, which was the least GHG emitter during the measured period. In terms of GHG emission sources or activities in the DEA, the SA Agulhas ship was found to be the main GHG emission contributor in the entire department. Electricity consumption was found to be the second-highest GHG emission activity. When looking at the interventions, it was found that the interventions brought about 1.2% reduction in the DEA’s GHG emissions.
The predictions found that both scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions will decline in the future if the department continues implementing the interventions as they are. Scope 3 GHG emissions were, however, predicted to grow higher than the current ones. In terms of the BAU scenario, scope 1 and 3 GHG emissions were predicted to grow higher than
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the current emissions. Scope 2 GHG emissions, on the other hand, were predicted to decline lower than the current missions.
Noting the findings of the study, it is recommended that the department employ GHG emissions reduction interventions such as the use of Carbon-neutral and carbon-negative fuels, such as Methanol, Ethanol, Green hydrogen, and ammonia, in both the Agulhas ship and the power generators. It is also recommended that the department consider the use of fuel cell power generators to reduce GHG emissions from dirty power generators. In terms of electricity, it is recommended that the department should also increase solar capacity to reduce GHG emissions from high consumption of grid electricity. The findings of this study can be used to inform the DEA’s future GHG emissions strategies, and they can also inform policy development for organisations that have a similar setup as the DEA.