Mandatory Greenhouse Gase (GHG) Emissions Reporting Plan Released By The EPA

As air quality continues to deteriorate the USA is working ever more closely with facilities that produce substances which are known to affect the air that we breathe. Mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) or carbon (CO2) emissions reporting is being introduced to help achieve the goal.

The nationwide comprehensive plan for mandatory carbon emissions reporting announced by the EPA is aimed at controlling carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that adversely impact the ozone layer and lead to global warming. The government agency has determined that carbon dioxide is a danger to the general public and, as such, requires strict regulation.

Mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting are required of manufacturers and facilities that use refrigerant gases and other regulated substances. These gases are known to have the potential to cause global warming. The gases listed in the government regulation are carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, methane, hydrofluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, perfluorocarbonbs, and fluorinated gases like hydrofluorinated ethers and nitrogen trifluoride.

The mandatory carbon emissions reporting plan takes effect in 2010, with the first annual report due in 2011 for the previous year. The requirements apply to facilities with refrigeration and air-conditioning systems, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, and companies that manufacture industrial chemicals, fossil fuels, cars and engines. Harmful substances used in these industries, including chloroflurocarbons, hydrofluorocarbons, methyl bromide, hydroxyl, halons, nitric oxide, methyl chloroform, fluorine, chlorine, bromine and carbon tetrachloride, have been identified as contributors to climate change.

Along with mandatory carbon emissions reporting, the U.S. Clean Air Act requires companies, facilities and municipalities to monitor, to track and to report on harmful substances, such as refrigerant gases, that are in use on their premises. Those who fail to comply with the requirements or submit incomplete information are subject to hefty fines and other penalties.

There are two ways in which your business can address mandatory carbon emissions reporting. Monitoring and tracking can be done manually and the necessary reports completed by hand. Since this manner is time consuming and has a high risk for errors, many companies use software programs and web-based applications that automatically monitor, track and coordinate all necessary reporting requirements. This ensures that required reports are fully complete and submitted on time. Automatic monitoring is also more cost effective and efficient for companies with more than one system or facilities in different locations.

Mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) or carbon emissions reporting are designed to lower greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. The EPA estimates that 13,000 facilities release between 85 and 90 percent of these harmful substances into the air.

Mandatory carbon emissions reporting is one way the United States is ensuring that businesses reduce their carbon footprint and ensure healthy air for everyone. Similar efforts are also being taken worldwide as a means of addressing the challenge of climate change.

Resource Box:

Greenhouse gas management solutions from Verisae help to track substances that contribute to an organization's carbon emissions management responsibilities as mandated by the new EPA regulations on GHG reporting. Explore further Verisae's specific refrigerant management tools at www.Refrigerant-Tracker.com