Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- By-Product Synergy - Greenhouse Gas Reduction Analysis Project
- An Analysis of Resource Recovery Opportunities in Canada and the Projection of Greenhouse Gas Emission Implications
- National Integrated Waste Management (IWM) Model Workshop and Assessment
- Determination of the Impact of Waste Management Activities on Greenhouse Gas Emissions: 2005 Update*
By-Product Synergy – Greenhouse Gas Reduction Analysis Project
Project Team
Hatch Associates with in-kind contributions from companies participating in the project, specifically Dofasco, Petro-Canada and Columbian Chemicals
Objectives
To develop a life-cycle analysis approach for estimating the greenhouse gas savings potential of by-product synergies or industrial eco-efficiency projects.
Description
The tool that has been developed to illustrate the By-Product Synergies (BPS) approach identifies the key issues and factors that should be considered when evaluating the potential GHG impacts of eco-efficiency efforts. Use of this approach and further development of the tool represent a significant opportunity for increasing understanding of the impact of eco-efficiency efforts across the Canadian economy. The synergies investigated are in the Golden Horseshoe BPS project: (1) By-product carbon black fines from activated carbon process to be used as a substitute fuel in cement kiln; and (2) By-product steel slag from the steel-making process to be used as a raw material in producing asphalt.
Resources
An Analysis of Resource Recovery Opportunities in Canada and the Projection of Greenhouse Gas Emission Implications
Project Team
Natural Resource Canada
Objectives
To produce accurate and consistent statistics over a five-year period regarding the generation and characterization of solid waste in all provinces and territories.
Description
Primary project tasks include the identification and quantification of resource recovery opportunities (i.e., metals, plastics, glass, paper, etc.) and the projection of potential greenhouse gas emission savings that could be achieved if higher recovery rates were attained in each of the three sectors under review (residential; institutional, commercial and industrial; and construction, renovation and demolition).
Resources:
National Integrated Waste Management (IWM) Model Workshop and Assessment
Project Team
Municipal Waste Integration Network (MWIN), Environment Canada, Corporations Supporting Recycling (CSR), and the Environment and Plastics Industry Council (EPIC)
Objective
MWIN conducted a National IWM Training workshop on December 1, 2004, with the following objectives: evaluate the IWM model’s content, review the IWM model’s input requirements, obtain feedback on the IWM model’s outputs and overall user friendliness, and identify and assess delivery options for the IWM model.
Description
The IWM Model is the only tool available in Canada at this time that can identify the environmental impacts of waste management decisions for a broad range of environmental indicators.
There was a free-flowing exchange of comments and ideas throughout the afternoon as participants worked through three scenarios and one comparison of scenarios. The facilitator scheduled in specific time allocations for discussion as a group, and comments were noted on flip charts where all participants could comment. Participants were also asked to complete a short one-page anonymous survey prior to leaving the training room (25 responses were completed). Some of the requests and suggestions were in conflict with each other and/or difficult to implement in a cost- effective manner; however, the workshop was very valuable for generating a potential “wish list” for future improvements to the IWM model.
Resources:
The final report can be sent out upon request. The IWM Model is available on the Internet at www.iwm-model.uwaterloo.ca.
Determination of the Impact of Waste Management Activities on Greenhouse Gas Emissions: 2005 Update*
Project Team
ICF Consulting, on contract to Environment Canada and Action Plan 2000 on Climate Change (Natural Resources Canada)
Objective
- To build capacity surrounding solid waste management options in relation to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
- To attempt to quantify emission factors associated with Canadian residential as well as industrial, commercial and institutional waste management practices, from a life cycle perspective
Description
This report evaluates the effect of solid waste management activities (recycling, composting, landfill, incineration, and anaerobic digestion) on GHG emissions. This is accomplished through life-cycle assessments of materials such as aluminum cans, copper wire, steel cans, glass bottles, various types of paper, plastics, and organic waste.
The findings from the report underwent a four month peer review process.
Resources
* This project was co-funded by the Government of Canada Action Plan 2000 on Climate Change, Minerals and Metals Program, Enhanced Emissions Reduction Program. The final report is posted on this web site because of its relevance to the Enhanced Recycling Program and the estimation of associated greenhouse gas emission reductions.