Developing
a GHG Action Plan
The
approach to a GHG management plan generally takes the
following steps. It is important to recognize that the
order may vary from organization to organization. Some
may have already completed some parts prior to starting
a comprehensive plan, or other factors may dictate the
order.
1.
Set the context and gain support
2.
Develop an inventory of GHG emissions
In
addition to being critical for reporting and compliance,
the emissions inventory is an invaluable tool in the
development of the GHG plan. The inventory allows staff
to understand their emissions profile and identify
sectors and facilities for reductions. It allows for the
estimation of reductions and the development of the
business case for reductions. It also allows for
tracking of progress over time.
A good inventory is more than simply a tabulation of
energy and GHG emissions. It should include other
indicators such as consumption per m² or average
vehicle efficiency in order to provide a more complete
picture. And it should be presented in a manner that is
clear and understandable to a broad audience.
3.
Set a reduction target.
Setting
a target will help guide development of the plan and set
a timetable for reduction projects. Both long and short
term targets should be included. While a long-term
target will generally be quantitative, short term
targets may be qualitative, such as policy
implementation.
GHG
reduction targets can be classified as visionary
(top-down) or pragmatic (bottom-up). A visionary target
is set based on the goals of the organization and the
scale of the problem. This does not mean that the
Visionary target should be considered unrealistic.
Information on the organization’s facilities and
emissions profile and comparison with other
organizations will help inform the target setting
process.
A
pragmatic target is based on an assessment of reductions
that can likely be achieved. These targets tend to be
conservative, looking to ensure the feasibility of any
reductions estimates prior to committing to them. In
this case the targets will usually be set after
development of the GHG plan.
Legislation
will set minimum targets for many organizations, likely
leading them to choose a visionary target. Whichever
route they choose to go, time should be spent working
with the board so they have a clear understanding of the
options available to them and can make an informed
choice.
4.
Develop strategies
A
GHG management plan should not be confused with a
feasibility study. The strategies will identify actions
to be undertaken and estimate potential savings. But
detailed savings and design of measures should take
place outside the GHG plan. It is important that the
plan doesn't just look at GHG reduction projects, but
also include policies to overcome institutional barriers
and ensure the continuity of reductions. Strategies may
include:
-
Building
energy efficiency retrofits
-
Fleet
management
-
Waste
reduction programs
-
New
buildings policies (e.g. LEED standards)
-
Procurement
policies
-
Anti-idling
policies
-
Employee
travel/commuting
-
Education
and employee awareness
Although
detailed schedules and
tasks will form part of the implementation phase, a
general timeline and identification of responsibilities
should be included in the GHG plan.
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