Energy Efficiency: Air Emissions Reductions

Abstract

Energy efficiency has become a popular buzz phrase in the 21st century, but in addition to the pure economic cash savings that can be affected from implementing such work there is also the potential for a cleaner environment. Since becoming operational in February 2005, the Kyoto Treaty calls for a reduction in greenhouse gases (GHG) from all developed countries according to a rather strict time schedule. There is much debate as to whether those targets can be met through existing technologies. One of the obvious solutions to part of this problem is to dramatically increase energy efficiency programs because they permanently reduce the use of electricity and fuels. With the advent of the Kyoto Treaty, a trading mechanism for buying and selling CO2 credits also can provide some organizations an additional financial incentive. In addition, there are various other undesirable emissions such as SOx, unburned hydrocarbons, mercury, dioxins, and other undesirable "products of combustion" which are also reduced as a result of energy efficiency.