Independently verified greenhouse gas study on chemicals released

Research highlights emissions-savings-to-emissions-production ratio, indicating significant offsets in building insulation materials, agrochemicals, lighting, plastic packaging, marine antifouling coatings, synthetic textiles, automotive plastics, and plastics used in piping.

-- Control Engineering, 7/13/2009

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) announced the findings of a new study revealing that, for every unit of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted by the chemical industry, society saves more than two units of GHGs through use of chemistry products and technologies. By 2030, according to the ACC, the GHG savings-to-emissions ratio could increase to more than 4:1, provided further emissions reduction steps by industry, policymakers and other stakeholders.

Separately, NASA provides CO2 information in the global climate change area of its website.

McKinsey and Company, the global management consulting firm, conducted independent analyses and overall project management for the study. The Öko Institut, an independent environmental research and consulting institution in Europe, conducted a critical review of the analysis and reviewed the calculations.

The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), including ACC, initiated the study to help drive further reductions in the industry's greenhouse gas emissions via improved production processes, while encouraging the use of those chemical products that save energy and create a net emission reduction along the chemical value chain.

The study used a life cycle carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2e) emissions analysis to assess the global chemical industry's impact on greenhouse gas emissions through the life cycle of chemical products and the applications they enable. Analyses were performed for more than 100 individual chemical product applications. Emission savings were compared with all direct and indirect emissions linked to the chemical industry. Analyses spanned the major relevant products and sectors of the chemical industry and covered a representative portion of the emissions linked to the chemical industry. Finally, 2030 modeling scenarios were used to extrapolate how emissions for production and use phases may develop.

The McKinsey study found that the most significant emissions savings by volume come from building insulation materials, agrochemicals, lighting, plastic packaging, marine antifouling coatings, synthetic textiles, automotive plastics, low-temperature detergents, engine efficiency, and plastics used in piping. Some dramatic examples of the GHG emissions savings enabled by chemistry include (ratio of emissions savings to emissions):

• Building insulation foam: 233:1
• Synthetic diesel additives/fuel efficiency improvements: 111:1
• Glass and carbon fiber for wind turbines: 123:1
• Compact fluorescent lighting: 20:1
• Marine fuel reduction due to use of anti-fouling coating: 20:1
• Engine efficiency: 21:1
• Low-temperature detergents: 9:1
• Polymers for automotive weight reduction: 3:1

 

Read these other Control Engineering articles related to greenhouse gas emissions:

• Get actionable greenhouse gas information via energy management module

• Insurance policies support green house gas mitigation technologies

 

- Edited by David Greenfield, editorial director
Control Engineering Sustainable Engineering News Desk