As the country works to reduce substances known to effect air quality the need for mandatory carbon emissions reporting grows. Almost all the materials known to destroy the ozone layer and thus contribute to the problem of global warming arise from the action of man.
The EPA recently announced a plan which covers the need for mandatory carbon emissions reporting and thus is aimed at controlling the levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and other chemicals, such as refrigerant gases, that directly lead to the problem of climate change. The EPA has further decided that carbon dioxide is so much of a problem to the public in general that it requires very strict regulation and market-based incentives to bring it under control.
Corporations and facilities that use regulated substances and produce refrigerant gases on a regular basis face mandatory carbon emissions reporting requirements. Refrigerant gases are known to contribute to the problem of global warming. The EPA regulations cover hydrofluorocarbons, nitrous oxide, sulfur hexafluoride, perfluorocarbons and other fluorinated gases including ethers and nitrogen trifluoride.
It is expected that the mandatory carbon emissions reporting plan will take effect in 2010 but that the first annual report will not be due until the following year. Facilities impacted include those with refrigeration and AC systems, HVAC systems and those companies that are in the auto manufacturing industry.
In addition to the mandatory carbon emissions reporting requirements, the US Clean Air Act requires those facilities that are impacted to keep a close eye on harmful substances such as refrigerant gases. There are significant fines and other penalties awaiting for those who do not conform.
A number of ways exist to to assist a business to address mandatory carbon emissions reporting requirements. Manual tracking is available, with hand reporting, but as this method is very time-consuming and error-prone, companies may opt to use software programs and Web applications that will automate most of the requirements. The use of such automation virtually ensures that the required reports are accurate and timely. A company that uses more than one system or has multiple facilities will benefit the most from the use of automatic monitoring systems.
Mandatory carbon emissions reporting will go a long way to helping the United States reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated by the EPA that some 13,000 facilities release up to 90% of these emissions into the atmosphere.
The United States will help to ensure that companies will reduce their carbon footprint through the use of mandatory carbon emissions reporting. This country is not alone in these efforts and similar initiatives are being taken worldwide to help address climate change.
Daniel Stouffer, Product Manager at Verisae, has much more detail on the importance of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission management, tracking, and reporting. Verisae makes it easy to monitor, manage, and report refrigerant gas use. Learn more at — Refrigerant Tracker
