2.4.1 Global warming potentials for non-CO2 greenhouse gases
Course subject(s)
2. Accounting energy use and GHG emissions
Having so far looked into the emissions and associated climate impact of CO2, we will now look at the relative impact that other greenhouse gases have on the climate.
Key takeaways:
- Global warming potential (GWP) gives an indication of the impact a gas has on global temperature, relative to CO2
- GWP allows us to compare the impact of different greenhouse gases
- The main strategies to mitigate non-CO2 greenhouse gases are to: avoid emitting activities, avoid the formation of these gases, capture and destroy the gases
Summary of some important data and equations:
Overview of Global Warming Potential (GWP) values
| Substance | Formula | GWP100 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon dioxide | CO2 | 1 |
| Methane (biogenic) | CH4 | 27 |
| Methane (fossil) | CH4 | 29.8 |
| Nitrous oxide | N2O | 273 |
| HFC-134a | CH2FCF3 | 1526 |
| Carbon tetrafluoride | CF4 | 7380 |
| Hexafluoroethane | C2F6 | 12400 |
| Sulphur hexafluoride | SF6 | 25200 |
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