Carbon offset accounting and monitoring of emission reductions in energy efficiency projects
The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (FCCC) allows for the joint implementation (JI) of measures to mitigate the emissions of greenhouse gases. The concept of JI refers to the implementation of such measures in one country with partial or full financial and/or technical support from another country, potentially fulfilling some of the supporting country's emission-reduction commitment under the FCCC. JI projects in developing countries without reduction obligations require a carbon-offset mechanism, under which emitters can receive credit toward their country's reduction commitment for investments to reduce CO{sub 2} emissions in other countries. Energy efficiency projects offer some of the most attractive opportunities for JI projects. Because energy efficiency measures are generally close to commercial viability, they offer the prospect of relatively low-cost carbon offsets. The technical efficiency potential in developing countries is large and offers benefits in terms of technology transfer and pollution prevention. Carbon offsets under a JI regime could become a major source of funding for energy efficiency in developing countries. This paper addresses key issues related to JI under the FCCC as they relate to the development of energy efficiency projects for carbon offsets in developing countries. Issues include the reference case or baselines, carbon accounting and net carbon savings, monitoring and verification, local agreements and host-country approval. Although the technical issues regarding carbon accounting and monitoring/verification are often treated as barriers to establishing a JI process, the authors demonstrate that these problems are soluble at reasonable cost using available technologies and methods.
- Research Organization:
- Econergy International Corp., Boulder, CO (US)
- OSTI ID:
- 20006378
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-980815--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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