Efficiency and Carbon Emissions

Energy use for various services has a number of impacts on the environment. Energy combustion by-products include SO_x, NO_x, and precursors of ground-level ozone. Another combustion by-product is CO₂ (carbon dioxide). CO₂, a greenhouse gas, has been identified as a potential major contributor to global climate change.

The carbon emissions from energy use depend on a number of factors:

• The level of demand for energy services;
• The service energy intensity (energy requirement per unit of service);
• The mix of energy sources for the service;
• The carbon content of the energy sources.

Electricity and district energy both derive from other forms of energy. For these two sources, the mix of fuels used in their production is an additional factor in carbon emissions.

Energy efficiency affects the service energy intensity. If energy were used more efficiently, the energy intensity would decrease, as would the carbon emissions, while maintaining the same level of service.

More information may be found in the brochure shown on the right and located at this address: http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/ggccebro/chapter1.html

Energy-Efficiency Measurement Discussion

Energy and Greenhouse Analysis

Contacts

Specific questions on this topic may be directed to:

Stephanie Battles

Stephanie.Battles@eia.doe.gov

(Phone: (202) 586-7237)

FAX: (202) 586-0018

Contact Us

URL: http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/efficiency/greenhouse_.htm

File Last Modified: October 17, 1999