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Energy security is probably one of the most challenging issues around the world. Therefore, the focus on methods of decreasing energy consumption and consequently its associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is intensified by policy decision makers. Residential buildings are one of the potential sectors that can reduce its energy consumption in various ways, such as: improving thermal characteristics of the building, using more energy efficient appliances and using renewable energy resources. Among these methods, integration of solar technologies to buildings provides one of the substantial opportunities for reducing energy consumption and the associated GHG emissions in Canada’s residential sector. Therefore, this research work was conducted to assess the impact of solar technologies and solar technology integration strategies on the end-use energy consumption and the associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Canadian residential sector by using a new state-of-the-art end-use energy and GHG emissions model of the Canadian residential housing stock. The new Canadian residential end-use energy and emissions model that is used in this project incorporates a 17,000 house database developed using the latest data available from the Energuide for Houses database, Statistics Canada housing surveys, and other available housing databases, and utilizes an advanced building energy simulation program as its simulation engine. A new neural network methodology is incorporated into the model to estimate the socio-economic and demographic dependencies of the energy consumption of discretionary end-uses such as appliances, lighting and domestic hot water, while a new approach is used to incorporate occupancy, appliance, lighting and domestic hot water load profiles into the model. A new method is used to calculate the GHG emissions from electricity consumption used in the residential sector based on the actual electrical generation fuel mix and the marginal fuel used in each province as a function of time of the year. Each solar technology is added to the eligible houses to examine the interrelated effects of integrated solar technologies and practices on the housing stock. The objective is to conduct realistic assessments of the cost effectiveness, energy savings and GHG emission reduction benefits of integrated solar technologies for the entire Canadian housing stock (CHS) as well as for different regions, house type, and fuel types. The integrated solar technologies and practices that are assessed include passive solar with added thermal storage and motorized blinds, solar DHW system, and photovoltaic electricity and heat generation systems. This project provides a comprehensive techno-economic and emissions assessment of integrated solar technologies and practices, and will be useful for developing national and regional policies and strategies related with integrating solar energy into the residential sector.

Despite climate change being an increasingly important focus of scientific and policy discourse and against a backdrop of rising greenhouse gas emissions, the Russian government has, thus far, failed to commit to an ambitious emission reduction target based on the latest science. For Russia to develop informed, internally consistent and scientifically literate policies, it is important to assess the scale of the challenge and explore implications of different levels of mitigation. To this end, the thesis derives Russia's cumulative emission budgets and generates associated low-carbon pathways in the context of both a re-developing economy and international climate change objectives (in particular, keeping the global mean temperature increase below 2°C relative to pre-industrial levels). This thesis draws on several disciplines, bringing together bottom-up energy system modelling from engineering and physical sciences, as well as stakeholder and expert interviews from social sciences. The principal methodological approach used here is backcasting, with a number of stakeholder interviews providing a 'reality check' for the scenarios. Given the global delay in acting on climate change, the contextual 2°C scenarios generated are ambitious and extremely challenging. With significant changes on both demand and supply sides, an annual post-peak emission reduction rate of at least 10% is required to meet the cumulative budget constraint; this despite the dramatic fall in Russia's emissions in the 1990s. Such radical reduction rates are well in excess of anything achieved or, indeed, deemed possible within existing mitigation policies and integrated assessment models - either in Russia or in any other part of the world. The necessary emission reductions would involve significant material changes to the energy system. Even with early reductions, to attain a low-carbon energy system in 2050 in accordance with the 2°C cumulative emission constraint, all of the available 'mature' technological options would need to be employed. In particular, short-term mitigation can be facilitated by Russia's large energy efficiency potential and a significant biomass potential. In the long term, mitigation could draw on the country's considerable renewable energy resources. If the peak in Russia's emissions is delayed until 2020-2025, staying within a national 2°C budget constraint will require a rapid and widespread deployment of currently speculative negative-emission technologies. Whilst the suggested mitigation pathways with emissions peaking early are demanding, they are potentially less challenging and destabilising than failing to mitigate and subsequently adapting to climate change impacts of a 6-16°C temperature rise across Russia. The precautionary principle, together with the multiple uncertainties associated with negative emissions, would suggest that starting the decarbonisation process early is critical. Along with other big emitters, Russia has a pivotal role in influencing the future direction of international climate change mitigation and adaptation. Not only is Russia a major emitter of greenhouse gases and a global supplier of fossil fuels, but also it remains a major force in geopolitics, and its diverse territory is both vulnerable and resilient to the impacts of climate change. This unique confluence of circumstances leaves Russia with a challenging dilemma. The country can choose to acquiesce to short-term political and economic considerations, adopt weak mitigation measures and face potentially devastating impacts. Or it can apply its considerable attributes and powers to instigate an epoch of national and global action to secure a low-carbon and climate-resilient future. Whilst the former will see Russia subsumed into the international malaise on climate change, the latter may both quench the nation's "thirst for greatness" and fill the void of climate leadership.

Climate change is one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time, as it threatens the survival of human civilisation. With the increasing number of initiatives trying to address climate change, it is important to examine how effective they are and what other roles these initiatives can serve in transitioning society towards sustainability. This thesis investigates the role of one such initiative, carbon neutrality, within a strategic approach to sustainable development, based on the case study of the North American Credit Union (NACU). A scientific understanding of climate change and sustainability provide a strict evaluation of the carbon neutrality concept with its benefits and challenges, including the role of carbon offsets. Within this context, recommendations are provided for roles and actions that a financial organisation such as NACU can take in order to set high standards in this new and still evolving market of voluntary carbon offsets, while striving for full sustainability and leadership within the community.

O presente trabalho tem o objetivo de entender o contexto atual das ações para mitigar mudanças perigosas do clima e o momento de transição do setor elétrico brasileiro. Ao reconhecer o potencial de sinergia, são apresentadas três contribuições: ao cálculo do fator de emissão de linha de base para geração de eletricidade conectada à rede a partir de fontes renováveis, à avaliação do potencial do MDL em influenciar a expansão da capacidade de geração de eletricidade no Brasil e, finalmente, uma proposta de política pública para fazer convergir os objetivos da Convenção do Clima e do planejamento do setor elétrico brasileiro. O Brasil tem uma matriz elétrica relativamente limpa, mas isso não necessariamente quer dizer que as emissões evitadas na margem da nova geração serão pequenas. Ao apresentar a evolução das metodologias de quantificação dos fatores de emissão do cenário de referência (linha de base), emerge uma proposta de cálculo de fator de emissão da margem de construção - baseado nos resultados dos leilões de energia nova - que indica um potencial de redução de emissões bastante maior que a prática atual. Para testar a proposta de cálculo do fator de emissão, um modelo de expansão da capacidade de geração é desenvolvido e identificado com os resultados dos leilões de energia. O modelo é então utilizado em conjunto com a proposta de nova metodologia de cálculo de fator de emissão para testar a capacidade do MDL de influenciar decisões de investimento. O resultado dessa simulação demonstra que o cenário existente no final de 2007 tem um potencial significativo de influenciar a expansão do parque gerador brasileiro. Finalmente, é apresentada uma proposta de inserção do MDL nos leilões de energia alternativa para aproveitar a sinergia entre o desejo de diversificação da matriz elétrica brasileira e a utilização de mecanismos de mercado na redução de emissões de gases de efeito estufa, ajudando o Brasil a atingir um desenvolvimento mais sustentável. / The present work identifies the context of the existing actions to mitigate dangerous climate change and the transition period experienced by the Brazilian power sector. In order to use the potential synergy identified three contributions are made: a methodology to calculate baseline emission factor for grid-connected electricity generation from renewable sources, an evaluation of the potential of the CDM to contribute to the power capacity expansion in Brazil and finally, a public policy proposal is made to convene the aims of the UNFCCC and the development of the Brazilian power sector. The estimated greenhouse gases emission factor of the Brazilian power sector is relatively small; nevertheless build margin emission factor will not necessarily stay small. While showing the evolution of the methodologies used to calculate the baseline emission factor in the power sector, a new proposal for the calculation of the build margin emissions factor base in the results of the recent new energy auctions arises, indicating a noteworthy emission reduction potential. In order to test the influence of the proposed baseline emission factor calculation a model is developed to simulate the power sector expansion. The model is then identified with the data of the new energy auction of the last years. The results of the simulations show that the actual conditions of the CDM market already have the capacity to modify the recent trend of new additions. Finally, it is suggested the consideration of the CDM benefits in the public auctions towards the addition of renewable energy based power generation. The potential results are the contribution to the ultimate objective of the UNFCCC - greenhouse gases emission reductions - and the assistance to sustainable development in Brazil with an increased share of renewable energy base power generation.

O presente trabalho tem o objetivo de entender o contexto atual das ações para mitigar mudanças perigosas do clima e o momento de transição do setor elétrico brasileiro. Ao reconhecer o potencial de sinergia, são apresentadas três contribuições: ao cálculo do fator de emissão de linha de base para geração de eletricidade conectada à rede a partir de fontes renováveis, à avaliação do potencial do MDL em influenciar a expansão da capacidade de geração de eletricidade no Brasil e, finalmente, uma proposta de política pública para fazer convergir os objetivos da Convenção do Clima e do planejamento do setor elétrico brasileiro. O Brasil tem uma matriz elétrica relativamente limpa, mas isso não necessariamente quer dizer que as emissões evitadas na margem da nova geração serão pequenas. Ao apresentar a evolução das metodologias de quantificação dos fatores de emissão do cenário de referência (linha de base), emerge uma proposta de cálculo de fator de emissão da margem de construção - baseado nos resultados dos leilões de energia nova - que indica um potencial de redução de emissões bastante maior que a prática atual. Para testar a proposta de cálculo do fator de emissão, um modelo de expansão da capacidade de geração é desenvolvido e identificado com os resultados dos leilões de energia. O modelo é então utilizado em conjunto com a proposta de nova metodologia de cálculo de fator de emissão para testar a capacidade do MDL de influenciar decisões de investimento. O resultado dessa simulação demonstra que o cenário existente no final de 2007 tem um potencial significativo de influenciar a expansão do parque gerador brasileiro. Finalmente, é apresentada uma proposta de inserção do MDL nos leilões de energia alternativa para aproveitar a sinergia entre o desejo de diversificação da matriz elétrica brasileira e a utilização de mecanismos de mercado na redução de emissões de gases de efeito estufa, ajudando o Brasil a atingir um desenvolvimento mais sustentável. / The present work identifies the context of the existing actions to mitigate dangerous climate change and the transition period experienced by the Brazilian power sector. In order to use the potential synergy identified three contributions are made: a methodology to calculate baseline emission factor for grid-connected electricity generation from renewable sources, an evaluation of the potential of the CDM to contribute to the power capacity expansion in Brazil and finally, a public policy proposal is made to convene the aims of the UNFCCC and the development of the Brazilian power sector. The estimated greenhouse gases emission factor of the Brazilian power sector is relatively small; nevertheless build margin emission factor will not necessarily stay small. While showing the evolution of the methodologies used to calculate the baseline emission factor in the power sector, a new proposal for the calculation of the build margin emissions factor base in the results of the recent new energy auctions arises, indicating a noteworthy emission reduction potential. In order to test the influence of the proposed baseline emission factor calculation a model is developed to simulate the power sector expansion. The model is then identified with the data of the new energy auction of the last years. The results of the simulations show that the actual conditions of the CDM market already have the capacity to modify the recent trend of new additions. Finally, it is suggested the consideration of the CDM benefits in the public auctions towards the addition of renewable energy based power generation. The potential results are the contribution to the ultimate objective of the UNFCCC - greenhouse gases emission reductions - and the assistance to sustainable development in Brazil with an increased share of renewable energy base power generation.

This work focuses on the actions sought by the authorities to minimize global climate problems that are currently changing the conditions of survival of the planet to mitigate emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere. First, it is addressed the Framework Convention to start the discussions on climate changes, then the creation of the Kyoto Protocol, which came, giving nations the opportunity to act, minimizing damage to the environment, thus enabling that developing countries work together through the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) in creating new and more efficient technologies, replacing the use of fossil fuels by renewable energy sources. The power source focus of this work is the residue of sugar cane bagasse that is more representative biomass of the Brazilian energy matrix. The sector chosen for the research was the sugar-alcohol, through the Usina Santa Candida placed within the State of Sao Paulo. It is shown through data comparison, the current Brazilian situation in the global scenario, both in world energy supply and in the composition of the energy matrix, showing that Brazil is in a privileged position about renewable energy use in comparison to the world, and is the third more significant country that reduces emissions of CO2, which shows its commitment to the Kyoto Protocol. By creating a scenario, it is evaluated the financial performance of Usina Santa Candida (SP), after the implementation of CDM. Scenario 1 shows the financial return without cogeneration system; scenario 2 shows the financial return after installation of cogeneration system; scenario 3 shows the financial return of cogeneration system installation associated to sale of grant guarantee; and the scenario 4 shows the financial return of cogeneration system installation associated to sale of grant guarantees and the receipt obtained with carbon credit market. Briefings for scenario analysis were generated through calculations of net present value (NPV), internal rate of return (IRR) and payback, to demonstrate the financial benefits after the adjustment to the clean development mechanism, demonstrating the gains from the sale of surplus power and the negotiations of certified emission reductions (CERs), the brief return of the investment payback, profitability by the board and monetary return for NPV. The result of the work shows that investment in compliance with the guidelines is very low compared to the financial return in the first auction of CERs, and added that the sale of surplus power, it becomes even more viable. / Este trabalho aborda as ações buscadas pelas autoridades mundiais para minimizar os problemas climáticos que atualmente estão mudando as condições de sobrevivência do planeta, mitigando as emissões de gases de efeito estufa (GEE) na atmosfera. Primeiramente, foi abordada a Convenção-Quadro como início das discussões sobre as mudanças do clima, posteriormente, a criação do Protocolo de Kyoto, que surgiu, dando às nações, a oportunidade para que ajam, minimizando os danos causados ao ambiente, possibilitando assim, que os países em desenvolvimento colaborem por meio do mecanismo de desenvolvimento limpo (MDL) na criação de novas e mais eficientes tecnologias, substituindo o uso de fontes de energia fósseis por fontes de energia renováveis. A fonte de energia foco desta pesquisa, o bagaço da cana-de-açúcar que é a biomassa mais representativa da matriz energética brasileira. O setor escolhido para a pesquisa foi o sucroalcooleiro, na Usina Santa Cândida situada no interior do Estado de São Paulo. É demonstrado, por meio de comparação de dados, a atual situação brasileira perante o mundo, tanto na oferta mundial de energia como na composição da matriz energética, mostrando que o Brasil está em uma posição privilegiada na utilização de energias renováveis em relação ao mundo, sendo o terceiro país que mais reduz as emissões de CO2, confirmando seu comprometimento com o Protocolo de Kyoto. Por meio da criação de cenários, foi possível avaliar o desempenho financeiro da Usina Santa Cândida (SP). O cenário 1 demonstra o retorno financeiro sem sistema de cogeração, o cenário 2 demonstra o retorno financeiro após a implementação de sistemas de cogeração, o cenário 3 demonstra o retorno financeiro do sistema de cogeração mais a venda das garantias contratuais, e por fim, o 4 cenário onde e demonstrado o retorno financeiro da implementação do sistema de cogeração mais a venda das garantias contratuais e ainda a receita obtida por meio da negociação dos créditos de carbono. As informações apuradas para análise dos cenários foram geradas a partir dos cálculos de Valor Presente Líquido (VPL), da Taxa Interna de Retorno (TIR) e do Payback para demonstrar os benefícios financeiros após a adequação ao mecanismo de desenvolvimento limpo, comprovando os ganhos obtidos com a venda de energia excedente e com as negociações dos Certificados de Redução de Emissão (RCEs), o retorno breve do investimento pelo payback, sua rentabilidade pela TIR e o retorno monetário pelo VPL. O resultado da pesquisa mostra que o investimento para a adequação às diretrizes é muito baixo se comparado com o retorno financeiro já no primeiro leilão das RCEs e que somado à venda de energia excedente, torna-se financeiramente ainda mais viável.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-26T20:22:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Fernanda Brusa Molino.pdf: 2400362 bytes, checksum: 398405a7c8529d68f2fab1d6fff2f18e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-11-05 / Industrialization, that was already seen as synonymous of progress and hope of a better future for most nations, reaches the XXIth century facing many detractors and being seen as a major threat because of its voracious consumption of raw material which exhausts seas, forests, soil, subsoil and releases harmful gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect, causing the reaction of sectors of society concerned with the legacy that will be let to future generations. Among most harming sectors, are mining and related industry, whose degrading and polluting activities demonstrates the need for quality control and environmental monitoring. This study seeks to contextualize the concern about global warming and the rise of international treaties on the subject for the defense of the environment, mentioning Kyoto Protocol, Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for a Framework Convention on Climate Change (INC/FCCC), the conferences between the parties, and also the Brazilian legislation related to the issue of climate change mitigation. The study seeks to know about the flexibility mechanisms proposed by Kyoto Protocol, aiming to achieve emission reductions by developed countries signatories. The research analyzes the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), the Certified Emission Reductions (CER) and the efficiency of these instruments as a form of environmental compensation, highlighting the various modalities, to finish with the presentation of the carbon market and CDM related projects that help in global warming mitigation undertaken by mining sector. Among the findings, it appears that compensation measures are able to meet the recommendations of the Kyoto Protocol and to assist in combating the adverse effects of mining to the environment / A industrialização, antes sinônimo de progresso e esperança de um futuro melhor para a maioria das nações, alcança o século XXI enfrentando muitos detratores e sendo vista como grande ameaça em razão da voracidade no consumo de matéria-prima que exaure os mares, as florestas, o solo, o subsolo e libera os nocivos gases que contribuem para o efeito estufa, provocando a reação de setores da sociedade preocupados com o legado que será herdado pelas gerações futuras. Entre os setores que mais poluem está a mineração e as atividades relacionadas, cuja ação degradadora para o meio ambiente demonstra a necessidade de controle de qualidade ambiental e monitoramento. Este estudo busca contextualizar a preocupação com o aquecimento global e o surgimento de tratados internacionais sobre o tema para a defesa do meio ambiente, fazendo menção ao Protocolo de Quioto, à Convenção- Quadro das Nações Unidas sobre Mudança do Clima e às Conferências entre as partes, e também as legislações brasileiras relacionadas à questão da mitigação das mudanças climáticas. Buscam-se conhecer os mecanismos de flexibilização propostos pelo Protocolo de Quioto, visando atingir às reduções de emissão pelos países desenvolvidos signatários. A pesquisa analisa os Mecanismos de Desenvolvimento Limpo (MDL), as Reduções Certificadas de Emissões e a eficiência desses instrumentos como forma de compensação ambiental, destacando-se as várias modalidades, para finalizar com a apresentação do mercado de carbono e projetos relacionados com MDL que auxiliam na mitigação do aquecimento global empreendidos pelo setor minerário. Entre os achados, verifica-se que as medidas de compensação são capazes de atender às propostas do Protocolo de Quioto e auxiliar no combate aos efeitos adversos da mineração ao meio ambiente

Through this interview, Manuel Pulgar-Vidal refers some crucial aspects related to the management being done by the Ministry of Environment (MINAM) on Sustainable Development. As the first point, the author lists the actions that MINAM has executed under the National Energy Policy of Peru, as well as those measures in which they have been working to reduce the environmental impact in the energy sector. Next, the author explains the reasons why the National Climate Change Strategy of 2003 has been implemented in only 12%; while in relation to the possible configuration of a carbon market in Peru, EnvironmentMinister confirmed its existence, adding that as a result, it has been recently approved a legal formula that defines the legal and institutional framework mechanisms to regulate compensation for ecosystem services such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Finally, Dr. Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, express its position on the package content reactivating measures that were approved earlier this year by Congress, as well as their expectations of the Twentieth Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention United Nations Climate Change (COP 20) which our country will host. / A través de la presente entrevista, el Dr. Manuel Pulgar-Vidal se pronuncia sobre algunos aspectos cruciales vinculados a la gestión que viene realizando el Ministerio del Ambiente (MINAM) en materia de Desarrollo Sostenible. Como primer punto, el autor realiza un recuento de las acciones que hasta el momento ha ejecutado el MINAM en el marco de la Política Energética Nacional del Perú, así como aquellas medidas en las que viene trabajando para reducir el impacto ambiental en el sector energético. A continuación, el autor explica las razones por las que la implementación de la Estrategia Nacional de Cambio Climático (ENCC) de 2003 solo se ha dado en un 12%; mientras que, en relación a la posible configuración de un mercado de bonos de carbono en el Perú, el Ministro del Ambiente confirma su existencia, precisando que como consecuencia de ello recientemente se ha arribado a una fórmula legal que permite definir el marco legal e institucional para regular los mecanismos de retribución por servicios ecosistémicos, tales como el Mecanismo de Desarrollo Limpio (MDL). Finalmente, el Dr. Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, expresa su posición frente al contenido del paquete de medidas reactivadoras que fueron aprobadas hace algunos meses por el Congreso de la República, así como sus expectativas respecto a la Vigésima Conferencia de las Partes de la Convención Marco de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Cambio Climático (COP 20) de la cual será sede nuestro país.

The article reviews the experiences of programs to promote renewable energy in Southeast Asian countries and proposes some learned lessons that can be useful in the context of COP 20 to promote renewable energy.The article analyzes the rates and mechanisms of promotion used in countries such as India, Indonesia and Vietnam, that are led by the World Bank. These mechanisms are used as a legal basis that proposes successful tested alternatives and its usefulness is that renewable energies can be implemented within the current legal structure of international environmental law.In conclusion, it is the correct timing for the COP 20 to secure funds and international legal mechanisms that promote sustainable energy infrastructure. / El presente artículo revisa las experiencias de programas de promoción de energías renovables en países del sudeste asiático a fin de proponer algunas lecciones aprendidas que puedan ser útiles en el contexto de la Vigésima Conferencia de las Partes de la Convención Marco de las Naciones Unidas sobre el Cambio Climático (COP 20) para la promoción de las energías renovables. Asimismo, revisa las tarifas y mecanismos de promoción utilizados en India, Indonesia y Vietnam, impulsados por el Banco Mundial, como una base para proponer alternativas legales ya probadas. Su utilidad es que las energías renovables pueden ser implementadas dentro de la estructura legal actual del Derecho Ambiental Internacional, la COP 20 es el momento de asegurar fondos y mecanismos jurídicos internacionales que promueven una infraestructura energética sostenible.