Monday, March 2, 2009

What is the Climate Registry Requiring of Businesses?

By Daniel Stouffer

Established on May 8, 2007, the climate registry is part of efforts in the United States and internationally to reduce air pollution. What is the climate registry and how does it affect your business are questions that continue to be asked today. Any facility that uses refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) systems or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems should be aware of the climate registry.

What is the climate registry definition? The climate registry is a partnership between 39 U.S. states, 13 Canadian provinces and territories, 6 states in Mexico and three native sovereign nations. The climate registry records and track greenhouse gas emissions from businesses, municipalities, organizations and other facilities.

What is the climate registry accomplishing? It is providing a standard measure for how emissions are figured and a streamlined method for reporting emissions output. This is important because there are various mandatory regulations among U.S. states, countries and provinces. The submitted data will reveal best practices for establishing programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What is the climate registry goals? The climate registry is using the single reporting system to streamline efforts to reduce emissions that harm the environment and ensure consistent reporting of emissions. Through the registry, the risks of greenhouse gases can be easily identified and opportunities for programs and initiatives to address greenhouse gas emissions can be developed. The climate registry makes it politically and geographically easier for countries to come together to achieve climate change. With a common infrastructure, current and future programs are supported at a reduced cost because resources are being shared.

What is the climate registry expecting businesses to do? Businesses are expected to calculate, record, verify and submit its usage of harmful gases that impact the environment on a regular basis.

What is the climate registry requiring of businesses? Businesses identified as contributing to the emission of greenhouse gases, such as those with refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) systems or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, are required to report greenhouse gas emissions. Direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions need to be reported, which include hydrofluorocarbons, carbon dioxide, perfluorocarbons, methane, sulfur hexafluoride and nitrous oxide. The climate registry allows for consistency, streamlines program requirements and ensures integrity in accounting and reporting of emissions.

In particular, what is the climate registry looking for from my business? To track and report greenhouse gas emissions accurately and consistently. This can be a time consuming process, especially if done manually. But there are management programs that handle the complete process, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of refrigerant use.

What is the climate registry is an important question that must be addressed by businesses and municipalities so that employees know what is required of them in ensuring compliance. Improving the air we inhale is a major concern and one that requires the cooperation of businesses, both small and large. With the climate registry, an organized way to recognize and develop programs to lower greenhouse gas emissions will result in success. - 15437

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