The Carbon Foundation’s first two initiatives
1. Reduce Methane Emissions
2. Curb HVAC Energy Use
1.
Reduce methane emissions
Methane (CH4) accounted for 12% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in 2021 from human activities. Although methane does not remain in the atmosphere as long as CO2, CH4 is more efficient at trapping radiation than CO2. Pound for pound, the comparative impact of CH4 is 28 times greater than CO2 over a 100-year period.
Approximately 50%-65% of global CH4 emissions come from human activities. The leading sources of methane emissions are energy, industrial, agriculture, land use, and waste management services.
The Carbon Foundation has secured access to technology that reduces methane emissions in the oil and gas industry. Reducing emissions from oil and gas operations is particularly critical to the fight against global change.
First, oil and gas operations are predicted to be the largest source of GHG emissions within the energy sector. Second, we have found technology to reduce methane emissions in a highly cost-effective way.
Methane, the main component of natural gas, has commercial value. When captured at the well site with advanced incineration technology, rather than released into the air as waste gas, methane can be used to generate clean energy at highly competitive kWh prices. This reinforces the grid, improves air quality, eliminates GHG emissions into the atmosphere, and becomes a new, inexpensive clean energy source for nearby underserved communities.
2.
Curb HVAC energy use
HVAC is projected to require 25% of grid electricity by 2050. Of the 2-degree 2050 temperature containment target, HVAC represents .5 degrees. Global sustainability efforts will be squandered if HVAC demand isn’t significantly curtailed.
ASHRAE has determined that HVAC systems lose up to 30% of OEM design cooling efficiency. We have identified and validated technology that will restore much of the lost efficiency.
This restoration technology eliminates this energy waste permanently. The Carbon Foundation projects to recommission 1mm tons of HVAC operated by national charitable organizations in underserved communities. The retrofit is entirely free of charge. A certified HVAC professional installs the technology.
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Societal Benefits
Recipient charities benefit from:
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Lower Electricity Expense. For example, a facility with a 100-ton HVAC system would realize a $7K decrease in energy expense annually for 7.5 years.
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20% Extension of HVAC Equipment Life. Extra useful equipment life delays capital replacement and reduces maintenance.
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Freed-up financial resources can be used to expand programmatic services in underserved communities. Once the HVAC systems of the charitable organizations are retrofitted, the HRI can extend to other community organizations, small businesses, and even residences with central air in underserved communities. The ambition is to raise awareness of HVAC impact and the availability of this technology so adoption expands to all communities.