Greenhouse

Greenhouse gases are a natural part of the atmosphere and help regulate the temperature of the earth, keeping it at a level that can support life. However, according to most world scientists the average temperature of the Earth's surface has increased over the last century, with accelerated warming over the last few decades. Scientists generally believe that most of this warming is a result of human activities that have caused a build-up of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere - this is known as the enhanced greenhouse effect.

Approximately 90% of electricity generated in New South Wales is sourced from black coal. The energy sector is a priority for the New South Wales Government in managing the growth in greenhouse gases.

NSW Greenhouse Action Plan

The NSW Government’s Greenhouse Plan was released by the Premier in November 2005.

The Plan contains a wide range of initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions:

These measures will contribute to the Government’s target of reducing emissions 10 per cent by 2010 and 15 per cent by 2025. More about renewable energy.

For more information on what the NSW Government is doing, read the NSW Government’s Greenhouse Action Plan.

The Greenhouse Effect

The earth’s climate is controlled by energy from the sun that is absorbed by the earth’s atmosphere. A blanket of naturally occurring “greenhouse gases” traps heat in the atmosphere and create what is commonly referred to as the ‘greenhouse effect’.

Without this blanket of heat-trapping greenhouse gases (including water vapour, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) the earth’s average temperatures would be around 34°C colder.

But since the Industrial Revolution human activity has increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere by 35% and it is now the highest it has been for the past 420,000 years.

If concentrations of greenhouse gases continue to rise, the resulting climate change will have significant impacts on agriculture, water supply, infrastructure, biodiversity and human health.

Current levels of NSW emissions

NSW comprises around 6.7 million people or 34% of the total Australian population and contributes about 151 million tonnes (28%) of national emissions.

In NSW, per capita emissions of greenhouse gases are around 23 tonnes per person each year.

This is due to our relative abundance of cheap fossil fuels, high dependence on coal-fired power generation, the energy intensity of our exports (such as steel and coal) and our rising standard of living.

Key sectors responsible for NSW emissions include the stationary energy sector (47%), transport (15%) and agriculture (14%).

What actions are being taken?

Significant action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in NSW has been underway for some time:

Mandatory renewable energy targets for NSW: The Premier Morris Iemma announced on 9 November 2006 new mandatory renewable energy targets for NSW that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost the renewable energy sector, creating more investment and jobs, particularly in rural and regional NSW. The Renewable energy target levels will be 10 per cent by 2010 and 15 per cent by 2020. Download the NSW Renewable Energy Targets – Explanatory Paper (PDF)

Energy Savings Fund and Action Plans: A $200 million fund ($40 million per year for 5 years) commenced in 2005 and will support new energy savings measures and mandate the development of energy savings action plans by high energy users. Information can be found at NSW Water & Energy Savings Fund & Action Plans

The NSW Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme: The new Greenhouse scheme is the world’s first mandatory emission trading scheme. It began in 1997 and became a mandatory scheme in NSW 2003. Under the scheme, mandatory annual greenhouse emission reduction targets must be met by electricity retailers. Retailers can meet their targets directly or by buying ‘credits’ that are created through activities that reduce or offset emissions. The Scheme saved 9,067,254 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2005. That’s equal to taking 2 million cars off the road. The scheme has achieved around 16 million tonnes of greenhouse savings since it started in 2003 and will accrue around 120 million tonnes by 2012. Information about the scheme can be found at http://www.greenhousegas.nsw.gov.au.

The Greenhouse Action Plan: This Plan identifies important world-leading NSW action and initiatives that have been taken and are currently in place including: Information about the Plan is available at http://www.greenhouseinfo.nsw.gov.au.

Carbon rights legislation: The NSW Government introduced the world’s first carbon rights legislation in 1998 recognising carbon sequestration in forests, and allowing the separate ownership, sale, and management of these carbon rights. Information about this legislation can be found at the NSW Department of Primary Industries: Forests website

Australian Building Greenhouse Rating scheme: NSW initiated this now national voluntary rating scheme in 1999. It enables commercial building owners and tenants across Australia to benchmark and improve their building’s greenhouse performance. The scheme is managed by the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability. Information can be found at http://www.abgr.com.au.

The Native Vegetation Act 2003 provided new protection to prohibit broadscale land clearing which has historically contributed significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Information can be found at http://www.nativevegetation.nsw.gov.au.

The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX): Introduced as part of the NSW planning system, BASIX is a web-based planning tool that measures the potential performance of new residential dwellings against sustainability indices. BASIX requires new homes in NSW to use up to 40% less potable water and produce up to 40% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than the average home. From 1 October 2006, BASIX will also apply to major alterations and additions to existing homes. More at BASIX

Sources of further information

http://www.greenhouse.nsw.gov.au
http://www.cabinet.nsw.gov.au/greenhouse
http://www.greenhouse.gov.au
http://www.basix.nsw.gov.au