Carbon
Last updated on April 8, 2022
The current price on carbon emissions from fossil fuels is $50 per tonne of CO2e. The price will increase by $15 per tonne to $170 by 2030 [1].
The following table shows the impact of the carbon tax . The average fuel consumption of a car in Canada is 8.9 litres per 100 km . The average number of km driven per year is 15,200 km and burns 1,350 litres of gasoline . The average home in Canada uses 2,442 cubic metres of natural gas a year.
| Type | Gasoline (litre) |
Per Year | Natural Gas (cubic meter) |
Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 ($65/tonne) |
0.1431 | $192 | 0.1239 | $302 |
| 2024 ($80/tonne) |
0.1761 | $237 | 0.1525 | $372 |
| 2025 ($95/tonne) |
0.2091 | $282 | 0.1811 | $442 |
| 2026 ($110/tonne) |
0.2422 | $327 | 0.2097 | $512 |
| 2027 ($125/tonne) |
0.2752 | $371 | 0.2383 | $582 |
| 2028 ($140/tonne) |
0.3082 | $416 | 0.2669 | $652 |
| 2029 ($155/tonne) |
0.3412 | $460 | 0.2954 | $721 |
| 2030 $170/tonne) |
0.3743 | $505 | 0.3240 | $791 |
Note: Carbon pricing is not adjusted for inflation. If the average inflation remains at 2% for the next 8 years, $505 in 2030 is worth $430 in today's dollars and $791 is worth $675.
References
[1] climateinstitute.ca/canadas-carbon-pricing-update/
[3] www.thinkinsure.ca/insurance-help-centre/average-km-per-year-canada.html
Last updated on April 8, 2022
Embodied carbon is the Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e) released during the manufacturing or construction process of an item and includes the production and transportation of the raw materials and sub assemblies, as well as the CO2e released due to warehousing and marketing. This is the carbon footprint before the item becomes operational.
The manufacturing of a small car releases 6 to 8.5 tonnes of CO2e, a medium size car releases 17 tonnes of CO2e, and a large car releases 35 tonnes of CO2e.
The manufacturing of a small electric car, including the battery, releases 14 tonnes of CO2e [1].
Embodied carbon is usually not included in the CO2e of imported items which is problematic because it encourages outsourcing manufacturing to countries with poor environmental standards.
References
[1] www.brusselsblog.co.uk/carbon-emissions-in-the-lifetimes-of-cars/
Last updated on April 8, 2022
A small gasoline powered car emits about 195 grams of CO2e per kilometre. In Canada, a car is driven on average 15,200 km per year and releases about 3 tonnes of CO2e per year. Over the 13 year lifetime of a typical Canadian car, this amounts to 38 tonnes. The total CO2e, including both the manufacturing and operation of a small car over its life is 44 to 46.5 tonnes.
A small electric car has a larger embodied carbon footprint but, if charged with renewable energy, the emitted carbon is essentially zero. However, renewable energy has its own embodied carbon (about 20 to 30 grams CO2/kWh) [1]. A small electric car gets 6.5 km per kWh, and uses 2,340 kWh per year. 0.07 tonnes of CO2e is released each year and over the 13 year life of an electric car, the total embodied and emitted CO2e is 14.9 tonnes, 40 % of the carbon released by an equivalent gasoline car.
Emitted carbon is usually not included in the CO2e of exported items. It is a problem similar to embodied carbon. For example, the CO2e of exported tar sands oil does not capture the emitted carbon as part of Canada’s GHG emissions.
References
[1] www.brusselsblog.co.uk/carbon-emissions-in-the-lifetimes-of-cars/
Last updated on April 10, 2022
Committed carbon is the amount of CO2e released in the future by an item that was produced or constructed in the past. One example is a gasoline car, with an expected lifetime of 13 years, that is purchased today. This vehicle will produce 38 tonnes of CO2e before it is eventually scrapped, well beyond the 2030 GHG target.
Committed carbon means that purchasing decisions made today have a long lasting effect on climate change and efforts to mitigate the effects of CO2e emissions.
Bay du Nord
Bay du Nord is an example of committed carbon. The decision to approve the oil field will cause the release of 130 MT of carbon in the future. Committed carbon must be included in our plans to reduce GHG emissions.
Natural Gas
Last updated on April 8, 2022
In Canada, heating accounts for 62% of GHG emissions produced in the home and the vast majority is from burning natural gas." [1]
In 2021, there was a total of 664 MT of CO2e emitted in Canada. 13%, or 86 MT, comes from homes and buildings and 62%, or 53.5 MT, of CO2e comes from burning natural Gas. "Natural" gas is not, in fact, natural - it is derived from fossil fuels and consists mainly of methane. It is a non-renewable hydrocarbon. "Methane is more than 25 times as potent as carbon dioxide at trapping heat in the atmosphere." &
As much as 60 percent of natural gas production in the US is from fracking . Fracking is a type of drilling that uses pressurized liquid to fracture the bedrock and access the gas deep below the earth's surface. Each fracking well will use between 5.5 million litres and 36.7 million litres of fresh water during its production life and this water is too contaminated to be re-used . Not only does fracking cause pollution of the ground and surface water, it also presents a threat to our wildlife and our ecosystems .
Fracking moratoriums are in place in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Quebec.
References
[2] www.epa.gov/gmi/importance-methane ~ Methane is also a greenhouse gas
[3] www.edf.org/climate/methane-crucial-opportunity-climate-fight
[4] news.climate.columbia.edu/2014/06/06/the-fracking-facts/
Last updated on April 8, 2022
As a result of the significant damage attributed to the burning of natural gas, many jurisdictions have already banned, or are in the process of banning its use. Examples include Vancouver and the Province of Quebec [1] , New York City , Berkley, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, and all new homes in the United Kingdom just to name a few .
Natural gas cook tops are banned in all new buildings in many Californian towns and cities because of the high concentration of nitrous oxide in the homes & .
Unfortunately, Ontario is expanding its gas network even though natural gas is a significant contributor to our GHG emissions. Green Development Standards that mandate Net Zero buildings will reduce the damage from natural gas.
References
[1] www.cbc.ca/news/science/bans-fossil-fuel-heating-homes-1.6327113
[2] www.cnbc.com/2021/12/15/new-york-city-is-banning-natural-gas-hookups-for-new-buildings.html
[3] www.ecohome.net/guides/3667/when-will-natural-gas-be-phased-out-usa-canada-uk/
[4] www.cbc.ca/news/world/climate-change-natural-gas-stove-range-1.5313295
[5] pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.1c04707
[6] www.cbc.ca/news/science/what-on-earth-gas-expansion-ontario-1.6313819
Building Code
Last updated on April 8, 2022
The Federal Government is working on a new National Building Code to be ready by 2030. This code requires all new buildings to be Net Zero Ready by 2030. Unfortunately, provinces do not have to implement the National Building Code and are able to set their own code [1].
Ontario complies with only 60% of the National Building Code although efforts are underway to harmonize more of the code .
Note: Net Zero Ready buildings are built to the same standard as Net Zero buildings but they do not generate their own electricity. Provisions are made to add solar panels but there is no guarantee that the solar panels will actually work due to roof alignment or shading from other buildings.
References
Last updated on April 8, 2022
There are several green building standards available for reference:
- ANSI/ASHRAE 189.1 Standards [1]
- Green Globes Certification
- International Green Construction Code
- LEED - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Standards
- Living Building Challenge Certification
- US National Green Building Standard
References
[1] www.ashrae.org/technical-resources/bookstore/standard-189-1
[2] thegbi.org/green-globes-certification/
[3] www.iccsafe.org/products-and-services/i-codes/2018-i-codes/igcc/
[4] support.usgbc.org/hc/en-us/articles/4404406912403
[5] www.ecohome.net/guides/2296/what-is-the-living-building-challenge/
Last updated on April 19, 2022
There are air source and ground source heat pumps. Ground source was formerly called geothermal but this term is now reserved for geothermal energy such as hot springs. Both types of heat pumps transfer heat from one location to another. In winter, heat is pumped from the air, or ground, into the building. In summer, heat is pumped from the house back into the ground or air. No GHG is emitted since nothing is burned in the transfer process. GHG will be released if the electricity required to run the pumps is not renewable, however, in Ontario, over 90% of electricity is generated by non GHG producing processes (59.6% nuclear, 25.1% hydro, 8% wind and <1% solar) [1].
The ground temperature, 2 to 3 metres below the surface, ranges from 7°C to 21°C depending on the season . In winter, there is heat that can be pumped into the house and in summer, the ground can accept heat from the house. Horizontal ground loops are the most common for residential houses with sufficient land for the loops. Where space is limited, vertical boreholes are used.
Air source heat pumps are not as efficient as grounds source since it's harder to extract heat from the air as it gets cold. Until recently, air source heat pumps needed auxiliary heat when the outside air temperature dropped below -20°C. This was typically electric heat coils installed in the supply air plenum. However, recent developments in air source heat pump snow allow them to work down to -30°C and auxiliary heat is not required .
Even when outdoor temperatures are cold, a good deal of energy is still available that can be extracted and delivered to the building.The heat content of air at -18°C equates to 85% of the heat contained at 21°C. .
Performance
The Coefficient of Performance (COP) is "energy out" divided by "energy in". The COP ignores the energy used to create the electricity or natural gas, however, it is useful to calculate the performance of the energy sources. The best natural gas furnaces are 97% efficient and that means for every unit of energy put into the furnace, 97% is used for heating and 3% is wasted as flue gas. Electric baseboard heaters are 100% efficient since every unit of energy that goes into a baseboard is used as heat.
Since it's hard to extract heat from cold air, air source heat pumps have a lower COP than ground source heat pumps. A air source heat pump has a COP of about 3 and will return 3 units of energy for every unit of input. A ground source has a COP of 4 and return 4 units of energy for every unit of input . In practice, some ground source heat pumps with variable speed field pumps and fans, and 2 stage compressors can achieve a COP of 4.5.
Why a Heat Pump?
- No GHG released when operating since no fossil fuels are burnt.
- Much more energy efficient. Heat pumps are the only heat source that releases more energy than is put into the system
- Air conditioning is part of the heat pump cycle and no additional hardware is required.
- Ducted heat pumps can be installed using the same ducts as gas or oil furnace
- Ductless heat pumps can be installed on any outside wall.
References
[1] https://www.ieso.ca/en/Corporate-IESO/Media/Year-End-Data
[3] https://www.furnaceacexperts.ca/mitsubishi-zuba-multi/
[4] https://www.nordicghp.com/how-to-calculate-coefficient-of-performance
Last updated on April 20, 2022
When the operating costs of Net Zero buildings are included in the cost of ownership, the alternatives are less expensive.
Net Zero houses are slightly more expensive to purchase but substantially cheaper to operate [1]. It is estimated that building a Net Zero house costs between 1% to 8% more than conventional construction .
A Net Zero house can be 80% more energy efficient than a conventional house and requires much less energy to heat and cool. Features include:
- extra insulation
- triple pane windows
- air tight
- properly engineered ventilation and air purification systems
- high efficiency appliances
- roof overhang and awnings to reduce warming from the summer sun
- all electric: water heater, clothes dryer, and stove top. No GHG emissions
A Net Zero home is normally heated with an electric heat pump, backed up with electric baseboard heaters if necessary. New heat pump work to -30 ℃ and backup heat is seldom required. The low energy requirements of a Net Zero house make it economical to heat with electricity, and this will become more so as the carbon tax increases over the next 8 years.
Net Zero homes are connected to the electrical grid via net metering. Electricity produced by the solar panels is consumed in the house. Any excess electricity is sent to the grid where it is banked for future use. At night, electricity is drawn from the bank to supply the house.
Net Zero Ready
Net Zero Ready houses are built to the same standards as Net Zero homes but do not have the energy source installed (typically solar panels). The house is wired to take solar panels and the roof is designed to take the load of the panels. The energy source can be installed later .
The cost of a Net Zero Ready house is competitive with a house built to the Ontario Building Code when the substantial reduction in operating cost is factored in.
References
[1] blog.chba.ca/2021/10/26/do-net-zero-homes-save-you-money/
[2] www.attainablehome.com/do-net-zero-homes-cost-more-to-build/
[3] https://www.chba.ca/CHBA/BuyingNew/Net-Zero-Homes.aspx
[4] www.efficiencyns.ca/smart-energy-business-idea/net-zero-ready/
Electric Vehicles
Last updated on April 8, 2022
Transportation accounts for 25% of Canada’s GHG and about half comes from cars and light duty trucks. As of February 4, 2022, the Federal Government has mandated that 100% of all cars and light trucks be electric by 2035 [1].
References
Last updated on April 8, 2022
Embodied carbon is the Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO2e) released during the manufacturing or construction process of an item. It includes the production and transportation of the raw materials and sub assemblies, as well as the CO2e released due to warehousing and marketing. This is the carbon footprint before the item becomes operational.
The manufacturing of a small car releases 6 to 8.5 tonnes of CO2e, a medium size car releases 17 tonnes of CO2e, and a large car releases 35 tonnes of CO2e [1].
References
The manufacturing of a small electric car, including the battery, releases 14 tonnes of CO2e [2].
[1] www.brusselsblog.co.uk/carbon-emissions-in-the-lifetimes-of-cars/
[2] www.zerocarbonguildford.org/post/should-i-buy-an-electric-car
Last updated on April 8, 2022
The average small gasoline car in Canada will be driven 15,200 km per year and has an expected lifetime of 13 years. This vehicle will produce 38 tonnes of CO2e before it is eventually scrapped, well beyond the 2030 GHG target.
An electric car will produce zero GHG, however, the electricity release GHG depending on how it is generated.
Last updated on April 19, 2022
The cost owning an electric car, when the cost of fuel and maintenance are included, is less than the cost of an internal combustion engine car [1].
For an analysis of the cost of owing an electric car, see the Clean energy Canada report "The True Cost" .
The price of gasoline and the cost of owing a gasoline car will increase as the tar sands producers are forced to clean up their industry.
References
[1] www.cbc.ca/news/business/electric-vehicle-column-don-pittis-1.6403537
[2] cleanenergycanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Report_TheTrueCost.pdf
Last updated on April 19, 2022
There are several ways to charge an EV. All cars have Level 1 and Level 2. Some have Level 3 and Telsa have Superchargers.
Level 1 chargers use a standard 120 volt household connection and a cable/charger system that comes with the car. Level 1 chargers can charge at a rate of 7 to 12 km per hour depending on the car.
Level 2 chargers use 240 volts and require a charger. These are normally residential units but they can be found at public charging locations. Level 2 chargers can charge at a rate of 35 to 60 km per hour depending on the car. Level 2 chargers normally have a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection to allow for off-peak scheduling and remote battery monitoring. All EV's use the same plug for Level 2.
Level 3 chargers use 480 volts and are considered "gas station" replacements for EVs. Level 3 chargers can charge most cars to 80% battery capacity in an hour.There are 3 types of plugs used for Level 3: 1) SAE-Combo used by most North American and European cars, 2) CHAdeMO used by most Asian cars, and 3) Tesla who have their own plug. Most Level 3 chargers have both SAE and CHAdeMO plugs.
Tesla Superchargers chargers only work with Tesla cars. Charging rates vary: Model 3 282 km in 15 minutes, Model Y 525 km in 30 minutes.
| Car | Range | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Hyundai IONIQ | 274 | 35.5 hrs | 6 hrs | 54 min |
| Chevy Bolt | 417 | 66 hrs | 9.9 hrs | 77 min |
| Nissan Leaf | 240 | 30 hrs | 8 hrs | 40 min |
| Volvo XC40 | 359 | 40 hrs | 8-10 hrs | 50 min |
https://www.canadadrives.ca/blog/car-guide/how-long-does-it-take-to-charge-an-electric-vehicle