Domestic energy utilisation and greenhouse gas emissions

Greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere are influenced by human activities and any net contribution from natural sources. This paper quantifies full-fuel cycle associated greenhouse gas emissions arising from domestic electric and gas energy consumption. In the analysis, the impacts of methane, nitrous oxide as well as carbon dioxide are taken into account to determine the equivalent CO2 emissions per unit of energy used by the consumer. New technologies already employed or soon to be employed in energy supply infrastructure and end-use appliances are considered. In terms of energy, environment and society policy implications, what must be considered is the marginal benefit or cost associated with providing an additional unit of energy. Particular attention is paid to methane emissions from natural gas distribution systems, as this area is frequently subject to speculation as to the effect that the methane emissions have in substantially reducing or removing natural gas benefits. The comparison demonstrates that natural gas maintains its advantage of being the fossil fuel with the least greenhouse gas emissions. (author). 5 tabs., 20 refs