In this webinar, Juan Sotes from The Atmospheric Fund shared their analysis of the climate impact of different space heating alternatives (boilers, heat pumps, CHP) and their alignment with net-zero targets. The analysis presented direct combustion and lifecycle emissions comparisons, providing emission factors to facilitate the calculation of the GHGs of projects. It demonstrated that while CHP generates emissions reductions compared to current systems, is not consistent with our carbon budgets to Net Zero, even with optimistic hydrogen and renewable natural gas adoption, especially if we look at full LCA emissions. With the current electricity generation forecast, heat pumps are similar in carbon intensity as CHP over the next 20 years. Therefore, what is needed is a significant combined investment in heat pumps and renewables to meet our climate goals.
Resources:
- Excel file with formulas and calculations with the presentation’s example
- A Clearer View on Ontario’s Emissions, an updated set of electricity emissions factors to help Ontario communities understand the carbon impacts of their past and current electricity use, and anticipate the impacts of new projects or infrastructure.