Carbon compensatory neutralization - case study: mechanic metal industry, Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil

ABSTRACT

This research aims to quantify the contribution of emissions of greenhouse gases, released by a company in the metal-mechanic, in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). A survey of the activities that influence the GHG emissions of the Metal Master company was done. The calculation of greenhouse gas emissions was through the methodologies developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to fuel consumption, energy consumption, waste disposed in landfills, domestic sewage and industrial effluents. Of the total emissions into the atmosphere by the company under study, was obtained a value of 439 tons of CO₂ equivalent, with 76.3 tons from fuel consumption by transport, 89 tons from the waste generated, 2.2 tons from effluents generates, 8.8 tons from consumption of electricity and 148 tons from domestic industrial processes. In the scenario where we contemplate the mitigation measures, such emissions are reduced to 397 tons of CO₂ equivalent. If employee reforestation as the only way to neutralize the emissions of the company, it is necessary to restore plant to an area of 1.37 hectares.

Keywords:
global warming; greenhouse effect; CO₂ emissions; reforestation.