Methodology for analysing CO2 emissions due to energy usePyramid approaches for activity, intensity and carbon drivers

Abstract

Global concern about climate change and environmental sustainability has become widespread, together with the awareness of holding the world temperature increase below 1.5ºC. However, the continued growth of energy use and energy-related CO2 emissions remains an unsolved problem. Effective mitigation measures will only be possible if the drivers of emissions are analysed in depth in order to define future sustainable development pathways and improve governance in this area. This requires a thorough analysis of the impact of energy use on the environment at all stages of the energy chain. This thesis proposes three different approaches to this aim. First, the driving forces that make emissions change are assessed by the definition of an Emissions Indicators Pyramid that examines the energy system from a global perspective. Secondly, the focus moves to the supply side to analyse the effect of the energy sector on the overall efficiency. Finally, the demand-side approach focuses on the final services in buildings, which are examined to define and quantify main activity and efficiency drivers of consumption changes. The thesis is framed within a research line that could be called Global energy analysis and diagnosis, which studies the energy system, and identifies the causes of the problem by examining its stages and links to shed light on how to mitigate its impact.