Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What
is a carbon footprint?
A. It is the measure of impact human activities have
on the environment with regard to the amount of
green house gases produced, measured in units of
carbon dioxide.
Q. What is the Full Fuel Cycle?
A. Many people feel energy efficiency begins and ends in their homes. In reality, energy efficiency begins prior to reaching your home. The Full Fuel Cycle represents the amount of energy expended to bring a fossil fuel, such as coal from the earth to your home.
Q. What
is CO2?
A. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colorless, odorless,
non-combustible greenhouse-gas that contributes to
global warming. It is formed by complete combustion
of fossil fuels (coal, charcoal, natural gas,
petroleum) and carbon containing products (such as
wood). It also is released through respiration by
living organisms and by the gradual oxidation of
organic matter in soil.
Q. What
is global warming?
A. It is the increase in the average temperature of
the earth's near-surface air and oceans since the
mid-20th century and its projected continuation.
Most global warming is due to the increase of
man-made greenhouse gases.
Q. How were the CO2
emissions calculated on your Web site?
A. Electric emissions were obtained from the EIA
eGRID 2006 report. The emission data for natural gas
was obtained from the EPA Clean Energy Calculations
and References as 117 lbs. CO2/decatherm.
