As discussed before, to define a GasID the weight (w) or total avoided emissions of GHGs (AE) must be calculated. Again, the equation for this is as follows:
AEistheTotalAvoidedEmissionsofGHGsfromrecyclingmass(m) BEistheBaselineEmissionsofGHGsforwhenmass(m)isnotrecycled REistheRealEmissionsofGHGsfrommass(m)whensuccessfullyrecycled AE=BE−RE To understand this process let’s explore an example of calculating a GasID for a glass TRC originated in San Francisco, California municipality #1.
TrSF1istheexampleTRCofrecycledglassmaterial TrSF1={M0,M1,...,MN} andtheequationofoneMassID(e.g.M0)lookslike M0={clear–glass,50kg,{...,SanFranciscomunicipality1Processor}} The first step to finding the avoided emissions (AE) for TrSF1 is finding the baseline emissions (BE). In this instance, without recycling the glass there would have been GHG emissions from sources like the extraction of sand, transportation to factories, and preliminary processing. (Note, in a study conducted by the European Glass Federation replacing 100% of the virgin materials with recycled glass used in a glass bottling plant cuts CO2 emissions by approximately 58%[69]).
Zero Waste Auditors will work with the recycling entities in order to provide accurate CO2e baselines based on the type of material and location. These formulas are known by corporations from their supply chain cost calculations which auditors can then apply to the creation of GasIDs from TRCs of plastics, paper, glass, and more based on the unique impact of recycling these materials in each location. From this, we know the baseline emissions (BE).
For this example we will assume that the Zero Waste Auditors have informed us that 1 ton of clear-glass in TrSF1 produced from raw materials has a baseline GHG emissions of 500 kgs.
BEistheBaselineEmissionsofGHGsforwhenmass(m)usedinproductionwasnotrecycled BE=500kgs The second step is to find the real emissions (RE). This variable is also provided by the Zero Waste Auditors through tracking the emissions from cullet recovery and repurposing it in the facility at San Francisco, municipality #1. Let’s assume that the real emissions (RE) of GHGs from TrSF1, when successfully recycled is 210 kgs.
REistheRealEmissionsofGHGsfrommass(m)whensuccessfullyrecycled RE=210kgs Now, the avoided emissions (AE) can be calculated as follows:
AE=BE−RE AE=500kgs−210kgs AE=290kgs andaspreviouslydefined wistheweight(kg)ofTotalAvoidedGHGs(AE)intheformofCO2e whichallowstheGasIDGSF1fromTSF1tobedefinedas GSF1={290kgs,TSF1} GasIDs can be calculated in the same fashion for just about every other waste type (Plastic, Cardboard, Paper, Aluminum, etc.) at each recycling facility, using tools like the EPA’s WARM Model.. By measuring carbon emissions from supply chains and valuing the climate benefits that recycling brings to a circular economy, the Carrot Fndn will be able to incentivize recycling and eliminate tremendous amounts of waste and carbon emissions. Each Ton of recycled waste will be able to be tracked and GasID calculations will be available to all for transparency and continuous improvement.
