Q. The ‘Common Carbon Metric’, supported by UNEP, has been developed for
a) assessing the carbon footprint of building operations around the world
b) enabling commercial fanning entities around the world to enter carbon emission trading
c) enabling governments to assess the overall carbon footprint caused by their countries
d) assessing the overall carbon foot-print caused by the use of fossil fuels by the world in a unit time
Correct Answer: a) assessing the carbon footprint of building operations around the world
Question from UPSC Prelims 2021 GS Paper
Explanation :
Common Carbon Metric (CCM)
The Common Carbon Metric (CCM) is an initiative supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), particularly through its Sustainable Buildings and Climate Initiative (SBCI). The CCM is a standardized method for measuring the carbon emissions of buildings. Its purpose is to establish a consistent framework for quantifying the energy consumption and CO2 emissions associated with building operations on a global scale.
Objectives of the Common Carbon Metric
The CCM aims to provide a way to benchmark, compare, and track the energy and carbon performance of buildings over time. It supports the efforts of governments, industry, and building owners in understanding and reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment.
Components of the Common Carbon Metric
The Common Carbon Metric typically includes:
- Baseline or operational carbon emissions: This refers to the emissions related to the energy used for heating, cooling, lighting, and other building operations.
- Embodied carbon emissions: Some versions of the CCM also consider the emissions associated with the materials and construction processes throughout the building’s lifecycle.
Impact of the Common Carbon Metric
The CCM is part of a broader effort to promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector, which is a significant contributor to global emissions. By using a standardized approach, stakeholders can more effectively implement strategies to improve building performance, contribute to national and international climate goals, and work towards sustainable development.