Con Edison's Approach to Climate Change
Air quality is one of many environmental challenges. Addressing environmental issues must be an important priority for every country, company, and individual.
Scientific evidence indicates that a "business as usual" approach increases the risks of more severe, and perhaps irreversible, effects of climate change. Associated with global climate change is a potential rise in sea levels. During the 20th century, sea levels rose five to six inches more than the global average along the Mid-Atlantic and Gulf coasts, according to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. Global climate change is expected to cause an increase in heat waves, higher levels of precipitation, severe storms in some parts of the world, and droughts in others.
Energy production and energy use play significant roles in climate change. For example, approximately 80 percent of New York City's carbon emissions result from energy use in buildings. As New York City's largest energy-delivery provider, Con Edison of New York recognizes that environmental concerns are real, that the company has the ability – and responsibility – to make positive changes.
Consequently, operating under its climate-change principles, Con Edison:
- Works with the federal, state, and local governments, and other stakeholders to address climate change.
- Maintains an inventory of the company's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
- Considers the impact of business decisions on GHG emissions.
- Pursues energy-efficiency in operations.
- Advocates, promotes, and supports energy-efficiency improvements for customers.
- Supports new technology development in coordination with other key industry stakeholders.
- Supports development of renewable sources of energy and other generation to reduce emissions.
Con Edison is a participant in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, (RGGI). RGGI is a cooperative effort by Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states to develop the first mandatory cap on carbon emissions, and a trade program for carbon.
In 2008, Con Edison became a founding member of The Climate Registry. The Climate Registry helps organizations calculate and report greenhouse gases using global standards of reporting and third-party verification protocols for creating an inventory of greenhouse gases emissions. The reporting and verification protocols are based on the internationally recognized greenhouse gas measurement verification standards of the World Resources Institute, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, and the International Organization for Standardization. All emissions reports will be made available to the public at www.theclimateregistry.org.
The effort will result in an accurate, transparent and verified set of greenhouse gas emissions data from reporting entities. Among those participating are businesses, nonprofit organizations, municipalities, state agencies, and others. There are 107 founding reporters, including 20 utilities that are voluntarily participating.
New York State generates 8 percent of our nation's power but has 5 percent of the emissions. New York City actually is a model of energy efficiency. The city's population density of 26,000 residents per square mile helps to make it more energy efficient than many other areas of the United States. Average residential electricity consumption in New York City is substantially below the national average. The region's comprehensive subway and commuter rail systems contribute to the city's energy efficiency.
Looking ahead, Con Edison recognizes the need to meet New York's energy needs while fulfilling our responsibilities as good stewards of the environment. The company supports new technologies that help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and is working with all levels of government to address climate-change issues. Con Edison is curbing its carbon emissions, improving the company's energy efficiency, and working with its customers to improve theirs.
The company is working with car manufacturers to help research next-generation vehicles, including plug-in hybrid-electric models electric vehicles, vehicles powered by compressed natural gas and others. Con Edison is also researching how electric cars will connect with the grid.