International Greenhouse Gas Standards To Support Sustainable Global Energy

Abstract

A sustainable energy future will be based on more efficient energy use, better energy infrastructure, alternative energy technologies, along with appropriate policies and market instruments. Negative implications of energy use can be managed cost-effectively using market instruments such as emission trading. Market efficiency and success depends on internationally accepted GHG standards that are compatible for both developed and developing countries. While standards are currently being developed at a regional level in the US, Europe and elsewhere, it is essential to have a uniform global framework. To help achieve a global sustainable energy infrastructure, GHG standards should support both "cap and trade" programs that manage GHG emissions as well as incentivize the development and uptake of technologies and projects with GHG credits. This paper will explain the status of international GHG standards including new IEEE standards activities and the implications for the design and achievement of a global sustainable energy infrastructure.