Update to Global Warming Potentials

Update to Global Warming Potentials

From 1 July 2020, amendments to the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Regulations 2008 and the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (Measurement) Determination 2008 mean that the Global Warming Potentials (GWPs) for methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) have been updated. The GWP for methane increased from 25 to 28, and the GWP for nitrous oxide decreased from 298 to 265.

Most Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) methods calculate abatement generated by a project using the version of the NGER legislation in force at the end of the relevant reporting period. Please check your project’s particular method to confirm whether you should be using the new GWPs for your next crediting application.

The landfill gas calculator has also been updated to reflect the updates to the GWPs. There are two versions available; one reflecting the NGER legislation prior to 1 July 2020, and one reflecting the new legislation and GWPs which came into force on 1 July 2020.

Please ensure you are using the correct version of the NGER legislation when you submit your next crediting application.