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Article originally from American Chemistry magazine

How are today’s detergents able to clean effectively without hot water?  How can planes and automobiles carry more cargo over greater distances using less fuel?  What makes today’s homes and buildings more energy-efficient? What helps make renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind power more effective?  In many cases, the answer is chemistry.

Engineers, planners, and policymakers know these types of innovations reduce society’s energy consumption and help lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  They also know America’s chemical industry is key in creating and supplying these next-generation products and technologies. However, it has been difficult to quantify the benefits—until now.

Emissions reduction study
In July, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and its International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) colleagues announced the findings of a study showing how the chemical industry plays a positive role in reducing GHG emissions.

Performed by McKinsey and Company, this first-of-its-kind carbon-lifecycle analysis (cLCA) of a global industry found forevery unit of GHGs emitted by the chemical sector, society saves more than two units through the use of chemistry products and technologies provided to other industries and consumers.  Moreover, the study found the ratio would increase to 4:1 or more by the year 2030, clearly establishing the chemical industry as a significant contributor to reducing GHGs.

The analysis further revealed the most significant GHG emissions savings by volume come from building insulation materials, agrochemicals, lighting, plastic packaging, marine anti-fouling coatings, synthetic textiles, automotive plastics, low-temperature detergents, engine efficiency, and plastics used in piping.

Some dramatic examples include the following (showing ratio of emissions savings to emissions):

• Building insulation foam 233:1
• Foam coating in district heating 231:1 (Note: District heating is used in dense urban areas for residential heating and inindustrial zones for heat or heating water.  The heat is often obtained from cogeneration, a process sometimes used by the chemical industry as an efficient way to generate power and steam.)
• Synthetic diesel additives (fuel efficiency improvements) 111:1
• Glass and carbon fiber for wind turbines 123:1
• Compact fluorescent lighting 20:1
• Marine fuel reduction due to use of anti-fouling coating 20:1
• Engine efficiency 21:1
• Low-temperature detergents 9:1
• Polymers for automotive weight reduction 3:1

Event showcase
In announcing the study’s findings at an event in Washington, D.C., ACC highlighted a wide range of specific products of chemistry that contribute to energy savings and GHG emissions reduction.

These products included automotive lightweight composites and a hybrid car battery; building and construction materials, such as insulation, PVC pipe, vinyl windows, and compact fluorescent lighting; and a solar panel as an example of renewable energy.  Each product demonstrated the chemical industry’s commitment to reducing GHG emissions.  Results from the study will be used to guide further improvement.

In addition to these findings, our efforts are also driven by the support for sustainable chemistry in making products that meet the needs of today’s consumers and working openly and ethically with government and communities.  Our industry continues to strive to improve its products in efforts to further reduce their impact on the environment and future generations.

Despite increased production, U.S. chemical industry emissions fell 16 percent between 1990 and 2008—a reduction that would have exceeded the Kyoto Protocol target.  Energy efficiency has also improved by 53 percent since 1974.

Future looks bright
The chemical industry has the potential to enable further savings in GHG emissions in decades to come, with the key being greater use of emission-reducing products and technologies.  To make this happen, policymakers must construct procedures that maintain the global competitiveness of the U.S. chemistry industry.  They must also ensure a level playing field, so high-paying, green jobs can be kept in the U.S. to avoid the transfer of production and emissions to more carbon-intensive nations, which would result in a net increase in global emissions.

Americans want a cleaner, greener future, and chemistry already plays a major role in helping reduce GHG emissions.  Equally as important, many existing and future energy-saving products and green jobs depend on chemistry.  This new research confirms the business of chemistry provides climate solutions.

Learn more about climate study.

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