A building developer is concerned about the carbon dioxide, CO2\text{CO}_2CO2, emissions of different home heating systems over their lifetimes.
The developer conducts a life-cycle assessment (LCA) for three heating systems they are considering:
- a natural gas boiler
- a heating oil boiler
- an electric heat pump
What is the primary purpose of a life-cycle assessment (LCA)?
Select one option.
- To estimate the potential running and maintenance costs of the heating system over its lifetime.
- To assess the potential environmental impacts associated with all stages of the heating system's life.
- To measure the maximum heat output and energy efficiency under laboratory conditions.
- To identify the health, safety, and installation hazards for technicians.
The graph shows the life-cycle assessment results for the three heating systems.
(i) Which type of heating system produces the most direct exhaust carbon dioxide emissions?
- Gas boiler
- Oil boiler
- Electric heat pump
(ii) Which type of heating system produces the most carbon dioxide over its lifetime?
- Gas boiler
- Oil boiler
- Electric heat pump
Describe two potential environmental consequences of increased concentrations of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, in the Earth's atmosphere.
The electricity used by the electric heat pump in this assessment is generated by burning fossil fuels like coal, which releases a large amount of carbon dioxide.
Suggest how the electricity used to power the heat pump could be generated to significantly reduce its carbon footprint.