Direct and Indirect GHG Emissions

Cabot operations emit greenhouse gases (GHGs)-primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), and to a much lesser extent, methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). Emissions of these gases are collectively estimated and reported in terms of CO2-equivalents (CO2-e). Total CO2-e emissions from our manufacturing, R&D, and corporate/regional administration facilities for calendar year 2008 were 4.40 million metric tons (MT). Direct CO2 emissions accounted for 92 percent of the total, while 8 percent were related to indirect emissions. Compared with 2007, total CO2-e emissions decreased 11 percent, which correlates with Cabot's 12 percent decrease in total product output due to the global economic slowdown. On a production basis, total CO2-e intensity remained essentially constant at 2.39 MT CO2-e per MT of product.

Cabot Voluntary Target in Reducing GHG Emissions

In 2008, Cabot established a voluntary target in the reduction of GHG emissions. We have committed to reduce our total GHG emissions intensity by 20 percent by the year 2020 (using 2005 as our baseline year). One way we can minimize GHG emissions is to recover energy from tail gases produced by our carbon black operations, and use this by-product stream as fuel in our process and in on-site energy centers. By maximizing the amount of energy we extract from our processes, we can reduce the amount of energy we purchase from external sources and, in turn, have a positive effect on overall GHG emissions.

Direct emissions are defined as GHG emissions that are process-related or result from the on-site generation of electricity, heat or steam, or other production/R&D activities.

 

Indirect emissions are defined as emissions associated with the generation of imported/purchased electricity, heat or steam.

Other Environmental Performance Metrics…

 

Waste Generation (Hazardous and Non-Hazardous)

Water Use & Wastewater Management