Päästövähennysyksiköitä

Päästövähennysyksiköitä, or emission reduction units, are a concept within emissions trading schemes, primarily the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). These units represent a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of one tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). They are the currency of the EU ETS, allowing companies to buy and sell allowances to emit greenhouse gases.

The fundamental principle behind emission reduction units is to provide flexibility in achieving emission reduction targets. Companies that can reduce their emissions below their allocated allowances can sell their surplus allowances as units to companies that exceed their limits. This creates a financial incentive for companies to invest in cleaner technologies and practices, as it can lead to cost savings or revenue generation.

There are different types of emission allowances within the EU ETS. Primarily, these are allowances allocated for free to certain industries deemed at risk of carbon leakage, and allowances that are auctioned by member states. Both types are treated equally within the trading system and can be bought and sold. The total number of allowances available is capped and gradually reduced over time, in line with the EU's climate targets.

The concept of emission reduction units is crucial for the functioning of carbon markets. They enable price discovery for carbon, reflecting the marginal cost of abatement. This price signal guides investment decisions and encourages a cost-effective transition towards a low-carbon economy. The integrity and transparency of the accounting and trading of these units are paramount for the environmental effectiveness of the emissions trading system.