Offset of Carbon Emissions Due to Energy Use in Hospitals via Reforestation in Abandoned Mines. A Case Study in Chania, Crete, Greece

Abstract

Climate change mitigation requires the reduction of fossil fuels used in energy generation and their replacement with carbon-free energy sources. Carbon offsetting is a carbon removal option that can be achieved with several schemes including carbon sequestration by tree plantations. The possibility of offsetting part of carbon emissions due to energy use in the public hospital of Chania is investigated in the current research. The annual energy consumption in the hospital has been estimated at 12,840 MWh/year while its annual carbon emissions, due to energy use at 7,904 tnCO₂/year. Several benign energy systems using renewable energies and low carbon energy technologies can be used to reduce its annual footprint. Reforestation of degraded land is an accepted method for offsetting carbon emissions via carbon sequestration. Reforestation of abandoned mines in an area at 100 ha in Prefecture of Chania can remove 1,000 tnCO₂ annually corresponding at 12.65% of its total annual carbon emissions. The total cost of reforestation was evaluated at $ 250,000 while various external environmental and social co-benefits will be generated. It is indicated that nature-based solutions like reforestation of degraded land can be successfully used with affordable cost for offsetting part of carbon emissions in the public hospital of Chania.