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CO2e Calculations with Conversion Factors

Understanding how to calculate your company's CO2e emissions is crucial for effective carbon management. The calculation transforms raw data into a standardized measure of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using conversion factors.

Understanding Conversion Factors​

Conversion factors play a pivotal role in translating various data points into CO2e, the common metric used to compare the environmental impact of different greenhouse gases. These factors are based on the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of each gas relative to CO2e and are often location-specific, especially for Scope 2.

Converting Data to CO2e​

The conversion of raw data into CO2e is a foundational step in carbon accounting. This process involves using emission factors that account for the GWP of various greenhouse gases compared to CO2e. Depending on the data, these factors can be activity-based or spend-based, sourced from recognized databases or regulatory frameworks. You can obtain conversion factors from specialized databases tailored to the geographic and regulatory context of your operations. It is essential to use region-specific factors that comply with local environmental standards.

Conversion Factors example 1​

1. Activity-Based Factors: These factors measure emissions per unit of product or activity. Example calculations might include:

  • Carrots produced in Denmark: 0.25 kgCO2e/kg
  • Apples imported to Denmark from Spain: 0.5 kgCO2e/kg

2. Spend-Based Factors: These factors estimate emissions based on financial expenditure on goods or services. Example calculations could be:

  • Pig meat: 0.05 kgCO2e per Euro spent
  • Tomatoes: 0.01 kgCO2e per Euro spent

Calculation Examples​

Activity-Based Data​

Data: Purchasing 1 kg of carrots and 2 kg of apples for dinner.

Calculations:

  • Carrots: 1 kg × 0.25 kgCO2e/kg = 0.25 kgCO2e
  • Apples: 2 kg × 0.5 kgCO2e/kg = 1.0 kgCO2e

Total Emissions: 1.25 kgCO2e

Conclusion: The dinner generated 1.25 kg of CO2e emissions.

Spend-Based Data​

Data: Purchasing pig meat for 50 Euro and tomatoes for 20 Euro.

Calculations:

  • Pig meat: 50 Euro × 0.05 kgCO2e/Euro = 2.5 kgCO2e
  • Tomatoes: 20 Euro × 0.01 kgCO2e/Euro = 0.2 kgCO2e

Total Emissions: 2.7 kgCO2e

Conclusion: The dinner resulted in 2.7 kg of CO2e emissions.

Improving the Process with the help of BeWo​

The collection and conversion of data to CO2e are integral to effective carbon accounting. By understanding and applying the correct methodologies for activity-based and spend-based data collection, along with appropriate conversion factors, organizations can accurately assess and manage their impact on the climate. This process supports informed decision-making and strategic planning for environmental sustainability.

Footnotes​

  1. These numbers are invented for illustration purposes and should not be referenced. ↩