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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 CO₂ 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 CO₂. 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 kgCO₂/kg
  • Apples imported to Denmark from Spain: 0.5 kgCO₂/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 kgCO₂ per Euro spent
  • Tomatoes: 0.01 kgCO₂ 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 kgCO₂/kg = 0.25 kgCO₂
  • Apples: 2 kg × 0.5 kgCO₂/kg = 1.0 kgCO₂

Total Emissions: 1.25 kgCO₂

Conclusion: The dinner generated 1.25 kg of CO₂ emissions.

Spend-Based Data​

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

Calculations:

  • Pig meat: 50 Euro × 0.05 kgCO₂/Euro = 2.5 kgCO₂
  • Tomatoes: 20 Euro × 0.01 kgCO₂/Euro = 0.2 kgCO₂

Total Emissions: 2.7 kgCO₂

Conclusion: The dinner resulted in 2.7 kg of CO₂ 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. ↩