Greenhouse gas (GHG) conversion factors are used to calculate
the amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused by energy
use. They are measured in units of kg carbon dioxide equivalent**.
In order to convert 'energy consumed in kWh' to 'kg of carbon
dioxide equivalent', the energy use should be multiplied by a
conversion factor.
Conversion factors example
To convert from litres of petrol to kgCO2e emissions
multiply by 2.331, so for example:
200 litres petrol = 200 x 2.331 = 466.2 kgCO2e
Carbon emissions are usually quoted in kgCO2/kWh. If you wish to
convert the carbon dioxide factors into carbon (ie kgC/kWh),
multiply the figure by 12 and divide by 44.
Conversion factors - energy and carbon conversion guide
Defra published updated conversion factors in August 2011.
Our guide to conversion factors contains these GHG conversion
factors along with a spreadsheet to enter your usage and calculate
carbon emissions.
Download the guide:
Conversion factors - Energy and
carbon conversion (CTL153)
Download our Conversion
factors calculator - editable spreadsheets (.xlsx) to
convert energy units into equivalent carbon dioxide emissions,
using Defra's 2011 conversion factors.
Find out more about our carbon
footprinting measurement services and Footprint
Certification for your organisation.
For further guidance on conversion factors, see Defra's
website.