Electricity CO₂ emissions calculation

Estimate electricity-related CO₂ emissions from energy use (kWh) and an emission factor (kg CO₂/kWh).

The results vary greatly depending on how you choose the emission factor (kg CO₂/kWh).

This tool is for learning and rough estimates. For official reporting, use approved methods and published factors.

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Presets and sharing

Use the calculator safely

Inputs

Coefficient presets are examples (not official values).
Choose the basis used by the emission factor. This changes the labels and metadata, not the arithmetic.

Results

Estimated emissions
Estimated emissions (kg)
Estimated emissions (t)
Electric energy (Wh)
Electric energy (kWh)
Electric energy (MWh)
Emission factor (kg/kWh)
Emission factor (g/kWh)
Formula used
Input recap
About this emission factor
Source
Data year
Checked date
Emission basis
Scope 2 method
Factor type
Accounting boundary
Geography
Status

Limitations

    Relationship graph (approximate)

    It is a straight line from electric energy (kWh) → emissions (kg) when the emission coefficient is fixed.

    Assumptions & limits

    FAQ

    What is an electricity emission factor?

    It expresses the emissions associated with one unit of electricity, commonly in kg CO₂/kWh or kg CO₂e/kWh. The value depends on the grid, supplier or product, data year, gases covered, and accounting method.

    Are the built-in factor presets official?

    No. The low, medium, and high presets are illustrative values for learning and interface checks. For reporting, use a factor required by your supplier, regulator, inventory program, or organization.

    What is the difference between CO₂ and CO₂e?

    CO₂ refers only to carbon dioxide. CO₂e combines multiple greenhouse gases using their global-warming potentials. Use the same basis in the factor, result label, comparison, and report.

    What is the difference between location-based and market-based Scope 2?

    Location-based accounting generally uses the average emissions of the grid where electricity is consumed. Market-based accounting uses qualifying supplier, product, contractual-instrument, or residual-mix data. Follow the method required for your report.

    Which emission factor should I use?

    Start with the factor specified by the applicable reporting method. Prefer a value matching the electricity supplier or grid, geography, consumption period, gas basis, and accounting boundary. Record the source and data year.

    Can renewable electricity always be entered as zero?

    No. A zero factor is appropriate only when the applicable source and accounting method explicitly support it. Lifecycle factors can remain above zero, and market-based claims may require qualifying contractual evidence.

    How to use Electricity CO₂ emissions calculation effectively

    Choose the right factor

    Start with the emission factor required by your supplier, regulator, or reporting method. Use location-based and market-based factors consistently; do not mix them in the same comparison.

    Keep units explicit

    Enter energy in Wh, kWh, or MWh and choose whether the factor is kg CO₂/kWh or g CO₂/kWh. The calculator converts units before multiplying, so a unit mismatch is easier to spot.

    Compare scenarios

    Run one baseline, then change only energy use, the factor, or the target emissions. The reverse modes estimate allowable energy use or the required factor for a target.

    Reporting caution

    Treat preset factors as examples. For reports, use the published factor for the electricity plan, region, inventory year, and CO₂ or CO₂e boundary you need.