Calculations & Conversions

The purpose of the greenhouse gas (GHG) conversion factors is to help organisations convert existing data sources (e.g. utility bills, car mileage, refrigeration and fuel consumption) into CO2 equivalent emissions by applying relevant conversion factors (e.g. calorific values, emission factors, oxidation factors).

Defra produces guidelines that outline typical activities and operations such as, emissions produced from energy use and transport, and provide equivalent CO2 conversion factors. The conversion factors also enable organisations to convert emissions of other greenhouse gases (if data is available) into carbon dioxide equivalents. This will help organisations to measure and aggregate CO2 emissions and identify where emissions reductions can be made.

A simple start for converting Kg of CO2:

Please note that conversion factors are for Kg of CO2 – you will need to divide by 1,000 to get tonnes of CO2. e.g. 230,000 kWh of Electricity x 0.543 = 124,890 Kg CO2 or (/1000) = 124.89 tonnes of CO2
Also note that this electricity factor is standard whether you are on a green tariff or not.
THESE CONVERSION FIGURES ARE OCCASIONALLY UPDATED - TO ENSURE THE LATEST FACTORS PLEASE CHECK THE DEFRA WEBSITE

In addition, there are toolkits available to help organisations with the conversion calculations. The Defra website has a range of information on conversion factors and calculation methodologies.
If you would like more information on the CRC and other targets and policies - visit the 'Targets and Policies' page.