How to Calculate Emissions Factor
What is Emissions Factor?
Emissions factors convert activity data (fuel burned, electricity used) to greenhouse gas emissions. They vary by fuel type, region, year.
Formula
Emissions = Activity × Emissions Factor
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Emissions = Activity × Emissions Factor
- 2Gasoline: ~2.3 kg CO₂/liter, electricity: 0.2-0.8 kg CO₂/kWh (regional)
- 3Factor varies with grid composition (coal heavy = higher)
Worked Examples
Input
Drive 1000 km, car uses 5 L/100km, total 50 L fuel
Result
50 L × 2.3 kg CO₂/L = 115 kg CO₂ emissions
Typical car trip
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Using national average when regional factor available
- ✕Forgetting to account for upstream emissions
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do electricity emissions vary by region?
Coal-heavy grids (high factor), nuclear/wind grids (low factor). US average ~0.4, coal region ~0.8 kg CO₂/kWh.
Are lifecycle emissions included?
Basic factors only include combustion. Full lifecycle includes extraction, production, transport.
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