Understanding and quantifying carbon emissions associated with energy use is essential for businesses and individuals alike as environmental consciousness grows.
Scope 2 energy-related carbon emissions specifically focus on indirect emissions from purchased or acquired energy.
This guide will walk you through the process of calculating Scope 2 emissions, shedding light on the relationship between emissions and energy use.
Definition of Scope 2 Emissions
Scope 2 emissions are defined as indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with the consumption of purchased or acquired electricity, heat, or steam.
Scope 2 Emissions Examples
Scope 2 emissions encompass a wide range of indirect emissions. Examples include:
- Electricity Purchases: Emissions from the electricity purchased and used by an organisation.
- District Heating or Cooling: Emissions from the purchase of heating or cooling from external sources.
- Steam Purchases: Emissions from the purchase and use of steam produced outside the organisation.
Relationship Between Emissions and Energy Use
The connection between emissions and energy use lies in the type of energy sources employed. Different energy sources emit varying amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) during production and consumption. Fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas, contribute significantly to carbon emissions, while renewable sources like wind and solar power have a lower environmental impact.
CO2 Emissions by Energy Source
To calculate Scope 2 energy-related carbon emissions, it’s crucial to understand the CO2 emissions associated with different energy sources. The table below provides an overview of CO2 emissions per unit of energy for common sources:
| Energy Source | Estimated lifetime CO2 Emissions, kg/GJ |
| Hard Coal | 101 |
| Oil | 72 |
| Natural gas | 56 |
| LPG | 72 |
| Electricity (UK grid) | 54 |
Source: Carbon emissions of different fuels
These values illustrate the stark contrast in carbon emissions between conventional and renewable energy sources.
How to Calculate Scope 2 Energy-Related Carbon Emissions?
Calculating Scope 2 energy-related carbon emissions is a crucial step in understanding and mitigating environmental impact. By delving into the relationship between emissions and energy use and exploring CO2 emissions by energy source, individuals and businesses can make informed decisions towards a more sustainable future.
Traditionally, some individuals use spreadsheets to convert energy use into CO2 footprints, applying global and local greenhouse gas conversion factor standards. However, in today’s fast-paced digital landscape, hybrid energy and carbon management systems, such as ClearVUE.Zero, have revolutionised the process.
ClearVUE.Zero comes equipped with thousands of UK greenhouse gas conversion factors embedded in its system, instantly translating energy data from its IoT smart meters into carbon data. This unique feature allows for the seamless and accurate conversion of energy consumption into CO2 equivalents, eliminating the need for manual calculations or spreadsheet applications.
