1. What is a kWh to CO2 Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts electricity consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh) to carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in metric tonnes.

Purpose: It helps individuals and organizations estimate their carbon footprint from electricity usage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( tCO2 \) — CO2 emissions (metric tonnes)
• \( E_{kWh} \) — Electricity consumption (kilowatt-hours)
• \( EF \) — Emission factor (kg CO2 per kWh)

Explanation: The electricity consumption is multiplied by the emission factor to get kg of CO2, then divided by 1000 to convert to tonnes.

3. Importance of CO2 Calculation

Details: Understanding CO2 emissions from electricity helps with carbon footprint reduction, sustainability reporting, and environmental impact assessments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your electricity consumption in kWh and the appropriate emission factor (default 0.5 kg/kWh). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical emission factor?
A: The global average is about 0.5 kg/kWh, but this varies by country and energy source (coal-heavy grids may be 0.8-1.0, renewable grids may be 0.1-0.3).

Q2: Where can I find my local emission factor?
A: Check with your electricity provider or national energy agency. Many countries publish grid emission factors annually.

Q3: Why convert to tonnes?
A: CO2 emissions are typically reported in metric tonnes for carbon accounting and reporting purposes.

Q4: Does this include all greenhouse gases?
A: This calculates only CO2. For full greenhouse gas impact, you'd need to include other gases converted to CO2 equivalents.

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate, but actual emissions depend on your specific electricity generation mix and time of use.