1. What is Electricity kWh to CO2 Conversion?

Definition: This calculator estimates the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced from electricity consumption in the United Kingdom.

Purpose: It helps individuals and businesses understand the environmental impact of their electricity usage and make more sustainable choices.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( CO_2 \) — Carbon dioxide emissions (kilograms)
• \( E_{kWh} \) — Electricity consumption (kilowatt-hours)
• \( F \) — Emission factor (kg CO2/kWh, default 0.233 for UK)

Explanation: The electricity consumption is multiplied by the emission factor to calculate the associated CO2 emissions.

3. Importance of CO2 Calculation

Details: Understanding electricity-related emissions helps in carbon footprint reduction, sustainability reporting, and meeting environmental targets.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your electricity consumption in kWh and the emission factor (default 0.233 kg CO2/kWh for UK grid average). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the UK emission factor 0.233 kg/kWh?
A: This is the average CO2 intensity of UK grid electricity, accounting for the current energy mix (2023 data).

Q2: Does this factor change over time?
A: Yes, as the UK grid incorporates more renewables, the emission factor decreases annually.

Q3: How does this compare to other countries?
A: UK's factor is lower than global average (0.475 kg/kWh) due to significant renewable and nuclear energy.

Q4: Can I use this for renewable energy?
A: For 100% renewable tariffs, you might use a lower factor (e.g., 0.05 kg/kWh for wind/solar).

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a good estimate, but actual emissions vary by time of day and specific generation sources.