More and more companies and individuals want to map out their CO2 emissions. Whether it's to reduce your ecological footprint, comply with regulations, or strengthen your sustainability policy: calculating CO2 is an important first step.
In this article, we explain how CO2 calculation works, which methods are available, and why it’s so relevant. Use our free tool for a quick and easy CO2 calculation.
What is CO2 calculation?
CO2 calculation means quantifying the emission of greenhouse gases (expressed in CO2 equivalents, or CO2e) resulting from activities such as transportation, production, energy consumption, and consumption of goods. This includes not only CO2, but also other greenhouse gases such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), converted into their CO2 equivalent.
Why CO2 calculation is important
For companies and organizations, there are several reasons to calculate their CO2 emissions:
Gain insight into your CO2 emissions: Understanding your emissions helps you identify where your biggest impact lies.
Plan CO2 reduction: Only by knowing your sources of emissions can you implement targeted reduction measures.
Comply with reporting obligations: Increasing regulations (such as the CSRD) in the EU require transparency about emissions.
Strengthen your sustainability image: Customers, investors, and partners value transparency and climate action.
Prepare for future CO2 legislation: Think of CO2 pricing or emissions trading systems.
How is CO2 calculated?
CO2 calculations typically use emission factors. An emission factor indicates the amount of CO2e emitted per unit of activity. For example:
Burning 1 liter of diesel = approx. 2.66 kg CO2e
1 kWh Dutch (grey) electricity = approx. 0.4 kg CO2e
1 ton of sea freight transport = approx. 15 kg CO2e
These factors are often sourced from reliable databases such as the IPCC, national databases or industry organizations.
Click here to learn more about emission factors
The 3 scopes of emissions according to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol
According to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, CO2 emissions are typically categorized into three scopes:
Scope 1 emissions: Direct emissions, for example from company-owned vehicles or installations.
Scope 2 emissions: Indirect emissions from purchased energy.
Scope 3 emissions: Other indirect emissions, for example from suppliers, transport, or employee commuting.
A complete CO2 calculation takes all these scopes into account.
Click here to learn more about scope 1-2-3 emissions
Example of a CO2 calculation
For example, a company wants to calculate the emissions from annual energy consumption and transport:
100,000 kWh electricity (grey): 100,000 x 0.4 = 40,000 kg CO2e
50,000 liters diesel: 50,000 x 2.66 = 133,000 kg CO2e
Total emissions: 173,000 kg CO2e (or 173 tons).
What to do with your CO2 calculation outcome?
A CO2 calculation is not a goal in itself. It is the starting point for:
CO2 reduction plans (energy efficiency, electrification, mobility policy)
CO2 compensation through certified climate projects
Reporting to stakeholders
Complying with laws and regulations
Calculate your CO2 footprint with Regreener
Calculating your CO2 emissions gives you control over your climate impact. Whether you're starting with initial measurements or already working on detailed scope 3 analyses: measuring is knowing.
At Regreener, we offer companies practical tools, clear reporting, and suitable compensation solutions. We have developed our own CO2 management tool that allows you to perform a full CO2 calculation. A simplified version of this tool is provided below to give you a better understanding.
Looking for extra info?
Explore our FAQ guide.
