Guidance on calculating greenhouse gas emissions from electricity consumption

1. Greenhouse gas inventories and the role of electricity consumption

A greenhouse gas inventory is the process of measuring and recording greenhouse gases emitted from different sources in our activities. Electricity consumption contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions because of electricity generation and the operation of power systems. Organizations therefore generate indirect greenhouse gas emissions when they consume electricity.

2. Steps in preparing a greenhouse gas inventory for electricity consumption

a. Collect data

Collect information on electricity consumption from different power sources. This may include monthly electricity bills or consumption data for specific equipment or systems.

b. Identify emission factors

Identify the emission factor corresponding to the electricity source used. These factors are usually provided by relevant organizations or standards and express the average greenhouse gas emissions per unit of electricity consumed.

Reference: Vietnam's electricity grid CO2 emission factor for 2020

Note: Vietnam's electricity grid emission factor for 2021 was 0.7221 tonnes CO2/MWh (Report of Year 2021).

c. Calculate greenhouse gas emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions = Electricity consumed × Emission factor.

The result represents the greenhouse gas emissions associated with your electricity consumption.

Download the IPCC guidance on calculating greenhouse gas emissions from electricity and energy sources:

3. Significance and benefits of calculating greenhouse gas emissions from electricity consumption

Calculating greenhouse gas emissions from electricity consumption has the following purposes and benefits:

a. Assess impacts

Calculating greenhouse gas emissions from electricity consumption helps you assess the impact of your electricity use on climate change and the environment.

b. Identify preferred electricity sources

The calculation helps identify which electricity sources produce fewer greenhouse gas emissions. This enables you to select and prioritize renewable or lower-emission sources of electricity.

c. Manage and reduce emissions

Through these calculations, you can manage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electricity consumption by switching to renewable electricity sources, improving energy efficiency and implementing electricity-saving measures.

Greenhouse gas inventories and calculations of emissions from electricity consumption are important elements in managing and reducing the negative impact of electricity sources on climate change. By applying accurate methods and tools, you can measure and manage emissions and contribute to reducing the greenhouse effect. Together, we can build a sustainable future and reduce the greenhouse effect associated with electricity consumption.

Related articles:

Vietnam's electricity grid CO2 emission factor for 2020

Greenhouse gas inventories in accordance with ISO 14064-1

Greenhouse gas inventories in accordance with ISO 14064-1: terms and definitions

List of sectors and facilities required to conduct greenhouse gas inventories

Greenhouse gas inventory reporting templates

ISO 14067 consulting

Greenhouse gas inventories: guidance on calculating emissions from electricity consumption