Greenhouse gas reporting: UK conversion factors 2023

The 2023 Greenhouse gas reporting conversion factors have been released by the UK Government.

These emission conversion factors are for use by UK and international organisations to report on 2023 greenhouse gas emissions.

The link below to the .gov website provides different versions of the conversion factors as below;

  • condensed set: this abridged version of the full set is easiest to navigate and most frequently requested. Recommended for most, and new, users of conversion factors
  • full set: contains all available factors for the selected year. Recommended for advanced users only due to the volume of information
  • flat file set (only available from 2014): contains same data as the full set but designed for use in automated processes. Not recommended for most users

The methodology paper explains how the conversion factors are derived.

New users: read the introductory worksheet in the latest condensed set of conversion factors, and the guidance at the top of each individual worksheet.

Regular users: read the ‘what’s new’ sheet which highlights the significant changes for that update: this will ensure consistent and comparable reporting year-on-year

2023 Key Updates

UK Electricity CO2e carbon factor has increased by 7% (compared to 2022) due to an increase in natural gas use in electricity generation. This is the first time in 9 years electricity factors have increased. Businesses will be required to reduce demand, increase efficiency and switch to greener fuels in order to reduce emissions.

The latest factors align with the IPCC’s AR5 and therefore there’s an increase in the global warming potential for methane and a reduction for nitrous oxide. This mean significant changes in the factors and reported GHG emissions for activities such as landfill waste disposal (lots of methane) and wastewater treatment (lots of N2O).

Emissions factors for air travel per passenger are up, reflecting reduced occupancies after COVID19.

All versions are available to download via the .gov website here

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The factors provide the guidance to calculate your business impact or carbon footprint as is widely referenced.

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