Updated Conversion Emission Factors: A call for urgent action

Updated Conversion Emission Factors: A Call for Urgent Action

Written by Bana Mahasneh, Net Zero Now

The UK government has recently released this year's updated conversion emission factors, serving as a reminder that relying solely on technology and energy efficiency is not enough to combat climate change effectively.

These emission factors provide crucial data for businesses to report their greenhouse gas emissions accurately. They play a significant role in GHG modelling and data analysis, reflecting the precision with which businesses calculate their emissions.

While businesses may feel they are doing their part in reducing emissions, the updated factors often reveal a different story. That doesn't mean their efforts are in vain, but rather that they may not be as effective as initially perceived. One of the most noteworthy updates is the 7% increase in electricity conversion factors. This rise can be attributed to a surge in gas usage for power generation, which has replaced renewables in the energy mix compared to the previous year. Consequently, emissions from any activity associated with electricity consumption have amplified.?

Waste disposal conversion factors have also increased by 11-12%, primarily due to updated values for methane capture and oxidation, as we strive to model methane emissions from waste management processes more accurately. Additionally, air travel conversion factors have skyrocketed by 25-52% due to revised and reduced load factors resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. These adjustments underscore the constantly evolving nature of carbon footprinting.

We have become accustomed to the notion of decreasing emission factors in electricity generation as we transitioned from coal to gas and, more recently, from gas to renewable energy. Consequently, businesses have reported a decrease in emissions resulting from electricity generation, which does not necessarily reflect active efforts to reduce energy consumption but rather the positive consequences of declining emission factors. However, this year, we witnessed an increase in the emission factor due to the heightened use of natural gas in the energy mix, sending shockwaves through the climate community.

One consequence of the increase in waste disposal conversion factors may be a renewed focus on priorities in waste management: reducing waste generated and finding circular alternatives to disposable materials is almost always the most impactful approach, with choice of disposal method a secondary consideration.? Furthermore, the substantial increase in flight conversion factors highlights the importance of developing sustainable travel options and implementing measures to increase occupancy levels.

While there have been some decreases, particularly related to advancements in vehicle efficiency, the overall trend indicates a rise in emissions. For many businesses, these updates pose a challenge that heightens the urgency to address emission reduction. These updates remind us that energy efficiency is just one part of the equation. Although it may seem appealing to businesses commercially, driving cost reduction and energy efficiency, it represents only one side of the coin when it comes to reducing emissions.??

The release of updated conversion emission factors by the UK government is a wake-up call for businesses to intensify their efforts in emission reduction. In light of these updated emission factors and enhanced modelling accuracy, businesses may find that their perceived progress in emissions reduction falls short of reality. These updates reveal higher emission levels when utilised, thereby weakening our collective efforts. At Net Zero Now, we will incorporate these updated factors into our database and apply them to all our 2023 reports.

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