CO₂e emissions
Carbon dioxide equivalent emissions, or CO₂e emissions for short, are a standard unit used to express the total climate impact of all greenhouse gases (GHGs) in terms of the amount of CO₂ that would have the same global warming effect. This makes it easier to compare and report different types of emissions in a consistent way.
What is the difference between CO₂e emissions and CO₂ emissions?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the most common greenhouse gas, but other gases—like methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O)—also contribute to global warming, sometimes with much higher impact per molecule. CO₂e emissions includes multiple gases—like methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O)—to be combined into a single figure by applying Global Warming Potential (GWP) values. Whereas CO₂ emissions include carbon dioxide gas only.
Why do CO₂e emissions matter for logistics and transport?
Most emissions from freight transport are CO₂ from fuel combustion, but small shares of other GHGs may still be relevant. Reporting in CO₂e ensures you account for the total climate impact of logistics activities, rather than just carbon dioxide. Carbon accounting tools typically allow users to calculate emissions in CO₂e to ensure compatibility with international standards and sustainability frameworks.
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CO₂e emissions
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