30-Second Overview
Carbon emission factors convert energy use or fuel consumption (kWh, litres, m³, km, tonnes) into greenhouse gas emissions (kg CO₂e). Official emission factors for Ireland are published annually by SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland). These factors are the foundation for business carbon footprint calculations, ESG reporting, and sustainability compliance.
Utilityfair helps Irish businesses calculate emissions, avoid mistakes, and secure 100% renewable electricity and gas contracts that reduce both costs and CO₂.
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What Are Carbon Emission Factors?
Carbon emission factors translate measurable activity, like electricity in kWh, fuel in litres or m³, travel in km, or materials in tonnes, into kg CO₂e. They provide a standardised method to:
- Calculate your carbon footprint
- Identify emission hotspots (electricity, heating, transport)
- Compare across fuels and energy sources
- Ensure consistent reporting
| Formula |
|---|
| Emissions (kg CO₂) = Activity × Emission factor |
Example: 10,000 kWh × 224.1 gCO₂ / kWh = 2,241,000 gCO₂ = 2.241 tCO₂
Why Do Carbon Emission Factors Matter for Irish Businesses?
Using the correct factors is essential for:
- Carbon footprint reporting: ensuring accuracy in sustainability disclosures.
- Energy management: comparing the impact of electricity, gas, and fuels.
- Procurement decisions: switching from fossil fuels to renewables.
- Billing accuracy: fair conversion of electricity (kWh) and gas (m³) into carbon output.
ESG & CSRD Compliance
If your business falls under ESG reporting requirements (such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive – CSRD), you must disclose emissions across Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3. Correct application of SEAI emission factors ensures your ESG and CSRD reports are credible, comparable, and audit-ready.
- Scope 1: Direct emissions from fuel use (gas, oil, diesel).
- Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity.
- Scope 3: Indirect supply chain and travel emissions.
Main Fuel Carbon Emission Factors (2026 – SEAI Snapshot)
| Fuel & Energy Types | gCO2/kWh | gCO2/MJ | kgCO2/kg | kgCO2/l | kgCO2/m³ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity Consumption | 224.1 | 62.24 | -- | -- | -- |
| Natural Gas (GCV) | 183.5 | 50.98 | -- | -- | 1.99 |
| Natural Gas (NCV) | 203.5 | 56.52 | -- | -- | 1.99 |
| Residual Fuel Oil/Fuel Oil | 273.6 | 76.01 | 3.134 | 2.951 | -- |
| Gasoline/Petrol (100% Petroleum) | 251.9 | 69.96 | 3.119 | 2.311 | -- |
| Diesel/Gasoil (100% Petroleum) | 263.9 | 73.30 | 3.174 | 2.682 | -- |
| LPG | 229.3 | 63.69 | 3.003 | 1.568 | -- |
👉 See the full SEAI Conversion Factors for complete tables.
How to Use Carbon Emission Factors (Step by Step)?
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Collect Consumption Data | Gather invoices, meter readings, and delivery notes. |
| 2. Convert Units | Bring all energy volumes into the same unit (kWh preferred). |
| 3. Apply the Formula | Multiply activity × emission factor. |
| 4. Report & Compare | Present in kg or tonnes CO₂e. |
| 5. Integrate with ESG | Align results with Scope 1, 2, and 3 disclosures. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Using the wrong unit (e.g. applying a kWh factor to litres).
- ❌ Outdated data – SEAI updates factors annually.
- ❌ Excluding Scope 3 emissions – such as travel, supply chain, or waste.
- ❌ Rounding early – small errors can distort reports.
How Utilityfair Helps Irish Businesses Manage Energy Procurement and Reporting
Utilityfair simplifies the process of carbon accounting, ESG reporting, and ensuring that you are on the best price plan that meets your business's sustainability goals. We will analyse your electricity bill completely free.
- Access the latest SEAI conversion factors
- Calculate and interpret your carbon footprint
- Align results with Scope 1, 2, and 3 ESG reporting requirements
- Secure the cheapest 100% renewable electricity and gas contracts
- Cut both your energy bills and your CO₂ emissions
👉 Get started today!
Fill out our enquiry form, click the buttons below or call 01 547 0999 to speak with a Utilityfair energy expert.
Full List of Carbon Emission Factors (source: SEAI)
| Fuel & Energy Types | gCO2/kWh | gCO2/MJ | kgCO2/kg | kgCO2/l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum | ||||
| Crude Oil | 264.0 | 73.33 | 3.140 | 2.943 |
| Gasoline/Petrol (100% Petroleum) | 251.9 | 69.96 | 3.119 | 2.311 |
| Kerosene | 257.0 | 71.39 | 3.155 | 2.524 |
| Jet Kerosene | 257.0 | 71.39 | 3.148 | 2.519 |
| Diesel/Gasoil (100% Petroleum) | 263.9 | 73.30 | 3.134 | 2.951 |
| LPG | 229.3 | 63.69 | 3.003 | 1.568 |
| Biofuel / Bioliquid | ||||
| Biodiesel ME | 14.6 | 4.06 | 0.151 | 0.133 |
| Blended Petroleum & Biofuel | ||||
| Road Diesel (avg. Biofuel Content) | 241.0 | 66.95 | 2.875 | 2.429 |
| Fossil Fuel | ||||
| Petroleum Coke | 336.1 | 93.37 | 2.947 | -- |
| Bituminous Coal | 340.6 | 94.60 | 2.634 | -- |
| Anthracite | 353.9 | 98.30 | 2.737 | -- |
| Lignite | 363.6 | 101.00 | 2.001 | -- |
| Milled Peat | 491.7 | 136.58 | 0.741 | -- |
| Sod Peat | 374.4 | 104.00 | 1.363 | -- |
| Peat Briquettes | 355.9 | 98.86 | 1.834 | -- |
| Gas | ||||
| Natural Gas (GCV) | 183.5 | 50.98 | -- | -- |
| Natural Gas (NCV) | 203.5 | 56.52 | -- | -- |
| Electricity | ||||
| Electricity Consumption | 224.1 | 62.24 | -- | -- |
| Gross Electricity Supply | 201.4 | 55.94 | -- | -- |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The 2026 SEAI carbon emission factor for electricity consumption is 224.1 gCO₂/kWh. This is the official value for Irish business reporting.
Yes. Emission factors are the basis of ESG reporting under frameworks like CSRD. They allow you to disclose Scope 1 (fuel), Scope 2 (electricity), and Scope 3 (value chain) emission.
Collect usage data (kWh, litres, m³, km, tonnes) → apply the SEAI emission factors → report results in kg or tonnes CO₂e.
Yes. Under most reporting standards, certified 100% renewable electricity contracts can be reported as zero emissions in Scope 2.
Gross Supply = emissions at generation (before grid losses).
Consumption = emissions at end use (what businesses should report).
