The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has released its highly anticipated 2024 Greenhouse Gas Conversion Factors for Company Reporting. These updated factors, now accessible on FutureTracker, bring notable changes from previous years. In this blog post, we will explore the implications of these changes. But first, let's clarify what conversion factors are.
In environmental reporting, conversion factors are essential tools that translate various activities (such as driving a car or disposing of waste) into their corresponding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These factors are vital for businesses aiming to monitor and reduce their environmental impact, providing a standard measure (usually in kilograms or tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent) that can account for different greenhouse gases and a variety of activities.
Changes to conversion factors mean changes to your footprint. As these factors are adjusted, the emissions associated with specific activities may increase or decrease, reflecting updated scientific data or shifts in energy sources and technologies.
Cars (by market segment) - Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): 30% to 50%
For cars by market segment, specifically Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), the GHG factor for CO2 has increased by 30-50%. This increase is due to updated PHEV utility factors, which now align with real-world data on the percentage of distance driven solely by electricity. This significant rise in direct emissions outweighs the general decrease from newer, lower-emission cars.
Cars (by size) - All sizes - Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): 32% to 46%
Similarly, for cars by size, the GHG factor for CO2 for all sizes of PHEVs has increased by 32-46%. This is also due to the updated PHEV utility factors reflecting real-world data, leading to increased direct emissions.
Bioenergy - Biodiesel HVO: 101%
In bioenergy, the GHG factor for CO2e for Biodiesel HVO has seen a significant increase of 101%. This change is due to variations in the mix of feedstocks and production plants year-on-year, which greatly affects the weighted average factor for this fuel.
Cars (by market segment) - All segments - Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): -55% to -6%
Conversely, for cars by market segment across all segments, the GHG factor for CO2 for PHEVs has decreased by 55-6%. This significant reduction is due to updated PHEV utility factors that reflect the percentage of distance driven solely by electricity, alongside newer cars with lower emissions entering the fleet.
Water Supply: -13% | Water Treatment: -8%
For water supply, the GHG factor for CO2e has decreased by 13%. The 2024 figures reflect the latest data from water companies, showing considerable year-to-year variation. Similarly, for water treatment, the GHG factor for CO2e has decreased by 8%, based on the latest data from water companies indicating substantial annual variation.
Paper - All - Primary material production, Closed-loop source: 43% to 56%
For paper, for all primary material production from closed-loop sources, the GHG factor for CO2e has increased by 43-56%. This change is due to replacing virgin material factors with ecoinvent data.
Construction – Mineral oil, Plasterboard, Tyres, Wood – Closed-loop, Combustion: -70%
For construction, particularly for mineral oil, plasterboard, tyres, and wood from closed-loop sources undergoing combustion, the GHG factor for CO2e has decreased by 70%. This correction addresses an error affecting the transport emissions for recycling and Energy from Waste (EfW) factors.
Rigid HGV (all diesel) >7.5 tonnes-17 tonnes, Average laden: 8% | Rigid HGV refrigerated (all diesel) >7.5 tonnes-17 tonnes, Average laden: 8%
For rigid Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) from 7.5 tonnes to 17 tonnes, the GHG factor for CO2 per kWh tonne.km has increased by 8%. This is because, despite fuel consumption staying relatively constant, the amount of goods moved has decreased. Similarly, for refrigerated rigid HGVs of the same size, the GHG factor for CO2 per kWh tonne.km has also increased by 8%.
At FutureTracker, we work year-round to ensure our platform reflects the latest emissions factors, whether from DEFRA or other valuable sources, providing our clients with the most accurate and current data for their sustainability efforts. By rapidly integrating data updates, we continue to support organisations in their journey towards sustainability with expertise and efficiency.
If you'd like to get started measuring your footprint and revolutionising your sustainability, take a look at our plans here.
