What are Electricity Consumption Emissions?

Electricity consumption is a significant source of emissions for many organisations, especially those that are office-based. These emissions, categorised as Scope 2 emissions, result from the generation of purchased electricity consumed by an organisation.

Although these emissions are not produced directly on-site, they are a critical part of an organisation’s overall carbon footprint, as they account for the indirect emissions from the generation of electricity used in operations.

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Which Organisations Are Electricity Consumption Emissions Relevant For?

Electricity consumption emissions are relevant across virtually all sectors, particularly:

• Office buildings: These facilities rely heavily on lighting, computers, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, which contribute significantly to electricity usage.
• IT and data centres: These organisations have substantial electricity requirements to power servers and cooling systems necessary to maintain optimal operating conditions.
• Retail and hospitality: Businesses such as supermarkets and hotels consume large amounts of electricity for lighting, refrigeration, and HVAC systems to ensure customer comfort and product safety.
• Manufacturing: Factories and production plants use electricity to power machinery and equipment necessary for production processes.
• Healthcare: Hospitals and clinics use significant electricity to run medical equipment, maintain air quality, and provide adequate lighting and heating.

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Benefits of Measuring Electricity Consumption Emissions

For organisations, especially those that are office-based, measuring electricity consumption emissions is crucial to managing energy efficiency and achieving sustainability goals. By understanding and tracking electricity usage, organisations can identify opportunities for energy savings and operational improvements.

Regular monitoring allows organisations to implement energy-saving initiatives, such as upgrading to energy-efficient lighting, optimising HVAC settings, and investing in renewable energy sources. These measures not only reduce emissions but also lead to significant cost savings on electricity bills.

Understanding an organisation's energy footprint also provides valuable insights for making informed decisions about energy suppliers. By evaluating the emissions associated with different energy providers, organisations can choose suppliers that offer cleaner energy sources, such as wind or solar power. Switching to a supplier with a lower carbon intensity can significantly reduce Scope 2 emissions and enhance an organisation's sustainability profile.

Moreover, managing electricity consumption emissions enhances an organisation’s ability to comply with environmental regulations and strengthens its reputation as a sustainability leader. A focus on reducing electricity-related emissions can support broader corporate sustainability objectives and improve stakeholder engagement.

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How FutureTracker Can Help

FutureTracker provides comprehensive support for organisations in every aspect of measuring and managing their emissions, including electricity consumption emissions. Our emissions calculator and guidance library simplifies the process, making it easy for your organisation to identify sources of emissions, quantify their impact, and develop targeted strategies to reduce them effectively.

If you’d like to learn more about FutureTracker, get in touch with us at enquiries@futuretracker.com or learn more about our plans and pricing here.