CO2e stands for carbon dioxide equivalent, which is a measure used to compare the emissions of different greenhouse gases based on their global warming potential (GWP).
Greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to climate change. However, not all greenhouse gases have the same warming effect. For example, methane has a much higher GWP than carbon dioxide, meaning that it traps more heat in the atmosphere over a given period of time.
To compare the impact of different greenhouse gases, they are often converted into CO2e, which represents the amount of carbon dioxide that would have the same warming effect as the actual amount of the gas being measured.
For example, if a company emits 1 ton of methane, which has a GWP of 28 compared to carbon dioxide, this is equivalent to emitting 28 tons of CO2e.
CO2e is a commonly used unit for measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions, as it provides a standardized way to compare the impact of different gases. It is often used in carbon accounting and offsetting programs, as well as in national and international agreements to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
Sources:
- Environmental Protection Agency – Overview of Greenhouse Gases: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases
- Carbon Trust – Carbon Footprinting: https://www.carbontrust.com/resources/carbon-footprinting
- ClimateCare – What is CO2e? https://climatecare.org/what-we-do/carbon-footprinting/co2e/
