Product Overview
The Carbon Calculator produces an estimate of the carbon impact of actions planned on the platform. The calculations are based on the technology installed and the impact of that technology on the generation or consumption of electricity.
Within the projects tool, this is reported through a project summary, a five year carbon saving, and the full carbon emissions saved over 15 years.
Figure: The Carbon Calculator within Projects
Figure: The project summary, showing a complete list of technologies and capacities.
Figure: The total carbon emissions saved over five years.
Detailed carbon emissions saved over 15 years.
Carbon data is extracted through a meta study of available literature, trusted resources and other leading analysis as to the carbon impact of installing each technology. The full list of data sources can be found below.
The calculations are underpinned by a selection of necessary assumptions based on future behaviour and grid emissions, aligned with the accepted literature.
For all technologies, the carbon calculator does not take into consideration the suitability of the location for the technology, this must be calculated within the work flow of the tools within the platform.
Assumptions: Heat pumps
Every kW of heat pump is available for heating.
The correct power unit is picked for the property.
The boiler being replaced in average mix of heating technologies available, based on likely frequency of installation.
Assumptions: Solar Panels
An average irradiance and efficiency rating is calculated for PV panels across the country.
A conversion factor of kWp to kWh of 850 kWh/kWp is used.
Assumptions: Electric Vehicle Charge Point
An average UK car is driven for 7400 miles per year.
Assumptions: General
Embodied emissions are not accounted for.
National Electricity Grid is decarbonised at a rate of 4.2% per year as defined by SBTIs.
National Electricity Grid Emission factor of 0.23119 kgCO2/kWh in 2021 is used
as year 1.
The average household is defined as:
Three bedroom semi-detached house
Electricity consumption 2900 kWh per year
Gas consumption 12000 kWh per year
Sources
National Grid ESO (Source)
Ofgem (Source)
UK Government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (Source)
Energy Savings Trust (Source)
EDF Energy (Source)
ISO Energy (Source)
Centre for Reduction in Energy Demand Solutions (Source)
Valliant (Source)
LG (Source)
USwitch (Source)
Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews (Source)
Sheffield Solar, The University of Sheffield (Source)
The Renewable Energy Hub (Source)
Abundance Investment (Source)
PV Magazine (Source)
The University of Nottingham (Source)
Love My EV (Source)
Otherway (Source)