Carbon Savings Calculator

We use the UK Government DESNZ emission factors for electricity (0.207 kg CO2e/kWh for grid electricity) and natural gas (0.183 kg CO2e/kWh). Solar generation displaces grid electricity at the same rate. These figures are updated annually and represent the average carbon intensity of the UK grid.

Your business carbon footprint includes Scope 1 emissions (direct from gas boilers, company vehicles), Scope 2 emissions (purchased electricity), and Scope 3 emissions (supply chain, employee commuting). This calculator focuses on Scope 1 and 2 energy emissions, which are typically the largest component and the easiest to reduce through renewable energy.

Solar panels generate zero-carbon electricity that directly displaces grid electricity. Every kWh generated by your solar panels avoids 0.207 kg of CO2 that would otherwise come from the grid. A typical 50kW commercial system saves approximately 9.3 tonnes of CO2 per year, equivalent to taking 5 cars off the road.

The UK Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) framework requires qualifying companies to report energy consumption and carbon emissions. Even for smaller businesses, demonstrating reduced emissions helps win contracts (especially public sector tenders), attracts ESG-focused investors, and future-proofs against tightening regulations. Many supply chain requirements now demand carbon reduction evidence.

We convert CO2 savings into relatable equivalents: one mature tree absorbs approximately 22 kg of CO2 per year, the average UK car emits 1.7 tonnes of CO2 per year, and the average UK household emits approximately 2.7 tonnes from energy use. These help communicate your environmental impact to stakeholders in meaningful terms.