Calculate GHG Protocol Scope 2 emissions from purchased electricity. Enter kWh usage and grid factor to estimate indirect CO2 from electricity consumption.
Scope 2 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling consumed by your organization. For most office-based and commercial organizations, Scope 2 is the largest emission category. The GHG Protocol requires reporting Scope 2 using both location-based and market-based methods.
This Scope 2 Emissions Calculator estimates your indirect CO2 from purchased electricity. Enter annual kWh and the grid emission factor. You can also apply market-based adjustments for renewable energy purchases (RECs, PPAs, green tariffs).
Getting Scope 2 right is critical for corporate reporting, science-based targets, and understanding where to focus reduction efforts. Many organizations can cut Scope 2 significantly through efficiency, on-site solar, and green power purchases.
Precise measurement of this value supports sustainable energy planning and helps organizations reduce their environmental impact while maintaining operational performance and comfort levels. Quantifying this parameter enables systematic comparison across facilities, time periods, and equipment configurations, revealing optimization opportunities that reduce both costs and emissions.
Scope 2 is often the largest and most actionable corporate emission source. This calculator quantifies it for location-based reporting and helps evaluate the impact of renewable energy procurement. Consistent measurement creates a reliable baseline for tracking energy efficiency improvements and validating the impact of conservation measures and equipment upgrades over time.
Scope 2 (location-based) = kWh × Grid Factor. Market-based = kWh × (1 − Renewable%) × Grid Factor.
Result: Location: 195,000 kg; Market: 136,500 kg
Location: 500,000 × 0.39 = 195,000 kg. Market: 500,000 × (1 − 0.30) × 0.39 = 136,500 kg.
For most commercial and technology companies, Scope 2 from electricity is 50–80% of total Scope 1+2 emissions. This makes it the most impactful place to invest in reductions. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Apple have achieved near-zero Scope 2 through aggressive renewable procurement.
Many organizations aim for 100% renewable electricity. This is typically achieved through a combination of on-site generation, PPAs, and REC purchases. The RE100 initiative tracks corporate renewable commitments globally.
Leading companies are moving beyond annual matching to 24/7 carbon-free energy, matching renewable supply to demand on an hourly basis. This drives investment in storage, dispatchable renewables, and demand flexibility.
Location-based uses the average grid emission factor where you consume electricity. Market-based reflects specific electricity purchases: RECs, PPAs, green tariffs, or supplier-specific factors. GHG Protocol requires both for Scope 2 reporting.
Three strategies: (1) Reduce kWh through efficiency. (2) Generate your own clean electricity (rooftop solar). (3) Purchase clean electricity (PPAs, RECs, green tariffs). The ideal approach combines all three.
For market-based reporting, RECs claim the renewable attributes. However, their real-world impact varies. Bundled RECs from new projects ("additionality") drive new renewable capacity. Unbundled commodity RECs may not. Best practice is to prioritize PPAs with additionality.
Scope 2 also includes purchased steam, hot water, and chilled water. Emission factors for these are based on the fuel used to generate them. If your building buys district steam, include it in Scope 2.
The SEC climate disclosure rules require Scope 1 and Scope 2 reporting for large filers. Many state regulations and voluntary frameworks (CDP, SBTi) also require Scope 2 disclosure.
Calculate Scope 2 for each facility using its local grid factor, then sum for total corporate Scope 2. This allows you to prioritize reductions where the grid is dirtiest or usage is highest.