Carbon Footprint Workbook

Constructing your
Carbon Footprint
A guide to calculating your carbon

footprint for the construction industry
What is a Carbon Footprint?
We all affect the environment in many different ways, from the way we travel to
work, to the equipment we use and the way we heat and light the premises. With all
these things to think about it is hard to find one way of measuring our total impact. A
quick and easy way to show your total impact is to calculate your carbon footprint.
Where does all the Carbon come from?

When we talk about carbon footprint what we actually mean is ‘carbon dioxide
footprint’. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is released when we burn carbon based fuels.
Almost all fuels are carbon-based, including:
 petrol and diesel in our cars, vans and generators
 coal, oil and gas in our power stations (and businesses)
 jet fuel in aeroplanes
Typical business activities which directly or indirectly release carbon dioxide include:
Propane
Heaters
Coal
Fires Air Travel
 Rechargeable
 Batteries
FLT
Train travel

 


Electrical
Tools
Electrical
Appliances
Mini-
Excavators
Paraffin
Heaters
Van Diesel
Travel Generators
How does carbon dioxide affect the environment?

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas - it traps the sun's heat and keeps the earth warm.
Too much carbon dioxide in the air leads to climate change, also known as global
warming. Other greenhouse gases, such as methane, also contribute to climate
change. Countries and large organisations count these as part of their carbon footprint.
But for you and your business the most important greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide
and it is the only greenhouse gas included in your carbon footprint.
Why measure your Carbon Footprint?
Business benefits
Cost Savings
Reducing the amount of electricity, gas and fuel you use for your business activities
will result in cost savings. If for no other reason than saving money you should
monitor and record energy and fuel use. If you can’t measure it you can’t manage it.
Accreditations and Legislation

An increasing number of accreditation schemes and government legislation is aimed
at the construction industry. The majority of which have some element of
environmental assessment and a requirement for you to prove your environmental
performance. The type of data that you need to gather for your carbon footprint
calculation will be the same required by other accreditation schemes and legislation.
For example:
 Code for Sustainable Homes
If you become involved in the construction of new build homes it may be
necessary for you to submit your energy data to the Principle Contractor.
 Considerate Construction Scheme
Signing up to this scheme shows a commitment to a number of issues including
your impact on the environment. To prove your commitment to reducing that
impact energy saving performance and measures need to be demonstrated.
If you have already calculated your carbon footprint and continue to gather the data it
will be easier to sign up to these schemes or meet legal requirements.
Tendering
Even if you choose to dismiss that your activities are changing the climate it is likely
that others around you, including clients, may be totally committed to making a
difference by reducing their carbon footprint. Environmental performance is
increasingly included in the tendering process for contracts. Suppliers of products or
services often have to complete some form of written evaluation. By calculating your
carbon footprint you show an understanding of how your business activities affect the
environment and it may allow you to answer the environmental question quickly and
easily.
Reputation
With the increase in public awareness there is increasing pressure on businesses to
understand how they affect the environment and do something about it.
To reduce your negative impact on the environmental

There is now very strong evidence that significant global warming can't be explained
by natural causes alone. Humans are changing the climate by their actions, especially
through emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, which artificially warm
the atmosphere of the earth. The effects of climate change so far include rising
temperatures, higher sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events like floods.
All of these are expected to become more severe. Future effects of climate change can
be influenced by what is done now. By calculating your carbon footprint you have a
clear understanding of how your business releases carbon dioxide and allows you to
target areas for improvement.
Carbon Footprint method
The full carbon footprint of a business can be enormous and very complicated to
calculate. If you were to consider all of your activities from the direct use of fuels to
the indirect impacts such as employee travel to work, manufacture of raw materials
and the delivery of raw materials you wouldn’t have time left to run your business.
We therefore group carbon dioxide emissions by the level of control a business has
over them.
Scope 1 – Direct carbon dioxide emissions that result from the activities that
the business controls.
Mostly commonly, direct carbon dioxide emissions will result from the combustion of
fuels at your business premises, such as gas central heating, or on a building site when
a diesel generator is used.
Scope 2 – Emissions from the use of electricity

The use of electricity on your business premises that you pay the bill for.
Scope 3 – Indirect carbon dioxide emissions that result from the activities
that the business performs but does NOT have full control over.
Basically all other activities that result in the emission of carbon dioxide and could be
influenced by your business decisions could be included in scope 3. These types of
activities include using electricity at your client’s premises, delivery of materials to a
project and employee travel to work. The decisions you make as a business can affect
scope 3 emissions but you cannot necessarily control them. It does not mean that you
should dismiss all scope 3 emissions. You need to decide firstly if you can collect the
data needed and if the activity will have a large impact on you carbon footprint.
For example, in the construction industry it is likely that employees will travel to a
variety of locations to complete a day’s work. You can control where geographically
you will work as a business but you cannot control where your employees live or the
type of vehicle they drive. So do you include this in your carbon footprint? Only if
you can collect reliable data, you feel this activity contributes a significant amount of
carbon dioxide and if you feel you can do something to reduce it.
Scope 1 and scope 2 have to be included in your carbon footprint calculation;

scope 3 activities should be considered if significant.
Converting to Carbon Dioxide

Once you have gathered your energy data you then need to calculate the amount of
carbon dioxide. Conversion factors have been developed by Defra to allow you to
convert the input measure of energy to the amount of carbon dioxide.
Data collection
Your carbon footprint will fluctuate depending on your level of activity throughout
the year. To level this out it is common to calculate a carbon footprint with a full
years worth of data and to compare it year on year. The workbook and data collection
sheets are all formatted for one year’s collection of data. The data collection sheets
are included in Appendix II for you to complete throughout the year. To help with
your continued data collection, photocopy the data collection sheets so that you can
complete them every year. Each of the sheets has an ‘assumption’ box this is for
recording any estimates you make or any special methods you use to collect the data.
Once you have collected one year of data on the individual data collection sheets
transfer the total amounts into the tables in this workbook. You can start collecting
your data on any month of the year but ensure a full year of data is collected and the
start and end dates are recorded on the carbon footprint table.
Scope 1 – Direct carbon dioxide emissions that result from the activities that
the business controls.
Natural gas
Heating
Cooking
As a scope 1 emission we only include the natural gas used at the business premises
not the natural gas used on a clients premises or building site. The easiest way to
gather this information is to regularly check the gas bill and record the kilowatt hours
used. It is possible to read your gas meter but as the units are not displayed in
kilowatt hours you would need to go through a lengthy calculation. Full details of
how to read your meter and complete the calculation are included in Appendix I at the
back of this workbook.
If your office or workshop is at home or shared premises which are not sub-metered
you need to devise some method of best estimating the amount of gas used during
your business hours. The method suggested by the HM Revenue & Customs when
claiming business expenses for household fuel bills is to calculate the floor area used
for business purposes. In other words, the percentage of your home that you use
when completing your business activities. This could include a workshop, garage, an
office or a portion of a room used as a home office. You need to estimate the floor
area of the room, or part of a room, as a percentage of the total house. For example, if
the house has four rooms (excluding the bathroom) and one room is used as an office
the percentage used to calculate the portion of gas is 25%.
For example:
Total amount of gas per annum for whole house = 10,000 kWh
Floor area used for business activities: 25% = 2500 kWh
Therefore, 2500kWh would be the amount of gas used at home for business activities
per annum and this would be the figure to include in your carbon footprint.
If a more accurate method for estimating the amount of gas specifically used for your
business activities is available then you can use it, this is just one suggested method.
Whichever method you decide to use it must be repeatable each year and it is
recommended that you record the method in the ‘assumption box’ on the data
collection sheets.
Amount used per Units x Kg CO2 per Total kg Divide by Total

year unit CO2 1000 tonnes CO2
kWh x 0.185 = ÷ 1000 =
Diesel and petrol
Generators
Tools
FLT
Mini-diggers
You only include the use of diesel and petrol if you own the piece of equipment and
are responsible for the re-fuelling. If the equipment is hired and provided with fuel do
not include as a scope 1 emission. The amount of diesel and petrol used has to be
recorded in litres; most fuelling station receipts now display the volume in litres.
Do not include the vehicle fuel in this section, go to the ‘vehicle’ section below.
Diesel
Litres x 2.630 = ÷ 1000 =
Petrol
x 2.315 = ÷ 1000 =
Fuel oil
Heating
As a scope 1 emission we only include the fuel oil used at the business premises not
the fuel oil used on a clients premises or building site. The easiest way to gather this
information is to regularly check the fuel oil bill and record the kilowatt hours used

kWh x 0.268 = ÷ 1000 =
Burning oil
Paraffin or Kerosene heaters
As a scope 1 emission we only include the burning oil used at the business premises
not the burning oil used on a clients premises or building site. The easiest way to
gather this information is to regularly check the burning oil bill and record the
kilowatt hours used, or record the litres purchased. You only need the kilowatt hours
or the litres; you do not need to complete both.

kWh x 0.245 = ÷ 1000 =
litres x 2.518 = ÷ 1000 =
LPG
Heating
As a scope 1 emission we only include the LPG used at the business premises not the
LPG used on a clients premises or building site. The easiest way to gather this
information is to regularly check the LPG bill or receipt provided during refill and
record the litres used.

litres x 1.495 = ÷ 1000 =
Company owned or leased vehicles

Travel for business activities
Collection of materials
There are two ways of converting the fuel used for vehicles depending on the figures
that are recorded. You can convert the volume of fuel used or the distance travelled.
For the purpose of measuring your carbon footprint you only need volume or distance
you do not need to record both. However to gain a better understanding of the
efficiency of the vehicles and the drivers it is best practise to monitor both. The data
collection sheet is in Appendix II, you need to complete a data sheet for each of the
vehicles you own. Due to the range of vehicles available and their efficiency it is
necessary to have a list of the vehicle types and the conversion factor. You only need
to complete the tables and rows which are applicable.
Petrol – distance records

Size of car Total distance Units x Total kg Divide Total
travelled per year CO2 by 1000 tonnes
CO2
Small car, miles x 0.2912 ÷ 1000 =
Up to 1.4 litres
km x 0.1809 ÷ 1000 =
Medium car miles x 0.3442 ÷ 1000 =

From 1.4 – 20 litres
km x 0.2139 ÷ 1000 =
Large car miles x 0.4760 ÷ 1000 =

Over 2.0 litres
km x 0.2958 ÷ 1000 =
Average petrol car miles x 0.3332 ÷ 1000 =
km x 0.2070 ÷ 1000 =
Total tonnes of CO2 for all petrol cars per year:

Diesel – distance records
CO2
Up to 1.7 litres
km x 0.1513 ÷ 1000 =

From 1.7 – 20 litres
km x 0.1881 ÷ 1000 =

Over 2.0 litres
km x 0.2580 ÷ 1000 =
Average diesel car miles x 0.3185 ÷ 1000 =
km x 0.1979 ÷ 1000 =
Total tonnes of CO2 for all diesel cars per year:
Alternative fuel – distance records

CO2
Medium petrol miles x 0.2031 ÷ 1000 =
hybrid car
km x 0.1262 ÷ 1000 =
Large petrol hybrid miles x 0.3604 ÷ 1000 =

car
km x 0.2240 ÷ 1000 =
Medium LPG or miles x 0.3044 ÷ 1000 =

CNG car
km x 0.1892 ÷ 1000 =
Large LPG or CNG miles x 0.4175 ÷ 1000 =

car
km x 0.2594 ÷ 1000 =
Average LPG or miles x 0.3609 ÷ 1000 =

CNG
km x 0.2243 ÷ 1000 =
Total tonnes of CO2 for all alternative cars per year:

Vans (light commercial vehicles) – distance records
Type of van Total distance Units x Total kg Divide Total
CO2
Petrol van up to 1.25 miles x 0.3611 ÷ 1000 =
tonne
km x 0.2244 ÷ 1000 =
Diesel van up to 3.5 miles x 0.4371 ÷ 1000 =

tonne
km x 0.2716 ÷ 1000 =
LPG or CNG van up miles x 0.4375 ÷ 1000 =

to 3.5 tonne
km x 0.2718 ÷ 1000 =
Average van up to miles x 0.4283 ÷ 1000 =

3.5 tonne
km x 0.2661 ÷ 1000 =
Total tonnes of CO2 for all vans per year:
Fuel used - volume records

Fuel used Total units used Units x Total kg Divide Total
per year CO2 by 1000 tonnes
CO2
Petrol litres x 2.3154 ÷ 1000 =
Diesel litres x 2.6304 ÷ 1000 =
Compressed natural kg x 2.7278 ÷ 1000 =

gas (CNG)
Liquid Petroleum litres x 1.4951 ÷ 1000 =
Gas
Total tonnes of CO2 for all cars per year:
Scope 2 – Emissions from the use of electricity on your business premises
As a scope 2 emission we only include the electricity used at the business premises
not the electricity used on a clients premises or building site. The easiest way to
gather this information is to regularly check the electricity bill and record the kilowatt
hours used. It is also possible to read your electricity meter on a more frequent basis,
full details of how to read your meter are included in Appendix I at the back of this
workbook.
If your office or workshop is at home or shared premises which are not sub-metered
you need to devise some method of best estimating the amount of electricity used
during your business hours. The method suggested by the HM Revenue & Customs
when claiming business expenses for household fuel bills is to calculate the floor area
used for business purposes. In other words, the percentage of your home that you use
when completing your business activities. This could include a workshop, garage, an
office or a portion of a room used as a home office. You need to estimate the floor
area of the room, or part of a room, as a percentage of the total house. For example, if
the house has four rooms (excluding the bathroom) and one room is used as an office
the percentage used to calculate the portion of gas is 25%.
For example:
Total amount of electricity per annum for whole house = 10,000 kWh
Floor area used for business activities: 25% = 2500 kWh
Therefore, 2500kWh would be the amount of electricity used at home for business
activities per annum and this would be the figure to include in your carbon footprint.
If a more accurate method for estimating the amount of electricity specifically used
for your business activities is available then you can use it, this is just one suggested
method. Whichever method you decide to use it must be repeatable each year and it
is recommended that you record the method in the ‘assumption box’ on the data
collection sheets.
Electricity
Lighting
Computers
Photocopiers
Tools
Equipment

kWh x 0.53702 = ÷ 1000 =
Scope 1 and scope 2 emissions have to be included in your carbon footprint

calculation; scope 3 activities should be considered if significant, continue if you
wish to include scope 3 emissions
Scope 3 – Indirect carbon dioxide emissions that result from the activities
that the business performs but does NOT have full control over.
Scope 3 emissions are not compulsory, you need decide if the emission is relevant to
your business and if you can collect reasonably accurate and consistent data. Included
in this section is:
• Electricity on clients premises
• Employee business travel in their own vehicle
• Transportation of materials
This list is not exhaustive, if there are other activities that are significant to your
business and your carbon footprint they can be included. If you do add additional
activities ensure you write a method for collecting the data.
Electricity on client’s premises

Tools, equipment and battery chargers
Lighting
It is difficult to collect accurate data when working on clients premises or site because
you do not have access to the meter or bills. It is possible to calculate an estimated
amount of electricity used during your occupation. Full details of a suggested method
for calculating the electricity used on clients premise can be found in Appendix I.
Tools, equipment and battery chargers

kWh x 0.53702 = ÷ 1000 =
Lighting
kWh x 0.53702 = ÷ 1000 =
Employee business travel in their own vehicle

Travel to a clients premises
Travel between sites
Travel from head office to site
To include your employee’s business travel in their own vehicles you need to
implement a method of recording their distance travelled or their fuel consumption. It
is likely you will probably already record this information for your financial records
and the payment of expenses. This section does not include your employees
commute to work; it only includes travel for the purpose of business. The data
collection sheet is in Appendix II, you need to complete a data sheet for each of the
employee’s vehicles. Due to the range of vehicles available and their efficiency it is
necessary to have a list of the vehicle types and the conversion factor. You only need
to complete the tables and rows which are applicable.
CO2
Up to 1.4 litres
km x 0.1809 ÷ 1000 =

From 1.4 – 2.0 litres
km x 0.2139 ÷ 1000 =

Over 2.0 litres
km x 0.2958 ÷ 1000 =
km x 0.2070 ÷ 1000 =

CO2
Up to 1.7 litres
km x 0.1513 ÷ 1000 =

km x 0.1881 ÷ 1000 =

Over 2.0 litres
km x 0.2580 ÷ 1000 =
km x 0.1979 ÷ 1000 =

CO2
hybrid car
km x 0.1262 ÷ 1000 =

car
km x 0.2240 ÷ 1000 =

CNG car
km x 0.1892 ÷ 1000 =

car
km x 0.2594 ÷ 1000 =

CNG
km x 0.2243 ÷ 1000 =

CO2
tonne
km x 0.2244 ÷ 1000 =

tonne
km x 0.2716 ÷ 1000 =

to 3.5 tonne
km x 0.2718 ÷ 1000 =

3.5 tonne
km x 0.2661 ÷ 1000 =

CO2
Compressed Natural kg x 2.7278 ÷ 1000 =

Gas (CNG)
Gas
Transportation of materials
Material delivery by suppliers (for example, delivery of bulk concrete to site)
If you decide to include the transportation of materials by suppliers or in other

vehicles that your business does not own or lease then the data should be included in
this section. The data collection sheet is in Appendix II, you need to complete a data
sheet for each type of vehicle used to transport materials for your business activities.
Due to the range of vehicles available and their efficiency it is necessary to have a list
of the vehicle types and the conversion factor. You only need to complete the tables
and rows which are applicable. To enable you to collect this detail you would need to
request vehicle information from the suppliers and the distance travelled to your
premises. It may be possible to complete some of this task as a desk top exercise by
reviewing the supplier’s invoices.

CO2
Up to 1.4 litres
km x 0.1809 ÷ 1000 =

km x 0.2139 ÷ 1000 =

Over 2.0 litres
km x 0.2958 ÷ 1000 =
km x 0.2070 ÷ 1000 =

CO2
Up to 1.7 litres
km x 0.1513 ÷ 1000 =

km x 0.1881 ÷ 1000 =

Over 2.0 litres
km x 0.2580 ÷ 1000 =
km x 0.1979 ÷ 1000 =

CO2
hybrid car
km x 0.1262 ÷ 1000 =

car
km x 0.2240 ÷ 1000 =

CNG car
km x 0.1892 ÷ 1000 =

car
km x 0.2594 ÷ 1000 =

CNG
km x 0.2243 ÷ 1000 =

CO2
tonne
km x 0.2244 ÷ 1000 =

tonne
km x 0.2716 ÷ 1000 =

to 3.5 tonne
km x 0.2718 ÷ 1000 =

3.5 tonne
km x 0.2661 ÷ 1000 =

CO2
Compressed natural kg x 2.7278 ÷ 1000 =

gas (CNG)
Gas (LPG)
Next step
Once you have completed all of the tables for scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, transfer the
totals for the year onto the carbon footprint table below and calculate the total. This is
your carbon footprint for one year and it is expressed in tonnes per year. Also include
your annual turnover to reflect the level of activity in the year.
Your business carbon footprint
Start date: End date:
Scope 1
Total tonnes of CO2 per year
Gas
Diesel
Petrol
Fuel oil
Burning oil
LPG
Company owned vehicles
Scope 2
Electricity on own premises
Scope 3
Electricity on clients premises -
equipment
Electricity on clients premises – lighting
Employee business travel in their own

vehicle
Transportation of materials
Annual Turnover £
Your business carbon footprint is:

What are you going to do with your carbon footprint?
Promote your environmental credentials
With the increase in awareness of environmental issues now is the time to promote
any environmental improvements you have made. Not a day goes by without some
mention of global warming or climate change either on the television, in the
newspapers or by the people around you.
 Include your achievements on your website. It could be a small statement

explaining that you are measuring your carbon footprint and aim to reduce it or it
could be a full page dedicated to how you are measuring your carbon footprint and
the improvements you have made.
 Include an environmental statement on the bottom of letter headed paper. It could

be a short snappy comment such as ‘committed to CO2 reduction’
 Include you commitment to reducing your carbon footprint on any tendering

documents if evidence of performance or environmental management is requested.
 Put an environmental comment or commitment on any marketing or promotional

literature that is produced.
Obviously any promotion of good environmental credentials should be supported by

evidence and all employees should be made aware.
Set targets for reduction and shrink your carbon footprint

Your first year’s carbon footprint is your baseline; it’s your starting point. Now you
know how much energy and fuel you are using to operate your business you can start
to think of ways of reducing it. A quick look around the premises and a review of the
data you have collected will give you a rough idea of how much you think you can
save. You will probably have a good idea where your inefficiencies are and where
you can make the biggest improvements and therefore this is where you should focus
your attention.
A typical target for reduction in the first year is between 5 – 10% on all energy used.
Your efforts should not stop after the first year however, it makes good business sense
to adopt a continuous improvement strategy and to continue to measure your carbon
footprint every year and set targets for reduction. After the initial years it may
become more difficult to achieve this level of reduction as the easy wins have been
implemented. By comparing each year’s carbon footprint (and taking into account the
level of business activity) you will be able to see the progress you have made and
prove it to interested parties.
Reducing your carbon footprint
Top tips for reducing your carbon footprint:
No cost
Energy
 Promote energy awareness to all employees and encourage them to turn off
lighting and equipment when not in use
 Unplug battery chargers when the tool is charged. The charging unit uses
electricity even when the tool has finished charging.
 Occasionally monitor the amount of electricity and gas used overnight when the
premises are empty.
 Ensure employees reduce the heating before opening the windows if they are too
hot
 Review the heating controls frequently to ensure that the timers are set to reflect
occupancy and heating is not on during weekends or when the building is
unoccupied
 Maximise the use of daylight, do not turn lights on when daylight is sufficient
 Clean windows and skylights to maximise the available daylight
 Remove obstructions from radiators
 Turn off heating when doors or roller shutter doors are open
 Introduce an end of day closure procedure to ensure all lighting and equipment is
turned off
 Clean light fittings regularly to maximise output and prevent the use of additional
lighting
 Check the timer controls for outside lighting
 Do not leave equipment on stand by
Fuel
 Encourage employees to bring their own lunch to work, especially when working
on-site or client’s premises. This will reduce travel mileage.
 Encourage car sharing when travelling to clients premises.
 Promote energy efficient driving
 Regularly maintain and service vehicles
 Check tyre wear and pressures
 Remove unnecessary weight from the vehicle
 Remove roof racks from vehicles
Low to medium cost
Energy
 Replace all lamps and tubes with low energy versions
 Consider installing movement and daylight sensors in areas infrequently used such
as corridors, toilets and storage areas.
 Draught proof windows and doors
 Increase loft insulation
 Ensure boilers are maintained are serviced
 Install individual thermostatic radiator valves to control heating levels in
individual rooms or areas
 Insulate between heated and unheated areas, for example between the offices and
the tool storage area
 Install an automated system so that the heating turns off when large or roller
shutters doors are open
 Fit spring loaded door shutters to external doors to prevent them being left open
Fuel
 Investigate the use of vehicle tracking systems for company owned vehicles
Long term investment
Energy
 Consider installing micro-generation at your business premises
 Replace single glazed windows with double glazed alternatives
 Choose energy efficient equipment and tools
 Replace old boilers with modern energy efficient alternatives
 Fit an insulated suspended ceiling in rooms or workshops with high ceilings
Fuel
 Choose fuel efficient vehicles
Remember: Reducing your carbon

footprint saves money on energy and fuel!
Notes:
The workbook is based on The Greenhouse Gas Protocol classification definitions for
scope 1, 2 and 3 type emissions and the conversion factors used are those published
by Defra:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/business/envrp/pdf/ghg-cf-guidelines-
annexes2008.pdf
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/business/envrp/pdf/ghg-cf-guidelines2008.pdf
It should be noted that these conversion factors are updated by Defra and it is possible
that the conversion factors may change in the future and more accurate sub divisions
may be introduced. This could result in the workbook becoming inaccurate in the
future. The most up-to-date conversion factors can be found on the Defra website.
The conversion factors are accurate at the time of publication, February 2009.
To keep the process applicable and simple, only carbon dioxide out of the six main
greenhouse gases is included in the carbon footprint calculation.
Appendix I – Data collection methods
Scope 1 – Gas used on your own premises
Due to the complexity of converting your meter readings into kWh it is recommended
that you take the kWh reading from your gas bill to calculate your carbon footprint.
The data collection sheet allows you to collate a years worth of bills before then
transferring into the workbook.
You should however read your gas meter on a regular basis to understand
consumption patterns and to compare against the gas bill.
If you would like to read your gas meter and convert the reading into kWh, the
method is detailed.
How to read your gas meter

Your meter reading is shown on the front of your meter. The reading displays a series
of digits of which the final 1 to 3 are just part units of gas used. The part units are
separated by a decimal point or are highlighted in red - ignore these as we don't need
to know them. You should always read the digits on your meter from left to right.
Two examples of the different types of gas meters our customers have are shown
below:

This gas meter is a 6 dial digital meter and

reads the amount of gas used in cubic
metres (m3). The reading for this meter is
052973 m3 - as you can see, we have
eliminated the 'part unit' digits and only
given the main units read left toright.

This gas meter is also a 6 dial digital meter

but it measures the gas used in cubic feet
(ft3) instead. The reading for this meter is
therefore 202828 ft3 - again we have
eliminated the 'part unit' digits which are
highlighted in red and on a separate circular
dial, and given only the main units read left
to right.
Information on your gas bill
The units of gas is shown on your gas bill in the same unit as shown on your meter,
either cubic feet (ft3) or cubic metres (m3). The gas suppliers convert the meter
reading into kilowatt hours (kWh) and you are charged in pence per kilowatt hour
(p/kwh). For the purpose of calculating your carbon footprint you can take the kWh
straight from the gas bill if the meter readings are accurate.
Alternatively if you want to read your own gas meter more frequently you need to
convert the meter reading to kWh.
Converting your meter reading to kWh

This calculation differs, depending on whether you have an imperial meter or a metric
meter. Before starting the calculation, you need to find the following numbers, which
differ depending on your location, but should always be printed in the small print of
your bill.
 The volume correction factor
 The calorific value of the gas: CV (MJ/m3)
Imperial calculation - if your meter measures in cubic feet.

To convert the readings on an imperial meter from imperial units to kWh you should
do the following calculation;
(The number of units you've used) X 2.83 (The metric conversion factor) X (The
volume correction factor) X (The calorific value of the gas). Then divide the figure
obtained by 3.6 to give kWh.
Metric calculation - if your meter measures in cubic meters

The metric calculation is similar to the imperial formula, but it doesn't need a metric
conversion factor. Therefore this part of the calculation isn't required.
The correct calculation is:
(The number of units used) X (The volume correction factor) X (The calorific value).
Then divide the figure obtained by 3.6 to give kWh.
Note: The calorific value of gas may vary slightly between bills.
Scope 2 Electricity used on own premises
How to read your electricity meter

Electricity meters measure the amount of electricity you use. Every time you
use an electric appliance, the amount of electricity used is recorded on
your electricity meter. Electricity is measured in Kilowatts per hour (kWh)
and the meter is read from left to right. Below are a few of the different types of
electricity meter and how to read them.
Single rate digital meters
Write down the numbers shown in the small window at the top
of the meter. Read the numbers from left to right ignoring the
last number marked 0.1. When you next read your meter take
the previous reading away from the new reading to find the
number of units you have used.
Prepayment meters
Prepayment meters use a credit key, token or card device
which is inserted into the meter allowing the consumer to pay
for the electricity as and when it is used. Each time the device
is inserted into the meter, a reading is taken then transferred to
the electricity supplier the next time it is charged with credit.
Your energy supplier will give you a list of the places you can
get the card, token or key charged with credit.
Economy 7 meters
The Economy 7 meter has 2 rows of numbers. One is labeled

‘Low’. This measures the amount of electricity you use during
the ‘night rate’ time. The other is labeled ‘Normal’. This
measures the amount of electricity you use during the ‘day
rate’ time. When you read this meter, always check both rows
of figures. Remember to take away the previous ‘low’ reading
from the new ‘low’ reading. Do the same for the ‘normal’ reading. This will give you
the number of ‘low’ and ‘normal’ units you have used. For more information on the
times when low rates apply, please check with your supplier.
Dial meters
When reading a dial meter, remember that dials next to each other go round in
opposite directions. Look at the dials on the diagram but ignore the dial at the bottom.
It is there for testing.
Read the top 5 dials from left to right and note the following points: Always write
down the number the pointer has just passed - this is not always the nearest number to
the pointer.
If the pointer is anywhere between, 4 and 5, write down 4. If the pointer is directly
over the number 5, write down that figure and underline it.
The meter reading example shown will be 4 5 9 2 8.
This reading now needs adjusting to remove small variations in the pointer positions.
Look at the figure underlined. If one of these numbers in the sequence is followed by
a 9, reduce the underlined figure by 1. So the correct meter reading of the dials shown
is 4 4 9 2 8 units.
Note: Before you read your dial meter, check the direction of the dials. They may
not be exactly like those shown in the picture. When you have worked out the new
reading, take away the previous reading shown on your bill or on your records from
the new number, to find the number of units of electricity you have used.
Scope 3 Electricity used on clients premises
Plug-in tools, equipment and battery chargers
This includes any item of equipment, tools and battery charger that you plug into a
socket at your clients premises or sites where you do not pay the electricity bill. This
includes items such as drills, nail guns, planers, sanders, grinders and battery
chargers. The data that you collect needs to be consistent and repeatable. It is
acceptable to make assumptions as long as you record them and they are considered
every time you collect data. There are two suggested methods, these are not
compulsory if you have a better way of calculating the energy used.
Method 1
Find the wattage rating of the tool or equipment. This is usually detailed in the
instruction and specification manual or on the packaging. The wattage rating of the
tool is then multiplied by the number of hours used. For absolute accuracy the hours
of usage should be recorded, however, as this can be time consuming it is acceptable
to assume an average figure for each month. If an average figure is assumed then a
note should be made in the assumptions boxes to detail how you are arriving at this
figure. As tools often have variable speed drives the actual amount of electricity used
will vary from the wattage rating during use. Using this method it is not possible to
detail this variation and if more accurate data is required method 2 should be
followed.
Method 2
It is possible to gather very accurate data on how much electricity
each tool or piece of equipment is using by using individual plug in
meters. Wattage meters are available from many electrical
suppliers and are priced between £15 - £30. If this method is
adopted it is suggested that each piece of equipment is plugged in
via an energy meter and the total amount of electricity used each
week is recorded. Most meters will continue to collect data even if
the tool is unplugged after use and will not re-set automatically.
Lighting
To gather some level of data for the amount of electricity used for lighting whilst on
your clients premises it is necessary to examine the wattage of the lamps in the area
you are working. Record the total wattage of all the lamps or tubes providing the
light and record the number of hours you or your employees are working in that area.
Appendix II – Data collection forms
Scope 1 Gas use on your business premises
Information taken from the gas bill
Meter details:
(location, identification number)
Assumptions:
Billing Period Kilowatt hours

Date from: Date to: kWh
Total kWh per year:

Scope 1 – Diesel and petrol (not vehicles)
Assumptions:
Diesel Litres Petrol Litres
Total litres per Total litres per

year: year:
Scope 1 Fuel oil use on your business premises
Information taken from the fuel oil bill
Tank details:
Assumptions:
Billing Period Kilowatt hours

Date from: Date to: kWh
Total kWh per year:

Scope 1 LPG use on your business premises
Information taken from the LPG bill
Tank details:
Assumptions:
Billing Period Litres

Date from: Date to:
Total litres per year:

Scope 1 – Business owned or leased vehicles
Car type & model: Engine size: Fuel type:
Notes:
Month Distance Litres of fuel used

Miles Kilometres
Totals per
year
Note: For the purpose of the carbon footprint calculation you only need miles,
kilometres or litres. You do not need them all.
Scope 2 Electricity use on your business premises
Meter readings
Date: Period of data collection:
Meter details:
Notes:
Month Meter reading at the end Meter reading at the start of the Total kWh used
of the month month for month
- =
- =
- =
- =
- =
- =
- =
- =
- =
- =
- =
- =
Total kWh for the year:

Plug-in tools and equipment - Method 1
Equipment details:
Assumptions:
Month Hours x Wattage Total Convert to kWh Total

used (divide by 1000) kWh
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
Total kWh per year

Plug-in tools, equipment and battery chargers - Method 2
Equipment details:
Assumptions:
Week Total Week Total Week Total

Commencing: electricity Commencing: electricity Commencing: electricity
(kWh) (kWh) (kWh)
1st Quarter total: 2nd Quarter total: 3rd Quarter total:
Total kWh per year:

Lighting
Lighting details:
Assumptions:
Month Hours used x Wattage Total Convert to kWh Total

(total lamps (divide by 1000) kWh
& tubes)
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
x = /1000 =
Total kWh per year

Scope 3 Employee business travel in their own vehicle
One of these sheets is required for each employee vehicle
Vehicle type & model: Engine size: Fuel type:
Notes:

Miles Kilometres
Total per
year
Note: For the purpose of the carbon footprint calculation you only need miles, kilometres or litres.
You do not need them all.
Scope 3 Transportation of materials
One of these sheets is required for each type of vehicle
Vehicle type & model: Engine size: Fuel type:
Notes:

Miles Kilometres
Total per
year
Note: For the purpose of the carbon footprint calculation you only need miles, kilometres or litres.
You do not need them all.
Contact details:
Martin Brown Head of CTF 01254 304571 martin.brown@elevate-eastlancs.co.uk
Donna Marshall CTF No Limits Project Manager 01254 304570

donna.marshall@elevate-eastlancs.co.uk

Carbon Footprint Workbook

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Constructing your

A guide to calculating your carbon

Where does all the Carbon come from?

How does carbon dioxide affect the environment?

Accreditations and Legislation

To reduce your negative impact on the environmental

Scope 2 – Emissions from the use of electricity

Scope 1 and scope 2 have to be included in your carbon footprint calculation;

Converting to Carbon Dioxide

Amount used per Units x Kg CO2 per Total kg Divide by Total

Amount used per Units x Kg CO2 per Total kg Divide by Total

Amount used per Units x Kg CO2 per Total kg Divide by Total

Amount used per Units x Kg CO2 per Total kg Divide by Total

Company owned or leased vehicles

Petrol – distance records

Medium car miles x 0.3442 ÷ 1000 =

Large car miles x 0.4760 ÷ 1000 =

Average petrol car miles x 0.3332 ÷ 1000 =

Total tonnes of CO2 for all petrol cars per year:

Medium car miles x 0.3027 ÷ 1000 =

Large car miles x 0.4153 ÷ 1000 =

Average diesel car miles x 0.3185 ÷ 1000 =

Total tonnes of CO2 for all diesel cars per year:

Alternative fuel – distance records

Large petrol hybrid miles x 0.3604 ÷ 1000 =

Medium LPG or miles x 0.3044 ÷ 1000 =

Large LPG or CNG miles x 0.4175 ÷ 1000 =

Average LPG or miles x 0.3609 ÷ 1000 =

Total tonnes of CO2 for all alternative cars per year:

Diesel van up to 3.5 miles x 0.4371 ÷ 1000 =

LPG or CNG van up miles x 0.4375 ÷ 1000 =

Average van up to miles x 0.4283 ÷ 1000 =

Total tonnes of CO2 for all vans per year:

Fuel used - volume records

Diesel litres x 2.6304 ÷ 1000 =

Compressed natural kg x 2.7278 ÷ 1000 =

Scope 2 – Emissions from the use of electricity on your business premises

Amount used per Units x Kg CO2 per Total kg Divide by Total

Scope 1 and scope 2 emissions have to be included in your carbon footprint

Electricity on client’s premises

Tools, equipment and battery chargers

Employee business travel in their own vehicle

Medium car miles x 0.3442 ÷ 1000 =

Large car miles x 0.4760 ÷ 1000 =

Average petrol car miles x 0.3332 ÷ 1000 =

Total tonnes of CO2 for all petrol cars per year:

Diesel – distance records

Medium car miles x 0.3027 ÷ 1000 =

Large car miles x 0.4153 ÷ 1000 =

Average diesel car miles x 0.3185 ÷ 1000 =

Total tonnes of CO2 for all diesel cars per year:

Large petrol hybrid miles x 0.3604 ÷ 1000 =

Medium LPG or miles x 0.3044 ÷ 1000 =

Large LPG or CNG miles x 0.4175 ÷ 1000 =

Average LPG or miles x 0.3609 ÷ 1000 =

Total tonnes of CO2 for all alternative cars per year:

Vans (light commercial vehicles) – distance records

Diesel van up to 3.5 miles x 0.4371 ÷ 1000 =

LPG or CNG van up miles x 0.4375 ÷ 1000 =

Average van up to miles x 0.4283 ÷ 1000 =

Total tonnes of CO2 for all vans per year:

Diesel litres x 2.6304 ÷ 1000 =

Compressed Natural kg x 2.7278 ÷ 1000 =