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tCO₂e

Tonne of CO₂ equivalent: universal unit converting the climate impact of all GHGs (methane, N₂O, HFCs) into CO₂ equivalent.

tCO₂e (tonne of CO₂ equivalent) is the universal unit used to express the climate impact of all greenhouse gases, normalised to a common reference. Each gas is multiplied by its GWP (Global Warming Potential) over 100 years: 1 for CO₂, 28 for methane (CH₄), 265 for nitrous oxide (N₂O), several thousand for some HFCs.

GWP values are published by the IPCC in its assessment reports (AR5, AR6). Moving from AR5 to AR6 slightly changed the coefficients: fossil methane went for instance from 28 to 29.8 over 100 years. CSRD/ESRS E1 now requires the use of AR6.

Kabaun applies AR6 GWP values by default, with the option to switch to AR5 for historical comparison, and tracks the version used on every emission line to ensure full reproducibility of reports.

Related terms

Emission factor
Coefficient converting an activity (km, kWh, €) into equivalent GHG emissions. Main FR reference: ADEME Base Carbone.
Carbon footprint
Comprehensive measurement of an organisation's GHG emissions over a given period, expressed in tCO₂e. Covers Scopes 1, 2 and 3.
GHG Protocol
International GHG accounting standard, published by WRI and WBCSD. Foundation of the vast majority of carbon footprints worldwide.

Need more than a definition?

Kabaun computes your carbon footprint from these very terms: Scopes 1, 2, 3, CSRD or BEGES compliance, SBTi-aligned reduction plan.

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