1. Introduction

Once you have determined the energy consumption at a client’s site by metering or the use of billing information, calculating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for energy related activities is relatively straightforward. Simply multiply the energy consumption figure by the greenhouse coefficient that is relevant for the state.

GHG = [Energy consumption (kWh, GJ)] x [GHG coefficient]

Greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation vary from state to state because different fuels are used to generate it.

For example, in Victoria, 1.31 kg CO2 – equivalent is produced for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity produced. Victoria has the highest figure as most of its electricity comes from burning brown coal, a green house intensive energy type.

Tasmania has the lowest greenhouse coefficient because an extremely large proportion of its electricity is generated by hydroelectric generators, that is, very little power is produced from burning fossil fuels.

• Green power (from renewable energy sources) produces no greenhouse gas emissions
• Hydroelectric power (from dammed water) produces no greenhouse gas emissions.