Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2- equivalent, CO2e)

The universal unit of measurement used to express the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of each greenhouse gas, expressed as the GWP of a unit of carbon dioxide. It is used to assess the release (or avoidance of release) of different greenhouse gases on a common basis.

As not all greenhouse gases have the same warming effect per unit mass, this measure makes it possible to compare their effects on the climate on a uniform basis. CO2e is calculated by multiplying the mass of a particular greenhouse gas by its global warming potential (GWP) over a given period of time (usually 100 years). The GWP indicates how much more or less a greenhouse gas contributes to global warming compared to the same amount CO2.

By using CO2e, the emissions of various greenhouse gases, such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), can be converted into a common unit. This simplifies the reporting, analysis and comparison of emissions across different sectors and activities. It also enables more effective planning and monitoring of measures to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by providing an overall view of an individual's, company's or country's contribution to climate change.

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