Emission Reduction Calculator Formula

Understand the math behind the emission reduction calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.

Formulas Used

Reduction Achieved

reduction_pct = pct_reduction

Absolute Reduction

abs_reduction = absolute_reduction

Remaining to Target

still_needed = remaining_to_target

Target Reduction %

target_pct = (baseline_tons - target_tons) / baseline_tons * 100

Variables

VariableDescriptionDefault
baseline_tonsBaseline Annual Emissions(metric tons CO2e)500
current_tonsCurrent Annual Emissions(metric tons CO2e)350
target_tonsTarget Emissions(metric tons CO2e)250
absolute_reductionDerived value= baseline_tons - current_tonscalculated
pct_reductionDerived value= (baseline_tons - current_tons) / baseline_tons * 100calculated
remaining_to_targetDerived value= current_tons - target_tonscalculated

How It Works

How to Calculate Emission Reductions

Tracking emission reductions helps measure progress toward climate goals.

Formula

Reduction % = (Baseline - Current) / Baseline * 100

Absolute Reduction = Baseline - Current

Baseline is typically a reference year (e.g., 2019) against which progress is measured. Targets are often set as percentage reductions from that baseline.

Worked Example

A company had 500 tons CO2e baseline, currently emits 350 tons, targeting 250 tons.

baseline_tons = 500current_tons = 350target_tons = 250
  1. 01Absolute reduction: 500 - 350 = 150 metric tons CO2e
  2. 02Reduction achieved: 150 / 500 * 100 = 30%
  3. 03Remaining to target: 350 - 250 = 100 metric tons CO2e
  4. 04Target reduction: (500 - 250) / 500 * 100 = 50%

Ready to run the numbers?

Open Emission Reduction Calculator