Päästötekijä

Päästötekijä, or emission factor, is a coefficient that quantifies the amount of a greenhouse gas or other pollutant released per unit of activity. For example, it might represent the amount of carbon dioxide emitted per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated, or per liter of fuel consumed. Emission factors are crucial for calculating greenhouse gas inventories and assessing the environmental impact of various activities, industries, and products.

These factors can be derived from direct measurements, engineering calculations, or published data from reputable sources. They are often specific to the technology, fuel type, and operational conditions involved. For instance, the emission factor for burning natural gas in a power plant will differ from that of burning coal. Similarly, emission factors can vary based on the efficiency of a vehicle or the type of industrial process used.

Governments and international bodies use emission factors to track national emissions, set reduction targets, and develop climate policies. Businesses and organizations utilize them for calculating their carbon footprint, identifying emission hotspots, and implementing strategies for mitigation. The accuracy of emission factors directly influences the reliability of emission estimates, making their careful selection and application essential for effective environmental management. Ongoing research and data collection are vital for refining and updating these factors as technologies evolve and measurement capabilities improve.