Diesel emission factors
Diesel fuel is widely used in commercial vehicles, construction machinery, and backup generators. The DESNZ emission factor for diesel combustion is approximately 2.51 kg CO₂e per litre (or 0.256 kg CO₂e per kWh). Fleet diesel consumption is typically the largest Scope 1 source for logistics, construction, and field service businesses. Well-to-tank factors add a further 0.62 kg CO₂e per litre for upstream extraction and refining.
Why it matters for carbon reporting
Diesel is under increasing regulatory and cost pressure. Clean air zones, rising fuel duty, and the zero-emission vehicle mandate are all driving businesses to electrify their fleets. Accurately tracking diesel consumption and the associated emission factors is essential for building a credible fleet decarbonisation roadmap.
Practical example
A construction company consumes 120,000 litres of diesel per year across its fleet and machinery. At 2.51 kg CO₂e per litre, this equates to 301 tCO₂e of Scope 1 emissions. Electrifying site welfare units and switching 10 vans to electric reduces consumption by 25,000 litres, saving 63 tCO₂e.
How to reduce diesel emissions
- 1Electrify fleet vehicles where range and payload allow
- 2Implement telematics and route optimisation to reduce fuel use
- 3Consider HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil) as a drop-in alternative
- 4Set annual diesel reduction targets tied to fleet replacement schedules
Sample emission factors
View allDiesel Fuel — Mobile Combustion CO2
Mobile combustion CO2 — Diesel Fuel
Fuel oil
UK Government Conversion Factors
Fuel oil
UK Government Conversion Factors
Fuel oil
UK Government Conversion Factors
Aviation turbine fuel
UK Government Conversion Factors
Aviation turbine fuel
UK Government Conversion Factors
Aviation turbine fuel
UK Government Conversion Factors
Diesel (average biofuel blend)
UK Government Conversion Factors
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