Carbon emissions from domestic usage, such as heating and powering our homes and daily activities, are a significant contributor to overall greenhouse gas emissions. Here is a breakdown of how much carbon is emitted from each process in units:
- Home Heating – The average UK household emits around 2.7 tonnes of CO2 per year from heating their home using natural gas. This equates to approximately 4.2 kg CO2 per day.
- Electricity Usage – In the UK, the average household consumes around 3,800 kWh of electricity per year, which results in approximately 1.7 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. This equates to approximately 4.6 kg CO2 per day.
- Cooking – Cooking on a gas stove can emit around 0.33 kg CO2 per hour, while cooking on an electric stove can emit around 0.1 kg CO2 per hour.
- Transportation – The average UK car emits around 120 g CO2 per km driven, while travelling by train emits around 40 g CO2 per passenger-km.
- Waste Management – The disposal of waste can emit methane and other greenhouse gases. The average UK household generates around 400 kg of waste per year, which can emit around 270 kg of CO2 equivalent.
Reducing carbon emissions from domestic usage requires conscious effort and making sustainable choices. These can include switching to renewable energy, reducing energy consumption by turning off lights and appliances, using public transport or electric vehicles, and reducing waste through recycling and composting. Every effort counts towards reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment.