Economia CO₂ biogás vs diesel
- Created by
- Renato Passos, Eng. de Software
- Reviewed by
- Renato Passos, Eng. de Software
Last updated: Apr 18, 2026
About this calculator
This calculator converts the volume of biogas into the amount of CO₂ avoided when replacing diesel. Biogas from organic waste decomposition is considered renewable, while diesel is a fossil fuel. Burning biogas releases biogenic CO₂, part of the natural carbon cycle, whereas diesel adds fossil carbon to the atmosphere. We use a factor of 2.2 kg CO₂ avoided per cubic meter of biogas, based on literature data.
The logic is simple: input the biogas volume (in m³), and the tool automatically calculates the emission savings. This value represents the difference between the emissions of diesel that would be burned to generate the same energy and the emissions of biogas. Useful for biodigester projects, biogas plants, or environmental impact studies. It helps quantify the climate benefit of replacing fossil fuels with renewables.
Use this calculator when you need to estimate CO₂ reductions for sustainability reports, emission inventories, or green financing proposals. It also serves to compare different renewable energy sources. Remember: the factor of 2.2 kg/m³ is an average; the actual value depends on biogas composition (methane content) and the energy efficiency of the equipment involved.
Caveats: the calculation considers only CO₂, not other greenhouse gases like unburned methane. It also assumes that all biogas is burned efficiently. For more precise analyses, consult project-specific data or use regional factors. This tool provides an initial estimate, not a substitute for a detailed life cycle analysis.
Frequently asked questions
How was the factor of 2.2 kg CO₂/m³ of biogas determined?
It is based on the difference between diesel emissions (about 2.68 kg CO₂/L) and biogas emissions (≈0.195 kg CO₂/kWh), converted by volume. It assumes 1 m³ of biogas is energetically equivalent to about 0.55 L of diesel.
Does biogas really not contribute to global warming?
Yes, because the CO₂ released is biogenic, part of the natural carbon cycle captured from the atmosphere by plants. However, methane leaks (CH₄) have a stronger greenhouse effect, but they are not considered in this calculator.
Can I use this calculator for other renewable fuels?
No, the factor is specific for replacing diesel with biogas. For other fuels (like natural gas or ethanol), a different conversion factor would be needed.
What influences the actual amount of CO₂ avoided?
Biogas composition (methane content), engine or boiler efficiency, and how the reference diesel is used. The factor used is a typical average, but it can vary from 1.5 to 3.0 kg/m³.
Does this calculator account for unburned methane?
No, it only considers complete combustion. If there is leakage or incomplete burning, the climate benefit is smaller, since methane has a global warming potential about 28 times that of CO₂.