Home Renovation CO2 Payback
Insulation/heat-pump CO2 break-even years
📚 Learn more — how it works, FAQ & guide Click to expand
Learn more — how it works, FAQ & guide
Click to expand
Home Renovation CO2 Payback Calculator
Embodied CO2 (construction emissions) vs operational CO2 saved (energy reduced) — find break-even years. Honest carbon math for renovation decisions.
How to use this tool
- 1
Pick measure
Insulation, windows, heat pump.
- 2
Set energy use
Current + projected after.
- 3
See payback years
Embodied vs operational CO2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does embodied CO2 matter?
Construction emits CO2 (cement, steel, glass production). Insulation foam: ~5 kg CO2 per kg material. Heat pump: ~5 tonnes embodied. Need to compare to operational savings to know real net climate benefit.
Typical payback ranges?
Cellulose insulation: 1-3 years. Heat pump replacing gas: 3-6 years. Triple-glazed windows: 5-10 years. Solar panels: 1-3 years. Anything over 10 years payback = climate-marginal investment.
What if I move?
CO2 payback follows the building, not the owner. Even if you move, the renovation continues to save CO2. Future occupants benefit. Doesn't change CO2 calculation, only your personal financial ROI.
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100% Privacy. This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your data is never uploaded to any server.