# Will running a second shift lower our CO2 per unit?

Canonical: https://senseible.earth/answers/second-shift-effect-on-co2-per-unit

Often yes, per unit, because fixed loads such as lighting, compressors on standby, furnace holding and offices are spread over more output. Total emissions still rise with production. Report both: absolute tonnes and tonnes per unit, so a buyer does not mistake growth for a worse plant.

## What to track

- Monthly kWh and fuel against units produced.
- Base load at zero production, from idle readings.
- Per unit figures before and after.

## When it does not help

If the second shift runs older, less efficient machines, per unit emissions can rise.

## What Senseible does here

Senseible reads fuel invoices and electricity bills and applies IPCC 2006 factors and the CEA grid factor (0.710 kg CO2 per kWh), so you can compare Scope 1 and 2 before and after a change from the documents themselves.

- [Idle machines and base load](https://senseible.earth/answers/idle-machines-base-load-electricity)
- [Seasonal factory intensity](https://senseible.earth/answers/seasonal-factory-emissions-intensity)

Sources: [GHG Protocol Corporate Standard](https://ghgprotocol.org/corporate-standard), [Bureau of Energy Efficiency](https://beeindia.gov.in)

Last reviewed 2026-10-23.