Does Charcoal Have A Bigger Carbon Footprint Than Propane?

Barbecuers out there, are you ready for this? Which is responsible for a smaller carbon footprint – charcoal or propane gas?

Many have argued that using charcoal on the barbecue is better for the environment than gas. A researcher from England, however, has come to the conclusion that the carbon footprint of charcoal is around three times as big as that which comes from burning propane.

The study takes us to the biggest day of backyard grilling of the year, Independence Day, and ran a few numbers for us. On that day it is estimated that enough barbecues would be fired up to emit around 225,000 tons of carbon dioxide.

The argument of the study is that if all of the barbecues used were fired using charcoal an extra 89,000 tons of carbon dioxide would be emitted. If those same barbecues switched to propane gas the carbon dioxide emissions would be reduced by around 26 percent.

From here it gets a little more complicated because the carbon footprint of a good or service isn’t only measured by its actual use. Carbon footprint measurement also includes all phases of the manufacture, the transportation from its origin to the final destination as well as the actual consumption.

There is also an essential difference between charcoal and propane. The carbon in charcoal was already out in the environment before it was used, while the carbon in propane was locked away deep underground before it was brought out and released into the atmosphere.

The study assumed that the charcoal was produced in developing African countries which greatly increases the transportation aspect of the carbon footprint. This is true of English charcoal. However, US charcoal is produced locally, so the carbon footprint is much smaller.

The final verdict? It’s not quite as clear cut as first thought. In fact, when push comes to shove the debate is still undecided. Perhaps it will simply come down to taste. If you like that woody flavor to your barbecued meat, then you’re going to go for the charcoal grill.