LOFAR Carbon Footprint and Energy Consumption

The LOw Frequency ARray (LOFAR) is a European radio telescope operating since 2010 in the frequency bands 10 - 80 MHz and 110 - 250 MHz. This Excel model provides an analysis of the energy consumption and the carbon footprint of LOFAR. The analysis uses a Life Cycle Analysis following the Green House Gas protocol. Results include the footprint stemming from operations of all LOFAR stations and central processing. The impact of a number of typical science projects is analyzed as well. This model provides a transparent baseline to the sustainability of LOFAR and can serve as a blueprint for the analysis of other research infrastructures.