How to Manage Your Data for Accurate Carbon Footprint Calculations

Accurate data is crucial for generating reliable carbon footprint results. This section provides guidance on managing your data effectively for use with the PCF engine.

1. Required Data Fields

Each resource type requires specific data fields for accurate calculations. Here's a breakdown:

• Raw Materials:
  • Material Name: (Text) Specify the raw material (e.g., steel, aluminum, plastic).
  • Quantity: (Numeric) The amount of material used.
  • Unit: (Dropdown) Select the appropriate unit (e.g., kg, tonnes, lbs).
• Fuel:
  • Fuel Type: (Text/Dropdown) Specify the fuel type (e.g., diesel, natural gas, gasoline).
  • Quantity: (Numeric) The amount of fuel consumed.
  • Unit: (Dropdown) Select the appropriate unit (e.g., liters, gallons, kWh).
• Electricity:
  • Consumption: (Numeric) The amount of electricity used.
  • Unit: (Dropdown) Select the appropriate unit (e.g., kWh, MWh).
  • Location (Optional): (Text/Dropdown) The location of electricity consumption, which can influence emission factors.
• Waste:
  • Waste Type: (Text/Dropdown) Specify the type of waste (e.g., municipal solid waste, industrial waste).
  • Quantity: (Numeric) The amount of waste generated.
  • Unit: (Dropdown) Select the appropriate unit (e.g., kg, tonnes, cubic meters).
  • Treatment Method: (Dropdown) Select the waste treatment method (e.g., recycling, landfill, incineration).
• Transportation:
  • Distance: (Numeric) The distance traveled.
  • Unit: (Dropdown) Select the appropriate unit (e.g., km, miles).
  • Weight (if applicable): (Numeric) The weight of the goods transported.
  • Unit (if applicable): (Dropdown) Select the appropriate unit (e.g., kg, tonnes).
  • Mode of Transport: (Dropdown) Select the transport mode (e.g., truck, rail, air, sea).
• Business Travel:
  • Departure Location: (Text) The starting point of the trip.
  • Arrival Location: (Text) The destination of the trip.
  • Number of Passengers: (Numeric) The number of travelers.
  • Travel Mode: (Dropdown) Select the travel mode (e.g., air, rail, car).
• Hotels:
  • Number of Rooms: (Numeric) The number of rooms booked.
  • Number of Nights: (Numeric) The number of nights stayed.

2. Data Formats and Units

• Numeric Data: Use numbers only, without commas or special characters (e.g., 1234.56).
• Text Data: Enter text as required (e.g., material names, locations).
• Dropdowns: Select options from the provided dropdown lists.
• Units: Use the specified units for each data field. Consistent units are essential for accurate calculations. For example, use kilograms (kg) for weight, kilowatt-hours (kWh) for electricity, and kilometers (km) for distance.

3. Emission Factor Selection

Emission factors are crucial for converting activity data into greenhouse gas emissions. Our platform provides a range of emission factors from various sources. When selecting an emission factor, consider:

• Relevance: Select emission factors that are relevant to your specific activities and locations.
• Advance search filter : Use the advanced search filter option to select accurate emission factors (see guide)