Bulk matching of emission factors

If you have a spreadsheet full of activity data and you're not sure which emission factors to use, you don't need to look them up one row at a time. With the Bulk Matching functionality, you can upload a whole file and Carbon+Alt+Delete will suggest the best possible emission factor for every row.

Bulk matching reads the information in all of your columns (descriptions, suppliers, quantities, units, countries and so on) to find the most suitable factor. You can then review the suggestions, change any you don't agree with, and download the results ready for import.

Before you start

Unlike the bulk import, bulk matching doesn't use a template. You can upload more or less any spreadsheet, with as many columns as you like. Keep the following in mind:

• More context means better matches: The system uses information from all of your columns, so a clear description, a quantity and a unit will go a long way. Extra details such as supplier, spend or country help too.
• File size: You can match up to 4,000 rows in a single file.
• Datasets: You choose which datasets the system should search. Not every dataset is available for bulk matching yet, but more will be added over time. Datasets still to be added:
  • Agri-footprint
  • Klimakompasset
  • OCCC
  • eGRID & GreenE
  • SEAI
  • Finish Energy District Heating
  • Custom datasets

For example, a simple procurement file might look like this:

Starting a bulk match

Go to the Bulk Matching page. You'll notice it looks and feels a lot like the bulk import, with two tabs: Create and Match History.

In the Create tab, select the datasets you want the system to search. Ecoinvent is a good place to start for most procurement data.

Next, add your file. As in imports, you will see a preview of your file and you have the option of choosing sheet and range. Click Next when ready to start the matching.

Matching happens in the background, so you don't have to wait for it to finish. You can head over to the Match History tab, or continue working elsewhere in the tool, and come back to your results later.

Reviewing your results

Open a completed match from the Match History tab to see the results. Your original columns are shown on the left (the first column is always visible and you can show more by toggling them on in with Properties), and the columns added by Carbon+Alt+Delete appear next to them:

• Dataset: The dataset the matched emission factor comes from.
• Keyword and Detail: The emission factor that was matched to the row.
• Volume: The quantity and unit used for the match. If the matched factor uses a different unit to your data, the system will convert it for you and show the conversion here. For example, a spend line in a currency not supported by the matched emission factor will show the currency conversion applied.
• Confidence: How confident the system is in the match.

The confidence column is a great place to start your review. Sort by confidence to bring the least certain matches to the top, and check those first.

If you don't agree with a match, you can edit it and pick another emission factor. Use the checkboxes to select several rows at once and change them all in one go.

Downloading and importing your results

Once you're happy with the matches, use the download buttons to export the results. The exported file includes the factor reference for each row, which is the unique identifier for every emission factor in Carbon+Alt+Delete.

You can then add this file to your inventory with a Factor Reference Import. Each row will already have all columns needed for this import type and you will not be tied to importing based on your preferred datasets.

Good to know

• No template needed: Column names don't have to match anything specific, so you can upload your data as it comes out of your own systems.
• Always review low-confidence matches: The suggestions are a starting point. Checking the least certain rows before importing will keep your inventory accurate.
• Your matches are saved: Previous matches stay in the Match History tab, so you can return to them and download the results again at any time.