Custom Emission Factor Library

Custom emission factors facilitate the use of factors that are not included in the provided datasets, such as factors from international sources or factors provided by suppliers.

Custom datasets

The Emission Factor Library provides two connected datasets that can be populated with custom emission factors.

Shared Custom dataset

• This is available for use in all company accounts in the consultancy
• Only Admin users can create and edit the shared dataset

Private Custom dataset

• This is available for use in one specific company account
• Any user with access to the company account (other than read-only Reviewers) can create and edit the private dataset
• Custom Emission Factors created during import will be saved in the private dataset

Once populated, these datasets are used exactly the same way that other connected datasets are used.

Defining custom emission factors

In the Emission Factor Library, you will find the two custom datasets - one for the consultancy and one for the active company account.

New factors can be created by selecting "Add" at the bottom of the table. As with a standard emission factor, each has a keyword, detail, and description to help identify the required factor when searching. The unit is also selected from a list of standard units (or a custom one is created).

The factor value can be given as a single input or can include a full breakdown by greenhouse gasses, land data, and life cycle stages. If you have full details for an emission factor, switch "Enable full details" to on and a table of inputs will appear.

There is also the option to define an emission factor that has a reporting split with either market and location based reporting or with and without radiative forcing.

Full details breakdown

When full details are enabled, emission factors are broken down across three life cycle stages — Combustion, Generation, and Transmission & Distribution — and the following categories and gases. All values are entered in kgCO₂e per unit.

Total

Each subcategory total shows the sum of all greenhouse gases in the subcategory, excluding the gases under "Other". All factors are expressed as kgCO₂e/unit (see image above).

Notes on key fields

• Total kgCO₂e/unit — This is the sum of the breakdown values below it, excluding biogenic and "Other" values.
• CO₂e* — Use this field to enter total emissions where the individual GHG breakdown is not known. When switching between having a reporting split and no reporting split, this is the only value that will be preserved.
• Biogenic gases (BioCO₂, BioCH₄) — These represent emissions and removals from biological sources, tracked separately from fossil emissions in line with GHG Protocol guidance.
• Removals — Negative emission values representing carbon removed from the atmosphere, for example through land management or biogenic uptake.

Emissions — Fossil

Emissions from fossil fuel and industrial origins.

Emissions — Land use change

Emissions from converting one land type to another. Only the gases applicable in this category are shown.

Emissions — Land management

Emissions that are land-related but where the land type remains unchanged. Only the gases applicable in this category are shown.

Emissions — Land undefined

Emissions that are land-related but with uncertain further classification. Only the gases applicable in this category are shown.

Emissions — Gross biogenic

Carbon emissions from biological processes, accounted as a gross flux (flow accounting method).

Removals — Land use change

Carbon removals from land practices where one land type is converted to another. Enter removal values with a negative sign.

Removals — Land management

Carbon removals from land practices where the land type remains unchanged. Enter removal values with a negative sign.

Removals — Land undefined

Carbon removals from practices that are land-related but with uncertain further classification. Enter removal values with a negative sign.

Removals — Gross biogenic

Carbon removals from biological processes, accounted as a gross flux (flow accounting method). Enter removal values with a negative sign.

Carbon+Alt+Delete standard factor units

Below is a full list of the standard factor units that can be selected when creating a custom emission factor, complete with conversion factors. Please note that while we support many different factor units, not all of these are available for selection in the Inventory. This is where conversion comes in.