Emission Factor Selection

Illustration of working with a copy of the IPCC Emission Factors Database

The integration of the IPCC EFDB Database into Equinox is described in the Reference Data Section of the Equinox User Manual (See Reference Data). Here we illustrate a basic workflow that helps search for and retrieve relevant emission factor (EF) data.

For Whom and When is this Workflow relevant?

This workflow is relevant when we want to configure an Emissions Source that is linked to an Asset or Financial Instrument.

What are the required inputs for the Workflow?

The required inputs are user defined filtering criteria that will narrow down the possible suitable entries

What are the produced outputs from the Workflow?

The output is a narrow list of EF’s with all their associated numerical and qualitative data and metadata.

Working with the EFDB Database

Each emission’s source can be entered as an individual item with a corresponding form:

EF_List

  • For each sub-sector, select an activity from the drop-down list e.g. natural gas.
  • For the Stationary sector you will also need to select a sub-category; for Transportation the boundary system methodology; and for the Waste sector the type of waste.
  • If data are not available for an emission category (sub-sector/scope), notation keys should be used. Select the appropriate notation key from the drop-down list.
  • Enter activity data. If the units are different to the denominator of the emission factor used, use the activity data multiplier function to convert.
  • To use the activity data multiplier, select the unit you wish to convert your activity data into. Alternatively, you can enter your own conversion factor in the override column.
  • Select the greenhouse gases included in your calculations from the drop-down list.
  • Select an emission factor from the drop-down list. These are the ones you will have defined earlier in the Emission factors sheet. They are shown here in tonnes of CO2e.
  • If you do not have an emission factor for a specific activity, you may enter emissions data directly. Make sure this is reported in metric tonnes of CO2e.
  • To report emission data directly, select the tick mark (a) from the drop-down list and enter emissions data under the appropriate GHG.
  • The oxidation factor for combustion has been set to 1. This appears in the Oxidation factor column when you enter data. Use the override column to choose a different value.
  • The tool then calculates emissions based on the data submitted, in metric tonnes of CO2e.
  • Assess the quality of your activity data in the Data quality column. Choose from high, medium or low. You can provide an optional explanation in the final column.
  • You must also provide a clear description of the methodologies you have used. If you have used a notation key, please provide an explanation.
  • Finally, select a data source from the drop-down list which lists all the references you defined in the Data sources sheet.

Further Reading and References

Check out other Equinox use cases and Workflows