Reliable emission factors
Reliable emission factors are at the basis of emission calculation, but finding up-to-date emission factors can be time-consuming. To facilitate the updating of your company’s emission factor data and automate calculations, we offer an API solution to the OpenCO2 emissions database. Through the OpenCO2 API, emission factors validated by our experts can be linked directly to your company’s own systems.
The emission factors in the OpenCO2 emissions database also serve as the basis for all OpenCO2net tools, such as the carbon footprint calculator. Our emissions database is updated every two weeks to ensure that you always have access to the most up-to-date and reliable emission factors. You can save time and simplify your emissions calculation work by acquiring the OpenCO2 emissions database either through the OpenCO2 API or our tools.
How do I choose the right emission factors?
Emission factors are added to the OpenCO2 emissions database after a careful validation process. We only add emission factors to the database that come from reliable sources and are up to date. We have also created our own classification system for emission factors to make it easy to select the right one. The classification is based on emission calculation standards, such as the GHG Protocol standards, and guidelines for selecting emission factors.
Primary data leads to more accurate calculation results
The OpenCO2 database provides a comprehensive range of emission factors based on physical quantities and even company-specific primary factors. In accordance with emission calculation standards, primary data obtained from suppliers is the primary choice when calculating emissions and leads to more accurate calculation results. Learn how to select the correct emission factor here.
Spend-based emissions calculation and inflation adjustment
According to the standards, spend-based emission calculations based on currency data should be avoided if emission calculations can be made based on physical quantities. Although spend-based calculation is not the preferred method, it is still necessary in some cases, such as when calculating emissions from services purchased by a company. Our database also contains up-to-date currency factors collected from various sources for situations where their use is necessary.
Spend-based emission factors are often 2-5 years old, so inflation can have a significant impact on the factor. The GHG Protocol’s Scope 3 Guidance also advise taking inflation into account in spend-based calculations. We have adjusted the spend-based emission factors in the OpenCO2 emissions database. Users of OpenCO2net tools have the option to decide on inflation adjustment in each calculation. Inflation adjustment ensures that the results of spend-based emissions calculations remain comparable, stable, and meaningful over time.
Do you need help choosing emission factors?
What are the benefits of the OpenCO2 API?
Versatile use
The OpenCO2 API solution allows you to retrieve emission factors for your company’s existing systems, your own carbon footprint calculator, or other applications, such as an Excel calculator.
Automatization of calculations
The emission factors selected and validated by our experts reduce manual work and human error. The interface solution saves you a significant amount of time by compiling emission factors into a single database for you.
Reliable and up-to-date emission factors
High-quality emission factors improve the accuracy of calculations, which also enables the verification of calculations. Accurate calculations facilitate the consideration of emission reduction measures and the implementation of actual emission reductions.
Sari Siitonen
Founder, CEO
sari(a)openco2.net
+358 40 761 5221