CO2L model: Large database of CO2eq emission factors
The database is based on the entire chain upstream ('cradle-to-gate')
To calculate a carbon footprint (CF) of a company one has to take into account the direct CO2 emissions (at the company's location) as well as the indirect CO2 emissions of the inputs (outside the company's location, that is upstream the chain). The database contains emission factors per individual input.
CO2 is mainly generated by burning fossil fuels. So, the carbon footprint focusses especially on the direct energy use for heating and transport, but also on the indirect energy consumption for the production and transport of raw materials, intermediates and consumer goods.
The extensive database contains over 4,000 items of raw materials, intermediates and end products with standardized CO2eq emission factors from the chain upstream (cradle-to-gate). These items reflect the most common inputs in industrial enterprises.
The database contains emission factors per kWh delivered by each individual Dutch energy supplier, based on the so-called electricity labels. Some suppliers have different emission factors for their supply to large companies or to smaller ones and consumers.
The database contains for a large number of fuels the (direct) emissions from combustion including (indirect) emissions from production and distribution losses.
As an extra feature, the database also contains emission factors for each Euro spent in a specific sector, by activity (SIC code). That is, one can get a (rough) estimate of emissions from inputs of which the (exact) weight or number of units is unknown, but of which the purchases are. This is especially useful for relatively small and few inputs.
In calculating emission factors that are specific for the Netherlands, (often publicly available) data are used from Statistics Netherlands, Economic Affairs, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, Pollutant Release and Transfer Register, CE.
For easy selection of items from the database, one can first select a category using the so-called auto filter.
The database can be expanded with new items, for example with emission factors of raw materials and (semi-) products of own suppliers.