Add and Update Business Usage Data on Compare Your Footprint

Once your organisation and facilities are set up, you're ready to start entering your data into the platform! Here's how:

1. Navigate to the Usage Data Section

Access the 'Usage Data' section from the left-hand navigation panel.

2. Add Your Business Data

There are two ways to add your data to the platform: individually adding data, and importing usage data.

Individually add data:

1. Click the ‘Add Usage Data’ button. 
2. Use the option for data that can’t be imported through templates or for data you prefer to add manually. 
3. A pop-up screen will appear where you can enter the following details:
   • Facility: Choose the location you want to associate with the data.
   • Date range: Specify the date range for the data. If it spans two reporting years, the platform will automatically split the data proportionally. Note that the maximum date range that can be entered is 1 year.
   • Custom top-level category (optional): use this free text box to add an additional layer of information. The text you enter will be used as a label in your reports. Remember, this field is case-sensitive. 
   • Usage type: Select from around 90 categories. You can search for the relevant type by typing into the box. The Usage Data Guide provides a summary of the categories available. 
   • Usage sub-type: After selecting a usage type, choose the relevant sub-category. 
   • Unit of measurement: select the appropriate unit for the data. Some sub-types offer multiple units (e.g. passenger.km or £ spend).   
   • Add data: click this button to import the data into the platform. 

Import usage data: 

1. Select ‘Import Usage Data’ and choose from available downloadable templates.
2. Categories available for bulk upload include: 
   • Business Travel: Air, Rail, Road
   • Construction
   • Electricity
   • Employee Commuting: Rail, Road
   • Food and Drinks
   • Freight with/without Distance
   • Gas 
   • Paper
3. Download the relevant Excel template by selecting the category and clicking ‘Excel’ next to ‘Download Template’. 
4. Follow the instructions provided on the first tab of the template. Required fields are highlighted in dark blue. 
5. When ready, upload the file by selecting ‘Upload File’ and clicking ‘Start Import’. Note: only one file can be uploaded at a time. 

3 Tips for a Smooth Data Upload

To avoid any errors, always download and use the most up-to-date template before uploading your data. If you've been gathering data over time, simply transfer it to the newest template before submitting.

• Make sure there are no empty rows between your data entries. Blank rows can cause issues during the upload process.
• To ensure your data uploads successfully, avoid making any changes to the template structure. This means no modifying field names, changing formats, or adding/deleting columns. Stick to the original format for the best results.

Updating Data

You can add, edit, copy, or delete data at any time. To update data:

1. Navigate to the relevant data point.
2. Click the + icon under ‘View Breakdown’ to see all data points under that grouping.
3. To Edit: Click the pencil icon to edit the data point.
4. To Delete: Click the bin icon to delete to delete the data point.
5. To Copy: Click the two overlapping files icon to create a duplicate, which you can then edit or keep as is.
6. Click the two overlapping files icon to create a duplicate, which you can then edit or keep as is.
7. For bulk updates or deletions, contact the CYF support team for assistance.

Filtering Data

Entered data can be filtered by category, report year, or facility. Apply multiple filters at once by selecting them under the 'Add Usage Data' button in the usage data section. 

Up next: now that you've added your business data, check out our Create a Report article to view your results.