How do I use the Data Helper Tool?

The Compare Your Footprint Data Helper Tool is designed to make the data collection process for your carbon footprint as smooth and efficient as possible. This tool provides detailed, step-by-step guidance on what data to collect and how to collect it, ensuring you capture all the necessary information for accurate carbon footprinting.

Here’s how to get started with the Data Helper Tool and how it can support you throughout the process:

Step 1: Accessing the Tool

To access the Data Helper Tool, follow these simple steps within the Compare Your Footprint platform:

1. Log into your account on the Compare Your Footprint platform.
2. Navigate to the left-hand side menu on your dashboard.
3. Click on "Resources and Support."
4. From there, select the Data Helper Tool. This will open a series of tabs, each guiding you through different aspects of the data collection process.

Step 2: Understanding What Data to Collect

The Data Helper Tool offers an intuitive guide on what types of data you need to gather for your carbon footprint. It covers various data points, such as:

• Energy consumption (e.g., electricity and gas usage in kilowatt-hours or litres)
• Travel data (e.g., business travel, fuel usage, distance travelled)
• Waste data (e.g., amount of waste generated, disposal methods)
• Procurement and supply chain data (e.g., products and services purchased) This comprehensive guide ensures you don’t miss any critical data sources and helps identify which areas of your organisation need to be assessed.

Step 3: How to Collect the Data

Once you know what data you need, the Data Helper Tool provides clear instructions on how to gather it. It includes:

• Best practices for data collection: The tool offers tips on how to organise your process efficiently, who to engage with in different departments, and how to use both activity and spend data.
• Methods for retrieving information: It guides you on where to find specific data, whether from utility bills, procurement records, travel logs, or directly from suppliers.
• Timeframes for data collection: It suggests appropriate periods to collect data over (e.g., annual, quarterly) and encourages regular data collection to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Step 4: Following Best Practices

The Data Helper Tool also includes a section on best practices for ensuring accuracy and consistency in your data collection. This includes:

• Cross-referencing your data with original documents like invoices, utility bills, and receipts to catch any discrepancies.
• Documenting the process by keeping detailed records of where the data came from and how it was gathered. This documentation is vital for audits and future assessments.

Step 5: Troubleshooting and Challenges

The Data Helper Tool also addresses common challenges faced during data collection, such as:

• Missing data: The tool suggests alternative sources or ways to estimate data if certain information isn’t available (e.g., using spend data when activity data is missing).
• Inconsistent formats: It guides you on how to standardise data from different departments or sources to ensure comparability.