We are excited to announce new features and improvements to Compare Your Footprint to enhance your carbon accounting experience. Read on to learn more.

New Features

2024 UK Government Factors

 We have added the complete set of the UK Government’s 2024 Emissions Conversion Factors to the platform. This ensures your carbon calculations remain compliant with the latest standards for accurate and reliable reporting.

What’s New in 2024?

Defra released the updated 2024 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) conversion factors in July, which are essential for calculating emissions across various organisational activities. Compare Your Footprint integrates these annual updates to support UK-based and, where applicable, international emissions reporting aligned with the GHG Protocol.

Here is a quick summary of the key updates:

1. PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) Utility Factor Update

What & Why: Adjustments to PHEV factors reflect real-world use of electricity versus fuel, replacing previous estimates based on EU standards.

Implication: Expected increase in reported emissions for PHEVs.

2. New Factors for PHEV Large Goods Vehicles (LGVs)

What & Why: Due to the rise in PHEV LGVs in the UK, new emission factors are now available.

Implication: Expanded reporting capabilities for PHEV LGVs.

3. Updated Material Factors

What & Why: Updated emissions factors for concrete, wood, plastic, paper, scrap metal, and steel cans, based on the latest Ecoinvent and WorldSteel data. The wood closed-loop source factor has been removed to prevent misrepresentation.

Implication: Minor adjustments to these material factors; the removal of the closed-loop wood recycling factor (more information below).

Improvements

Facilities Import Template Updated

 We have updated the facilities import template to make data entry more intuitive and aligned with platform standards.

Facility Types: Some facility type names have been revised for clarity. Additionally, a new type, "Garden", has been introduced.

Country List: The list of countries has been updated to reflect the country names available on the platform.

The updated template is available for download from December 4th, 2024. 

Factor Update: Wood: Average Timber – Closed Loop Source

Following the UK Government’s 2024 Emissions Conversion Factors publication, the closed loop source factor for Wood: Average Timber has been removed.

What’s Changed?

Data for closed loop source production type cannot be added for periods beginning January 1st, 2024. 

Alternative Options:

• Use the open loop source production type for recycled wood with added binders or adhesives (e.g., fibreboard manufacture).
• Use the re-used production type for reclaimed timber used without undergoing additional processing.

Have Questions?

Our support team is here to help! Reach out by submitting a ticket through the Helpdesk.