Emission Factors: Our Approach
Trellis relies on authoritative sources to provide up-to-date emission factors, which it maintains and updates annually to support reliable emissions reporting.
What are Emission Factors?
Emission factors are representative values that relate the quantity of a pollutant released to the atmosphere with an activity associated with the release of that pollutant. These factors are crucial for organisations to accurately measure and report their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as they provide the conversion factors needed to translate activity data (e.g., energy use, material consumption) into emissions.
Importance of Emission Factors
Accurate emission factors are essential for organisations to quantify their carbon footprint and track progress towards emissions reduction goals. Inaccurate or outdated emission factors can lead to significant under- or over-reporting of emissions, undermining the credibility of an organisation's sustainability efforts. Robust emission factors ensure that emissions data is reliable, transparent, and comparable over time, allowing for informed decision-making and effective climate action.
Trellis' Emission Factor Sources
Trellis relies on authoritative, government-published sources to obtain its emission factors.
- For Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, Trellis primarily uses the factors provided in the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (Measurement) Determination, the legislative instrument that outlines the methods and factors to be used for GHG reporting in Australia.
- For Scope 3 emissions, Trellis sources factors from the National Greenhouse Accounts Factors workbook, published annually by the Australian Government, as well as international sources such as the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (DBEIS) for factors related to flights and personal vehicle use.
By utilising these reputable sources, Trellis ensures that you have access to the most up-to-date and accurate emissions factors.
National vs. International Factors
Trellis strives to use nationally relevant factors wherever possible, as these are tailored to the Australian context and provide the most accurate emissions estimates for organisations operating in Australia. However, in some cases, such as for international flights and hotel stays, Trellis utilises internationally recognised factors from reputable sources like the DBEIS. This approach ensures that you can report your emissions with a high degree of accuracy, regardless of the nature of your activities.
Emission Factor Database Management
Trellis maintains a comprehensive internal database of emission factors, which is reviewed and updated annually. This database is the foundation for the emissions calculations performed within the Trellis platform, ensuring that you have access to the most up-to-date and accurate factors. The database includes factors for a wide range of emissions sources, from energy consumption and waste management to business travel and procurement.
To review which factors are used in your Trellis inventory, you can navigate to the Factor Sources under Reports.
Updating Emission Factors
Trellis updates its emission factors annually, typically in July/August, to coincide with the release of the latest National Greenhouse Accounts Factors and any changes to the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (Measurement) Determination. Additional updates may take place for specific emission factors in the case of corrections or change of sources. This ensures that you are reporting your emissions using the most current factors, reflecting the latest scientific research and policy developments.