What are Emission Factor Databases (EFDB)

SINGAPORE, November 27, 2023 – The factors that count when calculating carbon emissions

Global energy-related CO2 emissions reached a new high of over 36.8 Gt in 2022!! Ever wondered how climate scientists calculate these numbers? The answer lies in Emission factor databases, also known as EFDBs or emissions inventory databases.

These databases, crucial tools for estimating and managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, provide standardized and comprehensive information on the emissions associated with various activities, processes, and sources. This information is essential for a wide range of applications, including:

Developing emissions inventories: EFDBs are the cornerstone of emissions inventories, which are detailed accounts of GHG emissions from a specific source, sector, or region. These inventories are used to track progress towards emissions reduction goals, inform policy decisions, and comply with regulatory requirements.

Designing mitigation strategies: EFDBs provide the data needed to identify and quantify the major sources of GHG emissions and develop effective mitigation strategies. This information can guide investments in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other emissions reduction measures.

Conducting life cycle assessments (LCAs): EFDBs are used in LCAs to assess the environmental impacts of products, processes, and services throughout their entire life cycle. This information can inform product design choices, supply chain management practices, and consumer purchasing decisions.

Understanding emissions trends: EFDBs can be used to track emissions trends over time and identify patterns and changes in emissions levels. This information can help to inform policy interventions and identify areas for targeted emission reductions.

Promoting transparency and accountability: EFDBs promote transparency and accountability by providing standardized and well-documented emissions data. This information can be used to compare emissions performance across different sectors, regions, or companies and to track progress towards emissions reduction goals.

Enhancing sustainability reporting: EFDBs play a critical role in sustainability reporting, enabling companies and organizations to accurately quantify and report their GHG emissions. This information is crucial for meeting regulatory requirements, informing stakeholders, and demonstrating commitment to environmental stewardship.

So, the next time you read about emissions of a company, be sure to check which EFDB did they use.