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Sustainability reporting: "Methodologies" explained

Learn what methodologies are, which ones are used in Qondor and why emission estimates can vary between them.

Nitu Kaur Sabbharwal avatar
Written by Nitu Kaur Sabbharwal
Updated this week

WHAT ARE METHODOLOGIES IN SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING?

Methodologies are the structured approaches used to calculate and report environmental data, especially CO₂ emissions. They define what kind of data is used, how it is calculated and which emission factors or assumptions are applied.

There are various methodologies available for use in Qondor when calculating and reporting on emissions.

This article breaks down the different types of methodologies used in Qondor, what they’re based on, and why they can lead to varying results.


OVERVIEW OF AVAILABLE METHODOLOGIES

Qondor (via Squake) offers several methodologies for calculating CO₂ emissions, powered through our partnership with Squake.

These methodologies differ in how they treat emission, from basic CO₂ calculations, to broader climate impact assessments that include non-CO₂ effects.

Notes:

1. Some businesses may be required to use a specific methodology depending on national or regional regulations. For example, organisations in the UK may be required to report using DEFRA, while those in France might follow ADEME guidelines.

2. Qondor (via Squake) does not strictly apply one methodology across the board. Instead, it uses variations or adaptations depending on:

  • The type of data available (activity based).

  • The emission source (travel, accommodation, etc.)

  • Whether the user or client has region-specific compliance needs (e.g. DEFRA in the UK).

Below are the methodologies currently available in Qondor, along with the specific emission sources they cover. Read about each methodology and click to learn more about the factors used to calculate emissions for each source.

SQUAKE

SQUAKE employs its own certified methodologies to calculate CO₂ emissions across sectors such as travel, logistics and hospitality. These methodologies are designed to provide precise, real-time emissions data by utilizing activity-specific parameters.

General Accommodation

The vacation rental industry has grown exponentially, presenting both opportunities and challenges when considering environmental impact. Recognizing the sector's potential to influence carbon emissions, SQUAKE developed a dedicated methodology tailored to vacation rentals.

Rooted in comprehensive research and in-depth data analysis, SQUAKE's approach delves deep into the heating, electricity and water consumption, as well as into amenities. The methodology is certified by GUTcert following the “GHG Protocol - Product Life Cycle Accounting & Reporting Standard”. By examining these varied elements, SQUAKE's methodology offers a holistic perspective on the climate impact of vacation rentals. The resulting metrics provide property owners and guests with insights, encouraging sustainable practices.

Bus

SQUAKE, a holistic and modern approach to carbon calculation, sets itself apart by its capacity to integrate operator-specific data within its methodology for the bus sector. Recognizing that buses, as a mode of public transport, can vary significantly in their environmental impact depending on numerous variables, the methodology's flexibility is its strength.

Factors such as bus age, fuel type, maintenance schedules, route frequencies, and driver habits can all play crucial roles in determining the carbon footprint of a single bus journey. With its roots in contemporary data analytics, SQUAKE not only aggregates broad industry metrics but also narrows down to the intricacies of individual bus operators. This ability to granulate allows transportation authorities and companies to gain precise insights and implement targeted strategies for carbon reduction. Such precision, driven by operator-specific data, translates into actionable solutions that make bus transportation greener and more sustainable.

Train

The SQUAKE methodology has emerged as a refined and operator-centric approach to calculating carbon emissions in the train travel sector. Recognizing the complexities and variances across different train operators, SQUAKE prioritizes operator-specific data over generic assessments. This focus on granularity ensures that emissions estimates are not only precise but also reflect the unique practices, technologies, and efficiencies of individual operators.

With its emphasis on operator-specific data, the SQUAKE methodology provides invaluable insights into the variability of emissions profiles among train operators. It enables companies and regulators to identify best practices and areas for improvement. For instance, two train operators might have significantly different emissions profiles because one uses more renewable energy sources while the other relies heavily on fossil fuels.

SQUAKE, by providing such detailed data, paves the way for more informed sustainability strategies and decisions in the train travel industry.


DEFRA

The UK's Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has been instrumental in pioneering carbon accounting standards across various sectors.

Hotel

In the hotel industry, the DEFRA methodology emphasizes transparency and consistency. Recognizing the varied energy consumption patterns of different hotel types, from luxury resorts to budget motels, DEFRA guidelines are designed to cater to this diversity. They factor in direct energy use, including heating, cooling, and electricity consumption, but also delve into indirect emissions. This includes emissions from supply chain activities, food and beverage services, waste disposal, and guest transportation.

What sets the DEFRA methodology apart is its emphasis on adaptability and continuous improvement. Hotels are encouraged to not just measure and report their carbon footprint but to also undertake actions towards reducing it.

By providing specific guidance on carbon reduction strategies, from energy-efficient appliances to waste reduction initiatives, DEFRA's approach ensures that the hotel sector can actively contribute to broader sustainability goals.

Bus

DEFRA's methodology for calculating the carbon footprint of bus travel is based on standardized emission factors published by the UK government. These factors are derived from extensive national data sources and provide a reliable basis for estimating greenhouse gas emissions from different types of bus transportation.

DEFRA's methodology takes into account various bus categories, including local buses operating within and outside London, as well as long-distance coaches. Emissions are calculated based on factors such as fuel consumption, average occupancy rates, and energy efficiency.

Additionally, DEFRA offers flexibility in emissions reporting by supporting two energy scopes: Tank-to-Wheel (TTW) and Well-to-Wheel (WTW), with WTW being the default option for a more comprehensive lifecycle assessment. By leveraging DEFRA's well-established reporting framework, businesses and policymakers can ensure consistent and transparent carbon accounting for bus travel, aligning with UK environmental reporting regulations and sustainability strategies.

Car

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) of the UK has been a stalwart in environmental governance and in establishing methodologies across various sectors. Within the car sector, DEFRA's methodology focuses keenly on providing robust and comprehensible metrics for carbon emissions.

Recognising the massive contribution of vehicles to the UK's carbon footprint, DEFRA's guidelines are tailored to encompass the diverse range of vehicles on the roads, from compact cars to SUVs. DEFRA's approach not only accounts for direct emissions derived from fuel combustion but also considers the broader life-cycle emissions of vehicles, including manufacturing, maintenance, and disposal.

Their methodology, backed by extensive research and consultation with automotive industry experts, provides a solid foundation for the UK's policy-making, encouraging sustainable car manufacturing and usage. Through DEFRA's efforts, consumers, manufacturers, and policymakers are better equipped to make environmentally conscious decisions regarding transportation.

Flight

The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) of the United Kingdom plays a key role in shaping environmental policies and approaches to carbon reduction. As part of its sustainability initiatives, DEFRA has developed a carbon calculation methodology specifically for the flight passenger sector, providing a standardized and credible means to evaluate the emissions associated with air travel.

DEFRA's methodology for evaluating carbon emissions from passenger flights incorporates a range of factors. These include the aircraft's fuel consumption, flight distance, type of aircraft, and even the indirect effects of high-altitude emissions. The aim is to offer a holistic view of a flight's environmental impact.

By developing this standardized approach, DEFRA not only aids the aviation industry in understanding and reducing its carbon footprint but also provides a reliable reference point for policymakers and environmental advocacy groups.


ADEME

ADEME, the French Agency for Ecological Transition, is renowned for its comprehensive methodologies addressing environmental issues, and its expertise extends to the carbon impact in multiple sectors.

Developed by France’s Agence de la transition écologique (ADEME), the French Environment and Energy Management Agency, is a renowned public institution at the forefront of environmental sustainability and energy management. Under the authority of the French Ministries of Ecology and Research, ADEME has gained recognition for its extensive research and its commitment to promoting sustainable practices across various sectors, including transportation, energy, and waste management.

The methodology is widely used by organizations in France to quantify their carbon footprint and develop strategies for emissions reduction.

Ferry

ADEME's approach towards carbon calculation in the ferry sector is emblematic of its broader commitment to a sustainable transport landscape. Recognizing that maritime transport plays a pivotal role in the global transportation matrix, the agency provides methodologies that allow for accurate measurement and eventual reduction of GHG emissions specific to ferries.

Within ferry transportation, ADEME's methodology takes into account the specific dynamics of maritime travel — such as fuel type, operational patterns, and varying capacities. This comprehensive approach helps stakeholders, including ferry operators and policymakers, to make informed decisions towards sustainable maritime transport.

Moreover, it serves as an essential tool for meeting international emission reduction targets in the maritime sector.

Flight

Within the aviation sector, ADEME's methodologies are especially significant. Their carbon calculation approach is tailored specifically to account for the environmental footprint of passenger flights.

By considering a comprehensive set of factors such as aircraft type, fuel consumption, flight duration, occupancy rates, and the inclusion of radiative forcing (which addresses the increased impact of emissions at higher altitudes), ADEME offers a nuanced and scientifically robust framework.

This methodology empowers airlines, regulatory bodies, and environmental stakeholders to better understand and address the carbon emissions associated with air travel.

Train

When it comes to train travel, ADEME's methodological approach is pivotal. Train travel is often hailed as one of the more eco-friendly means of transportation, but it is imperative to quantify this assertion accurately.

ADEME's methodology for train travel encompasses the entirety of a train's lifecycle, from production to disposal. It accounts for factors such as energy consumption during operations, infrastructure establishment and maintenance, and the type of energy sources used. Specific emphasis is given to the comparison of electric trains versus diesel powered ones, highlighting the carbon emission differences.

With ADEME's methodology, railway operators, policymakers, and passengers can grasp a better understanding of train travel's environmental impact and the potential routes to decrease its carbon footprint.

Food and Beverage (Base Empreinte)

The Base Empreinte methodology provides a granular approach to calculating carbon emissions in the catering sector. ADEME has created emission factors specific to different meal types, such as vegetarian meals and those dominated by animal products, like beef.

This methodology is particularly useful for the catering industry in tailoring strategies for reducing carbon emissions. Businesses and individuals can use this data to optimize meal planning, promote sustainable dietary options, and minimize food-related environmental impacts. By addressing both individual and organizational carbon footprints, this approach supports more eco-conscious catering practices.


ICAO (INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION)

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) plays a pivotal role in guiding aviation-related environmental policies on a global scale. Recognizing the aviation industry's significant carbon footprint, ICAO has developed methodologies specifically tailored to the flight passenger sector, aimed at determining its environmental impact. The overarching goal is to facilitate a harmonized global approach to address greenhouse gas emissions from aviation.

Flight

ICAO's carbon calculation methodology incorporates several variables, including aircraft type, flight distance, fuel burn rates, and passenger load factors. These metrics are then standardized across all member states, providing a cohesive measurement standard.

By implementing such comprehensive strategies, ICAO not only helps industries to identify areas of improvement but also sets the foundation for global initiatives such as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), targeting a carbon-neutral growth for international aviation from 2020.


CO₂ EMISSIEFACTOREN (NETHERLANDS)

CO2-emissiefactoren is a distinguished methodology originating from the Netherlands, designed to provide accurate emission factors across various sectors, including passenger aviation. With a focus on delivering clear and precise carbon metrics, the methodology is widely adopted by European stakeholders, offering them a reliable system for understanding and mitigating the carbon footprint of their activities.

Flight

Within the aviation sector, CO2-emissiefactoren's approach stands out for its ability to consider multiple factors, such as aircraft type, engine specifications, distance travelled, and fuel efficiency.

The methodology is continually updated to reflect the latest research and technological developments, ensuring that the carbon calculations remain both current and comprehensive. By offering detailed insights into the carbon impact of air travel, CO2-emissiefactoren equips airlines, policymakers, and travellers with the tools necessary to make more sustainable choices in the aviation industry.

Train

CO2-emissiefactoren, a prominent European carbon emissions database, has emerged as a significant reference point for accurate CO2 emissions values across various sectors, including train travel. With transportation being one of the significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, the role of precise data in facilitating informed decisions cannot be understated.

This methodology provides a harmonized and robust foundation for assessing and comparing carbon footprints, ensuring that stakeholders are well-informed about the environmental implications of their actions.

For train travel, CO2-emissiefactoren adopts a holistic approach. It captures data not just from the operation of trains but also from the energy sources that power them. It considers factors like the electricity mix, efficiency of train models, and the carbon implications of infrastructure development. Such a comprehensive methodology ensures that the emissions data is reflective of the actual environmental impact, allowing for better decision-making for sustainable transport.

HOTEL CARBON MEASUREMENT INITIATIVE (HCMI)

Hotel

The Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative (HCMI) and the Cornell Hotel Sustainability Benchmarking Index (CHSB) are two prominent methodologies within the hotel industry, specifically tailored to measure carbon footprints and promote sustainable practices. The HCMI, a global standard introduced by leading hotel chains and organizations, focuses on providing a consistent method to calculate and communicate the carbon footprint of hotel stays and meetings. It considers variables like energy and water usage, waste production, and even outsourced services.

On the other hand, the CHSB, pioneered by Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, serves as an index that allows hotels worldwide to benchmark their energy and water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and other sustainability metrics against peer institutions. By collating data from diverse geographical regions and hotel sizes, CHSB equips hoteliers with vital insights to improve their environmental efficiency and sustainability credentials, ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly eco-conscious global market.

Venue

The events sector, with its vast scope and massive carbon footprint, has long been under scrutiny for its environmental impact. Recognizing the urgency for sustainability in this industry, two methodologies—HCMI (Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative) and CHSB (Cornell Hotel Sustainability Benchmark Index)—were introduced.

Initially tailored for the hotel industry, these methodologies were soon recognized for their potential applicability in gauging sustainability within the broader events sector. HCMI, developed in collaboration with leading hoteliers, offers a unified approach to measuring and communicating the carbon footprint of hotel stays and meetings.

Given the close interrelation between hotel and event industries, it was a natural progression for event organizers to leverage HCMI's precise carbon measurement tools. On the other hand, CHSB, developed by Cornell University, serves as a benchmarking tool, allowing event managers to compare their sustainability performance against global standards. As more event planners prioritize eco friendliness and sustainability, both HCMI and CHSB have emerged as indispensable tools, reshaping the event industry's sustainability landscape.


TIM THE TRAVEL IMPACT MODEL (TIM)

Flight

The Travel Impact Model (TIM), developed under the aegis of Google and its independent Advisory Committee, revolutionizes the carbon footprint estimation for air freight, employing a cutting-edge, comprehensive methodology. Drawing from public and licensable datasets, TIM meticulously calculates per-seat or per-passenger CO2e emissions by considering a range of variables including flight details, aircraft specifics, and load factors, ensuring a robust and transparent emission estimate.

Notably, TIM's methodology stands apart for its dedication to accuracy, validated against real-world data, and its ambition to cover the complete climate impacts of aviation, making it a future-proof tool that evolves alongside aviation technologies and practices. By focusing on the precise calculation of emissions and offering these insights through a freely accessible API, TIM empowers stakeholders across the aviation sector—from airlines to passengers—to make informed decisions regarding their carbon footprint.

The model's governance structure, featuring a mix of industry, academic, and policy experts, guarantees that TIM remains at the forefront of scientific advancement, maintaining its relevance and utility in facilitating sustainable aviation practices.


WHY IS THERE A LARGE DIFFERENCE IN ESTIMATES BETWEEN METHODOLOGIES?

Different methodologies can produce very different CO₂ or CO₂e estimates for the same activity. This is because each one is based on different assumptions, data sources and levels of detail.

Some methodologies may include or exclude key factors, such as non-CO₂ effects like contrails, which are sometimes accounted for using a Radiative Forcing Index (RFI). Others may differ based on regional policies or the scope of what is measured.

These variations lead to different final numbers.

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