More than five million calculations processed through one powerful engine.
| Product | Country | CO2e |
|---|---|---|
The Lifecycle Stages
Where possible, event carbon footprints are broken down into 5 sub-categories, as follows.
1. Materials
The emissions associated with the material used including the required raw resource extraction and the manufacturing required to convert it into the required material. For example, emissions associated with the production of polypropylene and the conversion of this into Rewind carpeting.
2. Production
The emissions resulting from the energy required for converting a material into a finished product for your consumer. For example, emissions from the energy required to print graphics onto Foamex boards.
3. Upstream Transport
The emissions resulting from the transport of materials from your suppliers to GES warehouses/events. For example, emissions from the transport of Black Back Fabric on its journey to the event.
4. Production Waste EoL
The emissions associated with the disposal of waste created during the production process. For example, Emissions from offcuts of Swedboard created during printing and finshing going into recycling, incineration or landfill.
5. Product EoL
The emissions associated with the disposal of the end product. For example, Emissions from the used vinyl graphics going into recycling or incineration.
Other items Cradle-to-Grave
In some cases there is insufficient detail to break down the carbon footprint, including items purchased as finished articles, consumables and small/irregular items. These are shown as a single group representing everything else.
Not applicable
Some categories, such as Logistics and Transport, cannot be broken down into product lifecycle stages.
FAQs
What is a GES Event Product Carbon Footprint?
A GES Event Carbon Footprint focusses on the greenhouse gases associated with flooring, graphics and modular systems
What do Event Product Carbon Footprints include if they are “Cradle-to-Grave”?
Cradle-to-Grave includes all raw materials, production, transport to warehouses, distribution to the event site, and disposal at end-of-life. Calculations consider there is zero energy consumed in using the materials, because electricity usage is counted in other aspects of the event carbon footprint.
Does this align to the Net Zero Carbon Events Measurement Methodology?
Yes, the Net Zero Carbon Events Measurement Methodology is used to guide the carbon footprint calculations. A GES Event Product Carbon Footprint covers flooring, graphics and modular systems so fundamentally follows the principles of Product Carbon Footprints referring to standards such as the GHG Protocol, ISO14040, ISO14044, ISO14067 and PAS 2050.
Is the GES Event Product Carbon Footprint market-based or location-based?
A market-based approach is used, as per guidance from the Net Zero Carbon Events Measurement Methodology.
What emissions factor sources do you use to come up with this carbon footprint value?
Carbon footprints are calculated by CarbonQuota, accessing the widest possible range of databases and studies from across the world, which is being constantly updated and refreshed as new information becomes available. This combines actual supplier data, sector specialist data, paid for data, publicly available data, opensource data, and CarbonQuota’s expertise. This is always subject to data licensing permissions.
How accurate is this carbon footprint, and what assumptions have you made?
GES’ carbon footprint partner, CarbonQuota, has adapted its models to most accurately represent the GES value chain. Where possible primary data about the activity is used to improve the accuracy. CarbonQuota’s experts make assumptions in collaboration with GES staff, and use secondary data where information is not available.
Why are there sometimes small differences on the same job run at different times?
To enable us to calculate at the most granular level, the CarbonQuota algorithm is trained to take information from across GES data sets, which are being updated constantly. CarbonQuota also uses real-time software to check distances between locations to ensure overall accuracy, as well as frequently updating their database and algorithm with the latest insights and science. Therefore, you will sometimes see the same input at a different time having a slightly different response due to these continual improvements and real-life variables.
Is it possible to get a more detailed breakdown of the carbon footprint?
Please speak to your account manager or to find out what is available.
Can I use this carbon footprint for my corporate reporting?
How it can be used for reporting will depend on individual circumstances. Please discuss this with the relevant auditor or with your carbon management partner.
Why is this value higher than data from other sources?
We try to include as much as possible in the carbon footprint for maximum transparency. Using CarbonQuota’s sector specialist models and supply chain expertise, every variable is considered. A higher carbon footprint is usually because it includes more aspects that other sources may have had to exclude as they were unable to find the right data or were not confident in their assumptions.
Why is this value lower than data from other sources?
We try to research as much as possible when calculating carbon footprint. Using CarbonQuota’s sector specialist models and supply chain expertise, every variable is considered. Other sources may be less confident in their assumptions, so they use a higher value to be conservative.
How do I know if this is a good carbon footprint?
There is no “good” or “bad” carbon footprint. By providing you with different carbon footprints for different options, you can make informed choices to reduce your environmental impact.
How can I reduce my carbon footprint?
There are many ways you can make significant reductions to your carbon footprints. These include investigating a range of specifications, materials, and manufacturing processes, reducing transport distances, and enabling the end user to recycle the item. If the product requires energy during use, users may be able to reduce emissions by powering it with renewable electricity.
Who is CarbonQuota?
CarbonQuota is a specialist in carbon management, helping businesses to comply with regulatory requirements, meet customer demands and reduce environmental impact through accurate, automated carbon footprints and customised carbon reduction strategies.
How do I know I can trust this value?
Carbon footprints are independently calculated and verified by CarbonQuota using their real-time engine. As specialists, CarbonQuota has developed a bespoke carbon footprint calculator powered by a unique database and algorithm which is externally verified against relevant international standards.
Still have questions?
Contact our Support TeamMethodology
Part A: General Principles
In carrying out carbon footprint calculations, CarbonQuota follows the general principles of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Product Life Cycle Accounting and Reporting Standard, with further guidance from ISO 14040/14044 (Lifecycle Assessment), ISO 14067 (Carbon Footprint of Products) and PAS 2050:2011.
Within each study boundary, a consistent approach is used to quantify and to document greenhouse gas (greenhouse gas) emissions and removals from operational activity, and purchased goods and services, by completing, as applicable, the following steps:
1.Identification of greenhouse gas sources and sinks are carried out using CarbonQuota’s industry expertise, previous experience, and guidance from Product Category Rules (PCR) alongside international publications such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, ISO14040/14044, ISO 14067 & PAS 2050.
2.The selected quantification method is based on the multiplication of greenhouse gas activity data by greenhouse gas emissions or removal factors, which is thought to be the most appropriate approach.
3.The greenhouse gas activity data are collected from activity data that is consistent with the quantification methods.
4.The most appropriate and current greenhouse gas emission factors are selected from industry leading.greenhouse gas emissions factor databases including but not limited to the latest versions of: ADAME; Defra/BEIS; ecoinvent; Global LCA Data Access Network; ICE database by Circular Ecology; IEA Emissions Factors; International Aluminium; NGA; ÖKOBAUDAT; Plastics Europe; USLCI; WorldSteel. Known or assumed locations are considered when selecting emission factors. The emissions factor selected depends on our assessment of its quality, license restrictions and use case. More details can be provided upon request.
5.The calculations of the greenhouse gas emissions and removals are carried out by multiplying the greenhouse gas activity data by greenhouse gas emissions or removal factors. These calculations are either undertaken in our proprietary codebase*, in SimaPro, or in Excel.
All IPCC greenhouse gases are considered in the calculation of the Product Carbon Footprint, which are converted to carbon dioxide equivalents using AR5 (2014) or AR6 (2021) depending on the dataset.
As standard the IPCC 100-year GWP is used, with an attributional methodology allowing a 1% cut-off, with a total of 5%.
Where available, primary activity data from the client’s systems and/or suppliers is used to calculate the carbon footprint. We seek the best available data including full specification, transportation profile, manufacturing place (including energy profile), quantities, and end of life scenarios. Where primary activity data is not available, secondary data is substituted with direction from CarbonQuota’s subject matter experts.
Calculations are assured by independent third-party experts (limited assurance) to confirm they are materially correct and align with the stated methodology.
The CarbonQuota Protocol provides more details of CarbonQuota’s general practices, principles, boundaries, data quality criteria, ISO compliance, calculation methodology, best practices, company opinion and external assurance. More details can be provided upon request.
*CarbonConnect and CarbonConnect+ calculations are undertaken in our proprietary codebase. Where manufacturing production records are available that record estimated or actual usage of raw materials time spent on processes, and distribution details, they are processed directly in CarbonQuota systems. Where production records are not available, such as with a buying organisation, the finished specification is processed via a CarbonQuota adaptor to simulate a production record for the specific product which is in turn processed via CarbonQuota systems. This is further described under Methodology Part B.
Methodology
Part B: Boundaries, Scope and Assumptions
Boundary
Assessments cover cradle-to-grave greenhouse gas emissions of the product from raw materials, production processes, distribution, and end-of-life waste. Use phase is excluded as the use of the product is outside of GES’ control.
How calculations are processed
These calculations use data provided either via a csv upload in a standard CarbonQuota template, or via API from an Integration Partner Management Information Systems MIS using a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) file. Both must carry a minimum amount of required data to calculate a footprint for the job. An error is generated with explanation in the event of insufficient data.
All data provided is assumed to be materially correct based on inputs by competent users within a specialist structured system, and no additional validation processes are in place.
While carbon footprints follow the methodological framework of ISO 14067, it is the responsibility of the user to ensure the relevant criteria are met before making any claims. CarbonQuota product carbon footprints are designed to support understanding of GHG emissions associated with a product but are not intended for comparative assertions unless both products are assessed under identical system boundaries, data quality rules, and allocation methods.
Where relevant, manufacturing production records are provided which record estimated or actual usage of raw materials and time spent on processes, which are processed directly in CarbonQuota systems.
Where relevant, a purchased/rented item specification is processed by simulating a manufacturing production record for that specific product’s usage of raw materials, which is in turn processed via CarbonQuota systems. Against each item, we are provided an expected lifetime which is apportioned against each use.
CarbonQuota’s industry expertise is used to apply reasonable assumptions where necessary. The calculations are the result of detailed modelling by sector experts. These models have a degree of uncertainty allowed for, meaning that carbon footprints may be proportionally higher due to the need to rely on assumptions compared to using exclusively primary data.
A market-based calculation is applied based on the Net Zero Carbon Events Measurement Methodology, considering renewable electricity purchased in form of RECs or EACs.
Product Carbon Footprint calculation methodologies are used for the GES categories of Flooring, Graphics and Modular Systems. These cover raw materials, production processes, consumables, delivery, use phase and end of life, each of which are further described below. Where available, supplier-provided LCAs/PCFs are used if they can be adequately verified.
Raw materials are calculated by associating the supplied codes for each raw material with a specific emission factor during implementation, including upstream transportation. Adequately verified lifecycle assessments / product carbon footprints of the material or the energy profile of the main facility are used where available. Where unavailable, the specific emissions factor is based on a model using the country of the main facility, which is in turn determined by the likely source of raw material based on CarbonQuota knowledge and experience.
Upstream transport is calculated using a model based on known or likely source, combined with the known journey to GES facility.
Allocation For virgin materials the assessment assigns 100% of the environmental impacts and benefits. For recycled or reused materials, the cut-off (100:0) approach is applied.
Production processes for graphics produced in house by GES (the manufacturer) are calculated by applying what is known about the specific energy profile to every process.
Every machine and every manual process is considered based on its proportion of the total energy consumed by that machine or process over a recent representative time period. Unless otherwise stated, it is assumed that: all work is produced ‘in house’ by the manufacturer; industry average amounts of consumables are used; complimentary processes that are likely to happen simultaneously are counted as one process; the most efficient and widely available process is employed. Where Outwork is stated by the manufacturer, CarbonQuota experts make assumptions on materials, processes and distances. Unless alternative information from the manufacturer is provided, End of Life associated with production waste is universally assumed to be 90% recycled and 10% landfill. If the actual manufacturer or country of manufacture is unknown it is assumed the production processes are undertaken at a specific default location in the country of the customer.
Consumables includes all other physical items (i.e. not Raw Materials included above) that are required to complete the job. For example chemicals such as inks and varnishes, hardware such as formes, moulds and plates, finishes such as foils and laminates, sundries required for installation or use, and packaging such as cartons, wraps and pallets. These are calculated by associating the supplied codes for each consumable with a specific emissions factor during implementation, including their transportation to the manufacturing site. Unless stated otherwise in the data it is assumed: all consumables are sourced domestically; industry standard packaging is used; packaging and pallets are loaded efficiently.
Delivery from the manufacturer or warehouse to the event site is based on the distance to a fixed delivery address which is unique for each site. This uses the provided mass, distance and vehicle type for all transport related to a specific event.
Use phase is excluded as the use of the product is outside the client’s control.
End of Life assumes all products will be disposed of within 100 years either by recycling, landfill or incineration. A product is classified as recyclable if more than 96% of the Raw Material by mass is classified as recyclable. Organic materials, materials designed to biodegrade, or additives which render the finished product technically un-recyclable, are all considered non-recyclable. The product is assumed to be disposed in the country of manufacture unless otherwise stated. Data from national government databases are used to determine the rate of recycling, incineration and landfill rates.
There are instances where CarbonConnect+ uses machine learning to create emissions factors where a code has not previously been verified. Using both Naïve Bayes and Levenshtein Distance methodologies in tandem against codes and descriptions. The application can predict fuzzy logic matches with a recorded, minimum degree of confidence and create emissions factors for missing codes that can later be verified/modified by CarbonQuota’s subject matter experts. All fuzzy matches come with a warning for the client to decide whether to use the published product footprint or not.
