The way Plan A calculates Purchased Electricity emissions depends on the calculation method you select when uploading your data.
Actual electricity consumption
Actual electricity consumption
The calculation method entails multiplying the electricity consumption values by an emission factor relevant to the specific timeframe and location (the country where the electricity is used).
In alignment with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol's recommendations and requirements, Plan A employs a dual approach to calculation, integrating both location-based and market-based emission factors as outlined in the Scope 2 Quality Criteria:
Location-based approach: This method is applied automatically for all electricity consumption data unless on-site renewable energy sources are used. It utilises emission factors that reflect the average emissions from energy generation within the specified location and time period. For on-site renewable energy, the location-based approach incorporates renewable-specific emission factors.
Market-based approach: This method is implemented when renewable energy certificates (RECs), on-site renewable energy, or supplier-specific emission factors are provided by the user. For undefined contractual instruments, residual mix emission factors—specific to the location and time period—are applied for European countries. If residual mix data is unavailable, the location-based emission factors are used as a fallback.
Additionally, Plan A highlights that this calculation method addresses only indirect emissions from electricity generation, categorised under Scope 2. Other upstream emissions, such as those associated with fuel extraction and electricity distribution, are tracked separately under Scope 3, Category 3. These are automatically calculated using inputs derived from Scope 2 data.
The calculation methodology adheres to the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol.
Electric vehicles: Distance driven | Average electricity consumption
Electric vehicles: Distance driven | Average electricity consumption
The calculation method entails multiplying the distance travelled with electric vehicles by the average electricity consumption per distance (referred to as electric vehicle efficiency), along with the applicable emission factor for the given time period and location (the country where the vehicle is charged).
The average electricity consumption values are determined by specifying the average electricity consumption of electric vehicles (BEVs, PHEVs) per distance travelled.
To comply with dual reporting requirements and Scope 2 reporting requirement, the methodology incorporates both location-based and market-based approaches:
Location-based approach: This approach is applied automatically for all electricity consumption data unless on-site renewable energy sources are used. It utilises emission factors that reflect the average emissions from energy generation within the specified location and time period. For on-site renewable energy, the location-based approach incorporates renewable-specific emission factors.
Market-based approach: This approach relies on information provided by the reporting company, such as renewable energy certificates (RECs), on-site renewables or supplier-specific emission factors. When the reporting company can provide these inputs, the market-based approach delivers a more tailored calculation reflecting the company’s energy procurement strategy.
If the reporting company cannot provide renewable energy claims or supplier-specific emission factors, fallback options are applied. These include using residual mix emission factors, where available, or reverting to the location-based approach if residual mix data is not accessible.
The calculation method within this scope accounts for indirect emissions from electricity generation only; other upstream emissions associated with fuel extraction and electricity distribution are tracked in scope 3, category 3, which is calculated automatically using the inputs from Scope 2.
The calculation methodology adheres to the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol.
Electric vehicles: Distance
Electric vehicles: Distance
The calculation method entails multiplying the distance travelled by average energy consumption per vehicle type and the emission factors associated with the chosen timeframe, and location (the country where the vehicle is charged).
The calculation method within this scope accounts for indirect emissions from electricity generation only; other upstream emissions associated with fuel extraction and electricity distribution are tracked in scope 3, category 3.
To comply with dual reporting requirements and Scope 2 Quality Criteria, the methodology incorporates both location-based and market-based approaches:
Location-based approach: This approach is applied automatically for all electricity consumption data unless on-site renewable energy sources are used. It utilises emission factors that reflect the average emissions from energy generation within the specified location and time period. For on-site renewable energy, the location-based approach incorporates renewable-specific emission factors
Market-based approach: This approach relies on information provided by the reporting company, such as renewable energy certificates (RECs), on-site renewables or supplier-specific emission factors. When the reporting company can provide these inputs, the market-based approach delivers a more tailored calculation reflecting the company’s energy procurement strategy.
If the reporting company cannot provide renewable energy claims or supplier-specific emission factors, fallback options are applied. These include using residual mix emission factors, where available, or reverting to the location-based approach if residual mix data is not accessible.
Electric vehicles: Distance and mass transported
Electric vehicles: Distance and mass transported
The calculation method entails multiplying the distances driven and the mass transported by an electric vehicle (BEVs, PHEVs) during a specific time period. This is done in conjunction with multiplying the average consumption values of the electric vehicle type with the relevant emission factors for electricity for the given timeframe and location (the country where the vehicle is charged).
The calculation method within this scope accounts for indirect emissions from electricity generation only; other upstream emissions associated with fuel extraction and electricity distribution are tracked in scope 3, category 3.
To comply with dual reporting requirements and Scope 2 Quality Criteria, the methodology incorporates both location-based and market-based approaches:
Location-based approach: This approach is applied automatically for all electricity consumption data unless on-site renewable energy sources are used. It utilises emission factors that reflect the average emissions from energy generation within the specified location and time period. For on-site renewable energy, the location-based approach incorporates renewable-specific emission factors
Market-Based Approach: This approach relies on information provided by the reporting company, such as renewable energy certificates (RECs), on-site renewables or supplier-specific emission factors. When the reporting company can provide these inputs, the market-based approach delivers a more tailored calculation reflecting the company’s energy procurement strategy.
If the reporting company cannot provide renewable energy claims or supplier-specific emission factors, fallback options are applied. These include using residual mix emission factors, where available, or reverting to the location-based approach if residual mix data is not accessible.
Bring Your Own Emissions
Bring Your Own Emissions
The Bring Your Own Emissions functionality enables submitting pre-calculated emissions values from energy generation based on location- and market-based approaches to the Plan A Sustainability Platform. For more information, see here.
National Averages
National Averages
When specific data is unavailable, National Averages are used to calculate emissions estimates. National Averages represent the average values for a given type of activity data within a specific country.
The calculation method entails estimating emissions by using the national average of electricity consumption per full-time office employee. The total number of full-time office employees is derived from organisational data input. This national average electricity consumption value is multiplied by an emission factor that applies to the given timeframe and location.
The calculation method within this scope accounts for indirect emissions from electricity generation only; other upstream emissions associated with electricity distribution are tracked in scope 3, category 3. Furthermore, the calculation method automatically employs the location-based method for both location- and market-based calculations, which involves utilising emission factors that represent the average emissions from energy generation within the specified location and time frame.