Footprint Analysis Flashcards

A manufacturing company purchases 500 MWh of electricity from a grid with an emission factor of 0.45 kg CO2e/kWh. What is the Scope 2 emission in metric tons CO2e?

Answer: 225 mt CO2e

500 MWh × 1,000 kWh/MWh × 0.45 kg CO2e/kWh = 225,000 kg = 225 mt CO2e.

Which allocation method distributes upstream emissions proportionally to the economic value of co-products?

Answer: Economic allocation

Economic allocation assigns emissions based on the relative market value of each co-product.

In a product carbon footprint (PCF) study, what does the 'gate-to-gate' system boundary exclude?

Answer: Raw material extraction and end-of-life disposal

Gate-to-gate covers only the manufacturing stage, excluding upstream raw material extraction and downstream end-of-life phases.

Under the GHG Protocol, which category covers employee commuting emissions?

Answer: Scope 3, Category 7

Employee commuting is classified as Scope 3, Category 7 under the GHG Protocol Corporate Value Chain Standard.

Which gas has a 100-year Global Warming Potential (GWP) of approximately 298, making it a potent greenhouse gas despite low atmospheric concentrations?

Answer: Nitrous oxide (N2O)

N2O has a GWP100 of approximately 298, meaning it is 298 times more potent than CO2 over 100 years.

A retailer wants to report Scope 3 emissions from sold products. Which data collection approach is most accurate?

Answer: Primary data from supplier emission inventories

Primary data collected directly from suppliers provides the most accurate basis for Scope 3 Category 11 (use of sold products) reporting.

Which ISO standard specifically addresses the quantification and communication of greenhouse gas emissions for organizations?

Answer: ISO 14064-1

ISO 14064-1 provides principles and requirements for quantifying and reporting organizational greenhouse gas inventories.