Footprint Expert 3.3 Release Notes

Software update information for Footprint Expert version 3.3

We are pleased to announce the release of Footprint Expert version 3.3, an upgrade from the previous 3.2 version.  The new version includes new and updated Reference Data and Calculators for product carbon footprinting, as well as important revisions to the Guide.     

As always, we welcome input from our stakeholders on what features you would like to see in the next version of Footprint Expert. For more information, please contact us via e-mail on footprintexpert@carbontrust.co.uk. 

Highlights

·         Update of major fuel emission factors (coal, natural gas, diesel, petrol, etc).

·         New data on use phase of cleaning products, average retail and storage emissions and emissions of common building materials    

·         New guidance and calculator for assessing the GHG (greenhouse gas) impact of sourcing electricity and heat from CHP (Combined Heat & Power) plants

·         A new Supply Chain Hotspot Calculator based on economic input-output and Footprint Expert data to conduct hotspot assessments

·         Streamlined introductory section in the Guide, helping new users begin product carbon footprinting assessments   

New Features and Updates

Model Framework

·         Improved user interface for drop-down lists throughout model framework

·         Standardised drop-down options for all apportionments and transport steps on the Generic Process worksheet

Database

·         Updated building materials data to the latest version of Bath University’s Inventory of Carbon & Energy (ICE) (v.2.0)

·         Updated fuel emission factors to the latest figures from DEFRA’s 2011 Greenhouse Gas Conversion Factors for Company Reporting, with adjustment for PAS2050 requirements

·         New use phase data for cleaning and personal care products from recently certified projects

·         New average data for retail and distribution for different products and building types

·         New average cradle-to-gate data from the Food Climate Research Centre for all major food types

·         All new and updated reference data are scored and graded for PAS 2050 + Footprint Expert compatibility

Calculators

·         New CHP Calculator for assessing GHG emissions of electricity and heat produced by CHP plants

·         New Supply Chain Hotspot Calculator based on economic input-output and Footprint Expert data for conducting initial hotspot assessments.  Users can enter data on amount spent or mass of procured materials and work out the relative carbon impact of the materials   

Guide

·         Revised introductory chapter and sections on fundamental concepts, e.g. the functional unit and footprinting periods. New section giving a detailed look at the calculations required for footprinting CHP plants