SEMS CALCULATIONS, WEIGHTINGS AND ASUMPTIONS EXPLAINED
SCIENTIFIC RIGOUR - SEMS METHODOLOGY
SEMS methodology is consistent with the BS8901 (British Standard specification for a sustainable event management system with guidance for use BS8901; 2007), utilising consistent sustainability parameters. Reporting methodology is consistent with the international CRI (Corporate Responsibility Index). Sustainable Event Solutions is an organizational stakeholder in the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative).
SEMS WEIGHTINGS
The weighting of different components of SEMS assessment is based upon a combination of global sustainability assumptions and event management experience and information. The intention of the weightings is to provide an equitable foundation upon which each category can be reasonably evaluated.
SEMS CREDITS
Each initiative has a credit value represented in SEMS by a star rating (the number of stars will vary for each initiative). When the initiative is implemented the credit translates to an addition to the SEMS score.
CARBON & WASTE CREDIBILITY
The calculations used to derive the carbon footprint calculations for energy and travel are based on the Australian Greenhouse Office Methods and Factor's Workbook (Department of Climate Change). The food and waste carbon calculations are based on the Centre for Integrated Sustainable Analysis (University of Sydney) factors and methodologies consistent with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and World Resource Institute, Greenhouse Gas Protocol for Project Accounting (2005). The purpose of the carbon footprint information is to provide a carbon emissions profile of the event. This information is intended to guide the future improvement of events, the industry and the long term reduction in emissions resulting from improved event planning and implementation, towards "carbon neutral" rather than a transaction for offsets equal to the measured carbon footprint. The profile can however be used to provide a measurement to offset with a chosen provider.
1. Electricity
“You must include all sources of electricity associated with both the event management office and the event location to get a valid carbon footprint result. This includes both on-site generated (Scope 1) and off-site generated (Scope 2) electricity as set out in the World Resources Institute and World Business Council for Sustainable Development Greenhouse Gas Reporting Protocol.”
2. Travel
i) Train / Trams - We are not able to provide emission factors for trains and trams as there is considerable inconsistency between factor sources. Trains, there is firstly diesel and electric to consider. Then within electric trains there is a huge variety of emission factors depending on train type. Trams present a similar situation, with great variation in emission potential; for example: Melbourne “trams”, Sydney “trams”, Sydney monorail and other current and proposed light rail / tram transport options.
ii) Boats - There is no emission factor for boats and as there is great variation in engine and boat type it would be very difficult for an emission factor to ever be generated for boat transport.
iii) Shuttle buses / Minivans, we would advise using relevant car emission factors as a proxy.
SEMS CALCULATIONS, WEIGHTINGS AND ASUMPTIONS EXPLAINED (CONTINUED)
3. SEMS Total Carbon Footprint
A SEMS total carbon footprint will only register a result when all required data fields for both office / event calculators are entered. In the absence of any required data a total carbon footprint will not be recorded and will therefore not be generated in the SEMS reporting scorecard. This applies to Total Office Carbon Footprint, Total Event Carbon Footprint, and Total SEMS Carbon Footprint.
4. SEMS Total Waste Measurement
A SEMS Total Waste Measurement and Waste Reduction Score (WRI) will only register a result when all required data fields for both office / event waste calculators are entered. In the absence of any required data, a total waste measurement will not be completed and will not be generated in the SEMS reporting scorecard. This applies to Total Office Waste Measurement, Total Event Waste Measurement, and Total SEMS Waste Measurement.
5. Food and Beverage
The emission factors used by SEMS to calculate the food and beverage carbon footprint for the event are from the Centre for Integrated Sustainability Analysis (ISA) at the University of Sydney. Their factors are based on the wholesale cost of food and beverage. Sustainable Event Solutions deem there is currently too much variance using factors based on calculating the plated (at event) or retail cost of food as percentage mark ups within the industry and across event types are inconsistent. If the client decides to measure the footprint to not include the food and beverage carbon emissions they need to be aware that the footprint is not a total or complete footprint.
6. Emission Factors referenced
To avoid copyright infringement we have to clearly individually referenced each factor
Energy - Australian Greenhouse Office Methods and Factor's Workbook (Department of Climate Change).
Food / Beverage/ Waste - Based on the Centre for Integrated Sustainable Analysis (University of Sydney) factors and methodologies consistent with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and World Resource Institute, Greenhouse Gas Protocol for Project Accounting (2005).
Cars / Flights – Australian National Greenhouse Accounts Factors (November 2008)
Buses, – GHG Protocol (World Resources Institute and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development) / US Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Motorbikes, Trains, Trams - UK Defra Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Conversion Factors
tda ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING DISCLAIMER
“All emission factors are based on credible scientific sources, subject to peer review. However, emission factors from any source are never 100% accurate and any attempt to determine the emission potential and associated carbon impact of transport is at best an estimate”.
tda has investigated and tested the credibility associated with the use of all emission factors and related calculations integrated for use in the SEMS carbon module”.
For more detail on the use of the carbon calculations contained within SEMS please contact tda Environmental Consulting; www.tdaconsulting.com
SEMS methodology is consistent with the BS8901 (British Standard specification for a sustainable event management system with guidance for use BS8901; 2007), utilising consistent sustainability parameters. Reporting methodology is consistent with the international CRI (Corporate Responsibility Index). Sustainable Event Solutions is an organizational stakeholder in the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative).
SEMS WEIGHTINGS
The weighting of different components of SEMS assessment is based upon a combination of global sustainability assumptions and event management experience and information. The intention of the weightings is to provide an equitable foundation upon which each category can be reasonably evaluated.
SEMS CREDITS
Each initiative has a credit value represented in SEMS by a star rating (the number of stars will vary for each initiative). When the initiative is implemented the credit translates to an addition to the SEMS score.
CARBON & WASTE CREDIBILITY
The calculations used to derive the carbon footprint calculations for energy and travel are based on the Australian Greenhouse Office Methods and Factor's Workbook (Department of Climate Change). The food and waste carbon calculations are based on the Centre for Integrated Sustainable Analysis (University of Sydney) factors and methodologies consistent with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and World Resource Institute, Greenhouse Gas Protocol for Project Accounting (2005). The purpose of the carbon footprint information is to provide a carbon emissions profile of the event. This information is intended to guide the future improvement of events, the industry and the long term reduction in emissions resulting from improved event planning and implementation, towards "carbon neutral" rather than a transaction for offsets equal to the measured carbon footprint. The profile can however be used to provide a measurement to offset with a chosen provider.
1. Electricity
“You must include all sources of electricity associated with both the event management office and the event location to get a valid carbon footprint result. This includes both on-site generated (Scope 1) and off-site generated (Scope 2) electricity as set out in the World Resources Institute and World Business Council for Sustainable Development Greenhouse Gas Reporting Protocol.”
2. Travel
i) Train / Trams - We are not able to provide emission factors for trains and trams as there is considerable inconsistency between factor sources. Trains, there is firstly diesel and electric to consider. Then within electric trains there is a huge variety of emission factors depending on train type. Trams present a similar situation, with great variation in emission potential; for example: Melbourne “trams”, Sydney “trams”, Sydney monorail and other current and proposed light rail / tram transport options.
ii) Boats - There is no emission factor for boats and as there is great variation in engine and boat type it would be very difficult for an emission factor to ever be generated for boat transport.
iii) Shuttle buses / Minivans, we would advise using relevant car emission factors as a proxy.
SEMS CALCULATIONS, WEIGHTINGS AND ASUMPTIONS EXPLAINED (CONTINUED)
3. SEMS Total Carbon Footprint
A SEMS total carbon footprint will only register a result when all required data fields for both office / event calculators are entered. In the absence of any required data a total carbon footprint will not be recorded and will therefore not be generated in the SEMS reporting scorecard. This applies to Total Office Carbon Footprint, Total Event Carbon Footprint, and Total SEMS Carbon Footprint.
4. SEMS Total Waste Measurement
A SEMS Total Waste Measurement and Waste Reduction Score (WRI) will only register a result when all required data fields for both office / event waste calculators are entered. In the absence of any required data, a total waste measurement will not be completed and will not be generated in the SEMS reporting scorecard. This applies to Total Office Waste Measurement, Total Event Waste Measurement, and Total SEMS Waste Measurement.
5. Food and Beverage
The emission factors used by SEMS to calculate the food and beverage carbon footprint for the event are from the Centre for Integrated Sustainability Analysis (ISA) at the University of Sydney. Their factors are based on the wholesale cost of food and beverage. Sustainable Event Solutions deem there is currently too much variance using factors based on calculating the plated (at event) or retail cost of food as percentage mark ups within the industry and across event types are inconsistent. If the client decides to measure the footprint to not include the food and beverage carbon emissions they need to be aware that the footprint is not a total or complete footprint.
6. Emission Factors referenced
To avoid copyright infringement we have to clearly individually referenced each factor
Energy - Australian Greenhouse Office Methods and Factor's Workbook (Department of Climate Change).
Food / Beverage/ Waste - Based on the Centre for Integrated Sustainable Analysis (University of Sydney) factors and methodologies consistent with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and World Resource Institute, Greenhouse Gas Protocol for Project Accounting (2005).
Cars / Flights – Australian National Greenhouse Accounts Factors (November 2008)
Buses, – GHG Protocol (World Resources Institute and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development) / US Bureau of Transportation Statistics
Motorbikes, Trains, Trams - UK Defra Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Conversion Factors
tda ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING DISCLAIMER
“All emission factors are based on credible scientific sources, subject to peer review. However, emission factors from any source are never 100% accurate and any attempt to determine the emission potential and associated carbon impact of transport is at best an estimate”.
tda has investigated and tested the credibility associated with the use of all emission factors and related calculations integrated for use in the SEMS carbon module”.
For more detail on the use of the carbon calculations contained within SEMS please contact tda Environmental Consulting; www.tdaconsulting.com