References of The Farm Carbon Calculator
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This list of references is correct as of the date indicated at the top of this document and applies only to the methodology version indicated. Where a reference has been superseded by another in the latest methodology, this is indicated at the start of each reference as SUPERSEDED. Superseded references remain for reports created at a time when a previous methodology was in use.

References


  • 1SUPERSEDED: Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (2020). Government greenhouse gas conversion factors for company reporting. Accessed on 16/03/2023 Link
  • 1aSUPERSEDED: Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (2020). Government greenhouse gas conversion factors for company reporting: methodology. Accessed on 16/03/2023 Link
  • 2Hammond & Jones (2011). The Inventory of Carbon & Energy (ICE) database v2.0. Accessed on 16/03/2023 Link
  • 2aJones (2019).The Inventory of Carbon & Energy (ICE) database v3.0. Accessed on 16/03/2023 Link
  • 3Williams et al. (2006). Determining the environmental burdens and resource use in the production of agricultural and horticultural commodities. DEFRA project report ISO205. Accessed on 16/03/2023 Link
  • 4SUPERSEDED: Brown et al. (2017). UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory, 1990 to 2017: Annual Report for submission under the Framework Convention on Climate Change. Accessed on 20/03/2023 Link
  • 4aSUPERSEDED: Brown et al. (2017). Annexes to the UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory, 1990 to 2017: Annual Report for submission under the Framework Convention on Climate Change. Accessed on 20/03/2023 Link
  • 5Andersen et al. (2010). Quantification of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Windrow Composting of Garden Waste. Journal of Environmental Quality 39(2): 713-724 Link
  • 6Cuttle et al. (2003). A Review of Leguminous Fertility-Building Crops, with Particular Reference to Nitrogen Fixation and Utilisation Written as a Part of Defra Project OF0316 “The Development of Improved Guidance on the Use of Fertility-Building Crops in Organic Farming”. Institute of Grassland and Environmental Research: Aberystwyth, Wales, 2003. Link
  • 7Phong (2012). Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Composting and Anaerobic Digestion Plants. INRES, Institute of Crop Science and Resource Conservation. Bonn, D-53115. Link
  • 8Amon et al. (1999). Emissions of NH3, N2O and CH4 from composted and anaerobically stored farm yard manure. Ramiran 98 posters presentations. Accessed on 16/03/2023 Link
  • 9SUPERSEDED: Farm Carbon Toolkit (2017). Internal calculations
  • 10SUPERSEDED: Woodland Carbon Code (2018). Carbon Lookup tables v2.0. Accessed on 30/05/2022 Link
  • 11Clark (2007). Cover crops—United States—Handbooks, manuals, etc. Sustainable Agriculture Network. 3rd edition. Link
  • 12GHG protocol (2017). Calculating HFC and PFC emissions from the manufacturing, servicing, and/or disposal of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment. Calculation worksheets v1.0. Accessed on 30/05/2022 Link
  • 13Duplicate: Taylor et al. (2010). Measuring holistic carbon footprints for lamb and beef farms in the cambrian mountains initiative. CCW Policy Research Report No. 10/8
  • 14Bentrup et al. (2016). Carbon footprint analysis of mineral fertilizer production in Europe and other world regions. Conference paper. Accessed on 30/05/2022 Link
  • 15SUPERSEDED: Berners-Lee (2010). How bad are bananas? The carbon footprint of everything. Profile Books, London
  • 16Warwick HRI (2009). Preliminary assessment of greenhouse gases associated with growing media materials. DEFRA project report IF0154 Link
  • 17Wiltshire et al. (2008). Scenario building to test and inform the development of a BSI method for assessing greenhouse gas emissions from food (Technical annexe to the final report). DEFRA project report FO0404 submitted by ADAS. Accessed 02/05/2023 Link
  • 18SUPERSEDED: GFLI (2020). Database of livestock feeds and environmental impacts. Accessed 30/05/2022 Link
  • 19SUPERSEDED: Farm Carbon Toolkit (2017). Internal calculations
  • 20SUPERSEDED: McNaughton. (Comms). Correspondence with David McNaughton (Soya UK Managing Director) on crop yields and residues
  • 21Taft et al. (2017). GHG from intensively managed peat soils in an arable production system. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. 237: 162-172. Link
  • 22Axe et al. (2017). Carbon storage in hedge biomass - A case study of actively managed hedges in England. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. 250: 81-88. Link
  • 23Ostle et al. (2009). UK land use and carbon sequestration. Land Use Policy 26S: S274-S283. Link
  • 24Chishna et al. (2010). Embodied carbon in natural building stone in Scotland. Historic Scotland, Technical Conservation Group. Technical Paper 7. SISTech Ltd and Harold-Watt University. Link
  • 25Falloon et al. (2004). Managing field margins for biodiversity and carbon sequestration: A Great Britain case study. Soil Use and Management. 20 (2): 240-247. Link
  • 26Kerckhoffs & Reid (2007). Carbon sequestration in the standing biomass of orchard crops in New Zealand. NZ Institute for Crop & Food Research Ltd. report for Horticulture New Zealand Ltd. Link
  • 27Carlisle et al. (2010). California vineyard greenhouse gas emissions: assessment of the available literature and determination of research needs. California sustainable wine growing Alliance. Accessed on 30/05/2022 Link
  • 28Vicente-Vicente et al. (2016). Soil carbon sequestration rates under Mediterranean woody crops using recommended management practices: A meta-analysis. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment. 235: 204-214. Link
  • 29Dondini et al. (2009). The potential of Miscanthus to sequester carbon in soils: comparing field measurements in Carlow, Ireland to model predictions. GCB Bioenergy 1: 413-425. Link
  • 30Rytter.(2012). The potential of willow and poplar plantations as carbon sinks in Sweden. Biomass and Bioenergy. 36:86-95. Link
  • 31Grogan & Matthews (2002). A modelling analysis of the potential for soil carbon sequestration under short rotation coppice willow bioenergy plantations. Soil Use and Management 18: 175-183. Link
  • 32Ventura et al. (2019). Carbon balance and soil carbon input in a poplar short rotation coppice plantation as affected by nitrogen and wood ash application. New Forests. 50. 969-990. Link
  • 33Turner et al. (2015). Greenhouse gas emission factors for recycling of source-segregated waste materials. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 105 (A): 186-197. Link
  • 34SUPERSEDED: Foss (Comms).Personal communications with Chris Foss (Wine GB)
  • 35COFALEC (2015). Carbon footprint of yeast produced in the European Union. Produced by PriceWaterhouseCooper for COFALEC. Accessed 30/05/2022 Link
  • 36Nica & Woinarocschy (2010). Environmental Assessment of Citric Acid production. UPB Scientific Bulletin, Series B. Chemistry and Materials Science. 72 (3):45-56. Link
  • 37AHDB & HGCA (2014). Carbon footprint decision tool. 10. Field Operations. Accessed 21/03/2023 Link
  • 38Moller et al. (2009). Anaerobic digestion and digestate use: accounting of greenhouse gases and global warming contribution. Waste Manag Res. 27 (8): 813-24. Link
  • 39Vergana & Silver (2019). GHG emissions from windrow composting of organic wastes: Patterns and emissions factors. Environmental Research Letters. 14 (12) 124027. Link
  • 40Audsley et al. (2009). Estimation of the greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural pesticide manufacture and use. Cranfield University. 10. Accessed 30/05/2022 Link
  • 41Yara (2017). Yara International ASA. Carbon footprint - fertilizer products. Verified by DNV GL. Accessed on 25/04/2023 Link
  • 42CF (Unavailable).CF Fertiliser range (under reconsideration, reference material unavailable)
  • 43Schwarzbeck et al. (2015). Determining national greenhouse gas emissions from waste-to-energy using the Balance Method Determining national greenhouse gas emissions from waste-to-energy using the Balance Method. Waste Management. 49:263-271. Link
  • 44Warner et al. (2020b). Establishing a field-based evidence base for the impact of agri-environment options on soil carbon and climate change mitigation – phase 2. Final Report. Work package number: ECM50416. Evidence Programme Reference number: RP04176. Natural England. Link
  • 45Farm Carbon Toolkit (Ongoing). Soil Carbon Project. See the FCT site for more information. Link
  • 46Barnes (Comms). Personal communications with Joseph Barnes (Saria UK)
  • 47Fertilizers Europe (2011). Carbon footprint reference values - mineral fertilizer carbon footprint reference values: 2011. Link
  • 48Brentrup et al. (2018). Updated carbon footprint values for mineral fertilizer from different world regions. LCA Food 2018 and LCA AgriFood Asia 2018: (1-B) From Farm to Table. Conference paper accessed on 30/05/2022 Link
  • 49Sylvester-Bradley et al. (2015). Minimising nitrous oxide intensities of arable crop products (MIN-NO). AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds/ Project Report No. 548. Accessed on 30/05/022 Link
  • 50AHDB (2017). Nutrient Management Guide - RB209. Accessed on 30/05/2022 Link
  • 51Thorman et al. (2020). Towards Country-Specific Nitrous Oxide Emission Factors for Manures Applied to Arable and Grassland Soils in the UK. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 4:62. Link
  • 52Liang & Kasimir (2019). Chapter 11: N2O Emissions from Managed Soils, and CO2 Emissions from Lime and Urea Application. Refinement to 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (pp. 11.1-11.48) Publisher: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Link
  • 53IPCC (2020). Climate Change and Land - An IPCC Special Report on climate change, desertification, land degradation, sustainable land management, food security, and greenhouse gas fluxes in terrestrial ecosystems. Summary for policy makers. ISBN 978-92-9169-154-8. Link
  • 54Haverkort and Hillier (2011). Cool Farm Tool – Potato: Model Description and Performance of Four Production Systems. Potato Res. 54, 355–369 Link
  • 55SUPERSEDED: Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (2021). UK Government GHG Conversion Factors for Company Reporting 2021. Accessed on 30/05/2021 Link
  • 56PET Recycling Team (2017). Certificate of carbon footprint for PCF Model ALPHA Bottles rPET produced using EcoInvent 3.3. Accessed on 30/05/2021 Link
  • 57SUPERSEDED: Idemat database (2020). ECO-costs 2017 v1.6. Accessed on 30/05/2021 Link
  • 58SUPERSEDED: Woodland Carbon Code (2021). Woodland Carbon Code Carbon Calculations Spreadsheet Version 2.4. Accessed 30/05/2021 Link
  • 59SUPERSEDED: Brown et al. (2021). UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory 1990 to 2019: Annual Report for submission under the Framework Convention on Climate Change. Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. Accessed on 30/05/2022 Link
  • 59aSUPERSEDED: Brown et al. (2021). Annexes to the UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory 1990 to 2019: Annual Report for submission under the Framework Convention on Climate Change. Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. Accessed on 30/05/2022 Link
  • 60Bizarro et al. (2021). Potential carbon footprint reduction for reclaimed asphalt pavement innovations. Sustainability 13(3):1382 Link
  • 61GHG Protocol (2014). Agricultural Guidance Interpreting the Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard for the agricultural sector. GHG Protocol Agricultural Guidance. Accessed on 02/03/23 Link
  • 62Carbon Trust (2021). Certification Letter - British Sugar - 2020 LimeX extension. Carbon Trust CERT-10235
  • 63Warner et al. (2020a). Establishing a field-based evidence base for the impact of agri-environment options on soil carbon and climate change mitigation – phase 1. Final Report. Work package number: ECM50416. Evidence Programme Reference number: RP04176. Natural England. Link
  • 64SUPERSEDED: Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (2022). Greenhouse gas reporting: conversion factors 2022. Accessed on 04/01/2023 Link
  • 65SUPERSEDED: Brown et al. (2022). UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory, 1990 to 2020. Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. Accessed on 05/01/2023 Link
  • 66SUPERSEDED: Brown et al. (2022). UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory 2020 annexes. Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. Accessed 05/01/2023 Link
  • 67Wilms et al. (2022). Macronutrient profile in milk replacer or a whole milk powder modulates growth performance, feeding behavior, and blood metabolites in ad libitum-fed calves. J. Dairy Sci. 105:6670–6692 Link
  • 68Finnegan et al. (2017). Environmental impacts of milk powder and butter manufactured in the Republic of Ireland. Science of the Total Environment 579 (2017) 159–168 Link
  • 69Sánchez et al. (2012). Comparison of Life Cycle energy consumption and GHG emissions of natural gas, biodiesel and diesel buses of the Madrid transportation system. Energy 47(1):174-198 Link
  • 70Smyth et al. (2015). Developing Peatland Carbon Metrics and Financial Modelling to Inform the Pilot Phase UK Peatland Code. Report to Defra for Project NR0165, Crichton Carbon Centre, Dumfries. Link
  • 71Carbon Intelligence (2021). Encirc LCA for wine bottle, green glass, conducted by Carbon Intelligence.
  • 72Budsberg et al. (2020). Production routes to bio-acetic acid: life cycle assessment. Biotechnol Biofuels 13:154 Link
  • 73Bellboom et al. (2015). Environmental impacts of phosphoric acid production using di-hemihydrate process: a Belgian case study. Journal of Cleaner Production 108A: 978-986 Link
  • 74Naukkarinen (2023). Life Cycle Assessment Study of a Sulfuric Acid Manufacturing Process in the Chemi-cal Pulping Industry. Masters thesis, Lappeenranta–Lahti University of Technology LUT. Accessed 27/04/2023 Link
  • 75Origin (2020). RSK ADAS Limited certificate of cradle-to-gate carbon footprint at the plant gate (Origin Newport) of Origin CAN
  • 76Origin (2020). RSK ADAS Limited certificate of cradle-to-gate carbon footprint at the plant gate (Origin Newport) of Origin 14-14-21 + 7SO3 + 0.02B
  • 77Origin (2020). RSK ADAS Limited certificate of cradle-to-gate carbon footprint at the plant gate (Origin Newport) of Origin 16-16-16 + 7SO3 + 0.02B
  • 78Origin (2020). RSK ADAS Limited certificate of cradle-to-gate carbon footprint at the plant gate (Origin Newport) of Origin 10-10-20 + 7SO3 + 0.02B
  • 79Ogle et al. (2019). Refinement to 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories. Volume 4 - Agriculture, forestry and other land use. Chapter 2 - Generic methodologies applicable to multiple land use categories (pp. 2.33) Publisher: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Link
  • 80International Organisation of Vine and Wine (2017). Methodological recommendations for accounting for the GHG balance in the vitiviniculture sector. Paris, France. ISBN 979-10-91799-75-1 Link
  • 81Baldini et al. (2017). A critical review of the recent evolution of Life Cycle Assessment applied to milk production. Journal of Cleaner Production 140: 421e435 Link
  • 82Evans et al. (2022). Aligning the Peatland Code with the UK Peatland Inventory. Report to Defra and the IUCN Peatland Programme, March 2022 (Updated January 2023) Link
  • 83Farm Carbon Toolkit (2023). Report for Mercian Seed potato supplier farm (England) for cropping year 2022. Link
  • 84Farm Carbon Toolkit (2023). Report for Mercian Seed potato supplier farm (Scotland) for cropping year 2022. Link
  • 85SUPERSEDED: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (2023). Greenhouse Gas Reporting: Conversion Factors 2023 (flat file .csv) Published 07/06/2023, accessed on 01/12/2023 Link
  • 86SUPERSEDED: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (2023). Greenhouse Gas Reporting: Conversion Factors 2023 (full file .xls) Published 07/06/2023, accessed on 01/12/2023 Link
  • 87Drexler, Thiessen, & Don (2023). Carbon storage in old hedgerows: The importance of below-ground biomass. GCB Bioenergy, 16, e13112. Link
  • 88Biffi, Chapman, Grayson, Ziv (2022). Soil carbon sequestration potential of planting hedgerows in agricultural landscapes. Journal of Environmental Management, 307, 114484. Link
  • 89Biffi, Chapman, Grayson, Ziv (2023). Planting hedgerows: Biomass carbon sequestration and contribution towards net-zero targets. Science of the Total Environment, 892, 164482. Link
  • 90Wang et al. (2017). Comparison of greenhouse gas emissions of chemical fertilizer types in China's crop production. Journal of Cleaner Production. 141, 1267-1274. Link
  • 91Meinrenken et al. (2022). The Carbon Catalogue public database – Carbon footprints of 866 commercial products across 8 industry sectors and 5 continents. figshare. Dataset. Link
  • 92aSUPERSEDED: Brown et al. (2023). UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory, 1990 to 2021. Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Accessed on 08/03/2024 Link
  • 92bSUPERSEDED: Brown et al. (2023). UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory, 1990 to 2021 Annexes. Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Accessed on 08/03/2024 Link
  • 92cSUPERSEDED: Brown et al. (2023). UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory, 1990 to 2021 Supplementary file with emission factors for the agriculture sector. Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. Accessed on 08/03/2024 Link
  • 93Gavrilova et al. (2019). Chapter 10: Emissions from Livestock and Manure Management. Refinement to 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (pp. 10.1 - 10.207) Publisher: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Link
  • 94Liang & Kasimir (2019). Chapter 11: N2O Emissions from Managed Soils, and CO2 Emissions from Lime and Urea Application. Refinement to 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (pp. 11.1-11.48) Publisher: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Link
  • 95Vogtlander (2024). Idemat dataset V1-2. Accessed on 05/03/2024 Link
  • 96aRB209 (2023). Nutrient Management Guide: Section 1. Principles of Nutrient Management and Fertiliser Use. Accessed on 08/03/2024 Link
  • 96bRB209 (2023). Nutrient Management Guide: Section 2. Organic Materials. Accessed on 08/03/2024 Link
  • 97Steel Insight (2011). Technical notes. Last accessed on 25/03/2024 Link
  • 98ForFarmers (2024). Data on feed composition provided by ForFarmers, December 2023.
  • 99Crossland (2015). The carbon sequestration potential of hedges managed for woodfuel. The Organic Research Centre. Last accessed on 25/03/2024 Link
  • 100Taylor et al. (2010). Measuring holistic carbon footprints for beef and lamb in the Cambrian Mountains Initiative. CCW Policy Research Report No. 10/8"> Link
  • 101Robertson et al. (2012). Economic, biodiversity, resource protection and social values of orchards: A study of six orchards by the Herefordshire Orchards Community Evaluation Project. Natural England Commissioned Report NECR090 Link
  • 102SUPERSEDED: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (2023). Greenhouse Gas Reporting: Conversion Factors 2023 (full file .xls) Published 07/06/2023, accessed on 01/12/2023 Link
  • 103Evans Vanodine (2024). Technical Hub - Carbon Calculator. Last accessed on 07/10/2024 Link
  • 104Woodland Carbon Code (2024). Calculation Spreadsheet. Link
  • 105The Global Feed LCA Institute (2023). Database of livestock feeds and environmental impacts. Link
  • 106ISO (2018). ISO146064-1: Second Edition 2018-12. Part 1: Specification with guidance at the organization level for quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and removals. Link
  • 107aDepartment for Energy Security and Net Zero (2024). Greenhouse Gas Reporting: Conversion Factors 2024 (full file .csv) Published 08/06/2024, accessed on 14/03/2025 Link
  • 107bDepartment for Energy Security and Net Zero (2024). Greenhouse Gas Reporting: Conversion Factors 2024 (flat file .csv) Published 08/06/2024, accessed on 14/03/2025 Link
  • 108Circular Ecology (2024). The Inventory of Carbon and Energy (ICE) Database Advanced V4.0. Published Dec 2024, accessed on 14/03/2024 Link
  • 109Idemat database (2024). Data on Eco-costs 2024 V1.0 Accessed on 25/03/2025 Link
  • 110Marshalls Plc (2023). Environmental Product Declaration Concrete Paving Flags - Standard Wet Pressed. Link
  • 111aBrown et al. (2024). UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory, 1990 to 2022. Annual Report for Submission under the Framework Convention on Climate Change. Accessed on 25/03/2025. Link
  • 111bBrown et al. (2024). UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory, 1990 to 2022 Annexes. Accessed on 25/03/2025. Link
  • 111cBrown et al. (2024). UK Greenhouse Gas Inventory, 1990 to 2022 Supplementary Information. Accessed on 25/03/2025. Link
  • 112Hutchinsons (2023). Fertiliser Formulations provided by Hutchinsons (2023).
  • 113Prusova et al. (2023). Capture of fermentation gas from fermentation of grape must. Foods, 12(3), p.574. Link
  • 114Webb et al (2024). The impacts of manure application methods on emissions of ammonia, nitrous oxide and on crop response—A review, Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment 137 (2010) 39–46 Link
  • 115Misselbrook et al. (2021). Inventory of ammonia emissions from UK agriculture. Rothamsted Research, Defra Contract SCF0107 Link
  • 1162019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Volume 4: Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use. Chapter 3: Consistent Representation of Lands, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Available at: Link
  • 1172019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Volume 4: Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use. Chapter 4: Forest Land, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Available at: Link
  • 1182019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Volume 4: Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use. Chapter 5: Cropland, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Available at: Link
  • 1192019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Volume 4: Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use. Chapter 6: Grassland, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Available at: Link
  • 1202019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Volume 4: Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use. Chapter 7: Wetlands, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Available at: Link
  • 1212019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories, Volume 4: Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use. Chapter 8: Settlements, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Available at: Link
Data Quality Matrix
Click here to read an overview of how this page can help and see its full contents

Purpose of the Data Quality Matrix

The Data Quality Matrix is a tool designed to systematically assess and communicate the reliability and relevance of the data sources used within our carbon calculator. It helps users understand the strengths and limitations of the underlying data by scoring key dimensions such as accuracy, completeness, timeliness, transparency, and geographical relevance.

Because our calculator aggregates data from diverse studies, inventories, and reports, the matrix ensures transparency about data quality and supports informed interpretation of the results. Importantly, data quality is not static—our data represents the best available information at the time but is continually updated as new research, improved measurements, or refined understanding become available.

It is worth noting that even data originating from the same source can receive different accuracy scores depending on the assumptions involved in its application. For example, while a base emission factor may be highly accurate - i.e. we have a good value for plastic - estimates involving assumptions - such as the quantity of plastic used in round bale wrap - can lower the accuracy rating for that specific item.

Scoring System
Click here to open the scoring system

Accuracy (A)

This measures how close the data is to the real world value.

1 = Bad; placeholder value or guesswork
2 = Poor; rough estimate with significant assumptions
3 = Reasonable estimate or proxy with known limitations
4 = High confidence data with minimal assumptions
5 = Verified data from measurements or direct source

Completeness (C)

This looks at whether the data covers the full range of what's needed (e.g. all product types or categories) and all components of the emissions.

1 = Very incomplete; most options missing
2 = Significant gaps limiting coverage
3 = Partial coverage with some key data missing
4 = Minor gaps; mostly complete set
5 = Complete data set covering all relevant options

Timeliness (Ti)

This assesses how current the data is. Changing technologies and regulations are common in the climate field so keeping data current is key.

1 = Very outdated (20+ years) or no datestamp
2 = Old data (10–20 years)
3 = Moderately outdated data (5–10 years)
4 = Slightly outdated data (2–5 years)
5 = Current (within 1 year)

Transparency (Tr)

Evaluates whether the source, methodology, and assumptions are clearly stated and accessible.

1 = Not given; unknown origin
2 = Minimal documentation
3 = Known source but derivations unclear
4 = Source clear but some documentation missing
5 = Fully documented, public, and verifiable

Geographical relevance (G)

This indicates how well the data reflects UK systems.

1 = No specified region
2 = Global data
3 = Climate zone relevant
4 = Europe relevant
5 = UK specific data

Fuels references
Click here to open the Fuels section
Ref ID Source A C Ti Tr G Total Relevant items
Liquid fuels
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All.
69 Sanchez et al 2012 (Madrid transport study) 2 2 2 2 4 12 Ad blue
Gas fuels
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 4 5 5 5 24 All.
38 Møller et al., 2009 (Danish AD study) 2 2 2 2 4 12 AD gas used on farm
61 GHG Protocol - Agricultural guidance 3 3 4 3 2 15 AD gas exported to grid
Solid fuels
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All.
Electricity
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 Tariffs
61 GHG Protocol - Agricultural guidance 3 3 4 3 2 15 Elec exported to the grid
Heat & Steam
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
Cars (& Contracted Cars)
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
Public transport
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
Accommodation
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
Field Operations (& Contracted Field Operations)
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
37 AHDB fuel use tool 3 3 2 2 5 15 All
Materials References
Click here to open the Materials section
Ref ID Source A C Ti Tr G Total Relevant items
Aggregates
108 ICE V4(2024) 4 4 5 3 5 21 All
2 ICE V2 (2012) 3 4 2 4 4 17 Roof sheets
60 Bizarro et al., 2021 (Reclaimed Asphalt) 4 4 5 4 4 21 Recycled Asphalt
Bricks & Tiles
108 ICE V4(2024) 4 4 5 3 5 21 All
Metal
108 ICE V4(2024) 4 4 5 3 5 21 All
2 ICE V2 (2012) 3 4 2 4 4 17 Recycled Steel
Wood
108 ICE V4(2024) 4 4 5 3 5 21 All
Fencing
108 ICE V4(2024) 4 4 5 3 5 21 All
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 Plastic parts
Water Systems
108 ICE V4(2024) 4 4 5 3 5 21 Steel & Rubber
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 All
Water & Sewage
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
Horticultural Packaging
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 All
Agricultural Consumables
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 All
108 ICE V4(2024) 4 4 5 3 5 21 Steel parts
109 Idemat (2024) 4 5 5 4 2 20 Jute & Sisal
Cleaners & Detergents
103 Evans Vanodine 5 5 5 5 4 24 All
Building Materials
108 ICE V4(2024) 4 4 5 3 5 21 All
2 ICE V2 (2012) 3 4 2 4 4 17 Windows & roofing sheets
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 Glass, insulation, plasterboard
Horticultural Materials
2 ICE V2 (2012) 3 4 2 4 4 17 Windows & roofing sheets
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 Glass, insulation, plasterboard
Horticultural Constructions
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 Plastic parts
108 ICE V4(2024) 4 4 5 3 5 21 Steel parts
Tyres
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 All
Renewable Energy Installations
108 ICE V4(2024) 4 4 5 3 5 21 All
2 ICE V2 (2012) 3 4 2 4 4 17 Solar panels
Office
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 All
108 ICE V4(2024) 4 4 5 3 5 21 Printed media
109 Idemat (2024) 4 5 5 4 2 20 Computers
Surfaces and Paving
108 ICE V4(2024) 4 4 5 3 5 21 All
60 Bizarro et al., 2021 (Reclaimed Asphalt) 4 4 5 4 4 21 Recycled Asphalt
EQUINE: Arena Surface Materials
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 All
108 ICE V4(2024) 4 4 5 3 5 21 Sand
EQUINE: Fencing
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 All
108 ICE V4(2024) 4 4 5 3 5 21 Wood
Inventory references
Click here to open the inventory section
Ref ID Source A C Ti Tr G Total Relevant items
Road vehicles
91 The Carbon Catalogue 3 2 2 3 2 12 Cars
Farm machinery
3 Williams et al., 2006 (production of commodities) 3 3 2 3 5 16 All
108 ICE (2024) 3 4 5 3 5 20 Steel parts
Implements
108 ICE (2024) 4 4 5 3 5 21 Steel parts
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 Plastics
Agricultural buildings
108 ICE (2024) 4 4 5 3 5 21 Steel parts
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 Plastics & wood
97 Steel insight (Building frame overview) 4 3 2 4 5 18 All
EQUINE: Road vehicles
108 ICE (2024) 3 4 5 3 5 20 Steel parts
EQUINE: Arenas, menages, & schools
108 ICE (2024) 4 4 5 3 5 21 Aggregates
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 Plastics & wood
EQUINE: Stables
108 ICE (2024) 4 4 5 3 5 21 Aggregates
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 Plastics & wood
Cropping and Fertility references
Click here to open the crops section
Ref ID Source A C Ti Tr G Total Relevant items
Agricultural crops
111 UK GHG inventory (1990-2022) 4 4 5 4 5 22 All
94 IPCC chapter 11 3 4 3 5 2 17 All
Horticultural crops (vegetables)
111 UK GHG inventory (1990-2022) 4 4 5 4 5 22 All
94 IPCC chapter 11 3 4 3 5 2 17 All
Horticultural crops (Soft Fruits)
111 UK GHG inventory (1990-2022) 4 4 5 4 5 22 All
94 IPCC chapter 11 3 4 3 5 2 17 All
Horticultural crops (Top Fruits)
111 UK GHG inventory (1990-2022) 4 4 5 4 5 22 All
94 IPCC chapter 11 3 4 3 5 2 17 All
Market Garden crops
111 UK GHG inventory (1990-2022) 4 4 5 4 5 22 All
94 IPCC chapter 11 3 4 3 5 2 17 All
Biomass crops
111 UK GHG inventory (1990-2022) 4 4 5 4 5 22 All
94 IPCC chapter 11 3 4 3 5 2 17 All
Green manures, temporary grasslands and cut forages
111 UK GHG inventory (1990-2022) 4 4 5 4 5 22 All
94 IPCC chapter 11 3 4 3 5 2 17 All
Tree crops
N/A No Emissions factors N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A All
Organic fertility sources
94 IPCC chapter 11 3 4 3 5 2 17 All
51 Thorman et al., 2020 (Manure application) 5 4 5 5 5 24 All
96 AHDB, RB209 section 1 (2023) 4 5 5 4 5 23 All
114 Webb et al., 2010, (Application approaches) 4 4 2 4 2 16 All
AD plants
7 Phong et al., 2012 (GHG from AD plants) 4 4 2 4 4 18 Running an AD plant
38 Møller et al., 2009 (Danish AD study) 2 2 2 2 4 12 AD gas loss
Lime & mineral fertilisers
3 Williams et al., 2006 (production of commodities)  3 3 2 3 5 16 All
111 UK GHG inventory (1990-2022) 4 4 5 4 5 22 All
109 Idemat (2024) 4 5 5 4 2 20 Acids
90 Wang et al., (K fertiliser) 3 3 3 4 2 15 Pot sulfate
Plant raising media
16 DEFRA 2009 (Growing media report) 3 3 2 4 5 17 All
108 ICE (2024) 4 4 5 3 5 21 Rockwool
Seed Potatoes
111 UK GHG inventory (1990-2022) 4 4 5 4 5 22 Generic
94 IPCC chapter 11 3 4 3 5 2 17 Generic
83 FCT LCA of English seed 3 5 2 2 5 17 English
84 FCT LCA of Scottish seed 3 5 2 2 5 17 Scottish
Inputs references
Click here to open the inputs section
Ref ID Source A C Ti Tr G Total Relevant items
Fertilisers (Average blends) 
48 Bentrup et al., 2018 (Mineral fertilisers) 4 5 4 4 2 19 All
49 Sylvester-Bradley et al, 2015 (MIN-NO project) 5 5 4 4 5 23 All
94 IPCC Chapter 11 (2019) 4 5 5 5 2 21 All
Fertilisers (Solid specific blends) 
48 Bentrup et al., 2018 (Mineral fertilisers) 4 5 4 4 2 19 All
49 Sylvester-Bradley et al, 2015 (MIN-NO project) 4 5 4 4 5 22 All
94 IPCC Chapter 11 (2019) 4 5 5 5 2 21 All
Fertilisers (Liquid specific blends) 
48 Bentrup et al., 2018 (Mineral fertilisers) 4 5 4 4 2 19 All
49 Sylvester-Bradley et al, 2015 (MIN-NO project) 4 5 4 4 5 22 All
94 IPCC Chapter 11 (2019) 4 5 5 5 2 21 All
Fertilisers (Custom blends) 
48 Bentrup et al., 2018 (Mineral fertilisers) 4 5 4 4 2 19 All
49 Sylvester-Bradley et al, 2015 (MIN-NO project) 4 5 4 4 5 22 All
94 IPCC Chapter 11 (2019) 4 5 5 5 2 21 All
Sprays (Generic)
40 Audsley et al., 2009 (Pesticide manufacture) 3 4 2 4 4 17 All
Sprays (Specific)
40 Audsley et al., 2009 (Pesticide manufacture) 3 4 2 4 4 17 All
Adjuvants
18 GFLI (2020)  4 5 4 4 4 21 Veg oils
86 BEIS [DESNZ] (2023) 4 5 5 5 5 24 Petroleum oils
Amino acids 
91 The Carbon Catalogue (2022) 4 4 4 5 2 19 All
Livestock references
Click here to open the Livestock section
Ref ID Source A C Ti Tr G Total Relevant items
Livestock (animals)
111 UK GHG inventory (1990-2022) 4 4 5 4 5 22 All
94 IPCC chapter 11 3 4 3 5 2 17 All
93 IPCC chapter 10 3 4 3 5 2 17 All
Organic feed
17 ADAS (2009)  4 4 2 4 5 19 All
Non-Organic feed (ADAS)
17 ADAS (2009)  4 4 2 4 5 19 All
Non-Organic feed (GFLI)
105 GFLI (2020) 4 5 5 4 4 22 All
Straw, Silage, Hay & Haylage
17 ADAS (2009)  3 4 2 4 5 18 All
Feed blends
105 GFLI (2020) 3 5 5 4 4 21 All
98 ForFarmers (2024) 4 5 5 3 5 22 ForFarmer feed
Calf Rearing
67 Wilms et al., 2022 (Milk powder) 4 4 4 4 4 20 Milk Powders
68 Finnegan et al., 2016 (Whole milk powder)  4 4 3 4 5 20 Whole milk powder
Supplements
105 GFLI (2020) 4 5 5 4 4 22 All
72 Budsberg (2020) 4 4 4 4 2 18 Envirolac & Megalac
Amino acids
91 The Carbon Catalogue (2022) 4 4 4 5 2 19 All
Poultry feeds
105 GFLI (2020) 4 5 5 4 4 22 All
Home grown feeds & bedding
N/A No Emissions factors N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A   All
Bedding
17 ADAS (2009) 4 4 2 4 5 19 All
108 ICE (2024) 4 4 5 3 5 21 Wood
2 ICE V2 (2012) 3 4 2 4 4 17 Paper wool
16 DEFRA 2009 (Growing media) 3 4 2 4 5 18 Compost
3 Williams et al., 2006 (production of commodities)  3 3 2 3 5 16 Lime
EQUINE: Bedding
17 ADAS (2009) 4 4 2 4 5 19 All
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 Plastics
Wastes references
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Ref ID Source A C Ti Tr G Total Relevant items
Construction
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
Books, glass and clothing
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
Electrical items
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
Metals
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
Plastic
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
Paper & Board
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
Refuse
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
Distribution
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Ref ID Source A C Ti Tr G Total Relevant items
Road
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
Rail
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
Sea freight
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
Air freight
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
Refrigeration
12 US EPA (2004) worksheet 4 4 2 5 2 17 All
Processing
Click here to open the Processing section
Ref ID Source A C Ti Tr G Total Relevant items
Wineries sugars
105 GFLI (2020) 4 5 5 4 4 22 All
Wineries Fermentation
113 Prusova et al., (2023) 4 3 5 5 2 19 All
Wineries Products
18 GFLI (2020) 4 5 4 4 4 21 Distiller grains
62 British Sugar LCA (2020) 5 5 5 5 5 25 Sugar
80 Svinartchuk et al., (2017) 3 3 3 4 2 15 Products
86 BEIS [DESNZ] (2023) 4 5 5 5 5 24 Distillers grains
Wineries Packaging
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 All
109 Idemat (2024) 4 5 5 4 2 20 Corks
71 ENCIRC LCA (2021) 5 4 5 5 4 23 Green glass
Wineries Refrigeration
12 US EPA (2004) worksheet 4 4 2 5 2 17 All
Wineries Water
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
Packhouses Refrigeration
12 US EPA (2004) worksheet 4 4 2 5 2 17 All
Packhouses Packaging
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 All
Packhouses Water
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
Dairies Water
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
Dairies Bottles and containers
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 All
Dairies Sugars
105 GFLI (2020) 4 5 5 4 4 22 All
Dairies Packaging
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 All
Dairies Cleaners
103 Evans Vanodine 5 5 5 5 4 24 All 
Dairies Refrigeration
12 US EPA (2004) worksheet 4 4 2 5 2 17 All
On Farm Processing Water
107 DESNZ (2024) 5 5 5 5 5 25 All
On Farm Processing Refrigeration
12 US EPA (2004) worksheet 4 4 2 5 2 17 All
On Farm Processing Jars and Bottles
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 All
On Farm Processing Crates and Packaging
107 DESNZ (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 All
On Farm Processing Sugars
105 GFLI (2020) 4 5 5 4 4 22 All
Sequestration
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Ref ID Source A C Ti Tr G Total Relevant items
Woodland, agroforestry & silvopasture
104 Woodland Carbon Code (2024) 4 5 5 5 5 24 All
Hedgerows
22 Axe et al., (2017) 4 3 4 5 5 21 Generic
25 Falloon et al., (2004) 3 3 2 4 5 17 Generic
99 Crossland et al., (2015) 3 3 3 4 5 18 Generic
101 Robertson et al., (2012) 3 3 2 4 5 17 Generic
87 Drexler et al., (2023) 5 4 5 5 4 23 Managed
88 Biffi et al., (2022) 5 5 5 5 5 25 Managed
89 Biffi et al., (2023) 5 5 5 5 5 25 Managed
Perennial crops
26 Kerckhoffs et al. (2007) 3 3 2 4 3 15 Orchard crops
28 Vicente-Vicente et al. (2016) 5 5 3 5 3 20 Grape vines
29 Dondini et al. (2009) 4 3 2 5 4 18 Miscanthus
30 Rytter (2012) 4 3 2 5 3 17 Biomass crops
Field margins
25 Falloon et al ., (2004) 3 3 2 4 5 17 All
Wetlands
13 Taylor et al., (2010) 4 3 2 4 5 18 All
Land Use Change - losses
23 Ostle et al., (2009) 4 4 2 4 5 19 All
44 UoH AERU (2020) agri environment schemes 4 4 5 4 5 22 Grassland to wetland
Higher tier stewardship and land management change
44 UoH AERU (2020) agri environment schemes 4 4 5 4 5 22 All
Cultivated peat soils
21 Taft et al., (2017) 4 3 3 4 4 18 All
Uncultivated Peatland soils
82 Evans et al., (2023) 4 4 5 4 5 22 All
Country side stewardship schemes
63 UoH AERU (2020) agri environment schemes 3 3 5 4 5 20 All
ISLE OF MAN: Agri-environment schemes
63 UoH AERU (2020) agri environment schemes 3 3 5 4 5 20 All