Andrea McDowell, Hamilton, Carbon Calculator Pilot, PDF of Presentation

Carbon Calculator Tool - excel download file

Acknowledgement: this tool was created by students from McMaster University, Alexandra Shewchuk; Avneet Kaur; Yin Hoi Lam (Daniel); and Youssef Afkir

Reason for creation: Municipal commitments for Carbon Budget and Climate Lens

Assumptions: It is a tool for all municipal staff, and it does not require specific technical understanding; GHG calculations are estimates;

Goals: 'Good enough' estimate of GHG emissions for project planning and the tool measures and reduces emissions outside of Scope 1

The tool: Using a methodology called multi-regional environmentally extended input-output tables, which analyzes inputs and outputs from various sectors of the economy, focusing on the environmental impact.

Data is used from OpenIO-Canada, an open-source Canadian EE-MRIO system made by the Montreal-based life cycle analysis center CIRAIG. It primarily uses the Canadian Supply-Use Tables and other environmental data published by Statistics Canada. The tool facilitates estimation by assigning CO2 equivalents to budget items, allowing for adjustments based on environmental disclosures from manufacturers. The tool's functionality includes sensitivity analysis, procurement analysis, and comparison features.

Limitations: The tool does not handle project lifespans. The data lags by a few years; current data is from 2019. Old data will give a conservative (higher) estimate.

Uses & Policy Implications: The tool provides estimates of yearly emissions. It will help focus efforts on the worst emitters of projects and purchases. The tool can inform sustainable decision-making for Hamilton and other Canadian cities