Methodology & Evidence
Complete transparency on carbon calculations, emission factors, offset products, and verification processes. All sources cited with downloadable evidence.
Carbon Calculator Methodology
How we calculate your carbon footprint across 6 categories
Quick Mode (4 Questions)
Fast estimation using state/national averages combined with key lifestyle factors. Accuracy: ±30-40%. Best for quick comparisons and awareness.
- • State selection applies correct emission factors
- • Household size scales energy/water averages
- • Transport and diet questions refine estimate
- • Completes in under 1 minute
Detailed Mode (6 Categories)
Comprehensive calculation using actual consumption data. Accuracy: ±10-20%. Recommended for informed decision-making.
- • Enter actual electricity/gas bills
- • Specify vehicle types and distances
- • Detail food consumption patterns
- • Account for all travel and waste
The 6 Calculator Categories
Daily commuting and personal vehicle use
+ 4 more factors...
Vehicle emissions calculated from weekly km driven × emission factor. Electric vehicle emissions vary by state grid mix. Public transport calculated per passenger-kilometre.
Household electricity and gas consumption
State-specific electricity factors used when state is selected. GreenPower purchases treated as zero emissions at point of use. Gas emissions include Scope 1 (combustion) and Scope 3 (upstream).
Household water supply and treatment
Water emissions include pumping, treatment, and distribution. Wastewater treatment added at 90% of supply volume. State-specific factors reflect local infrastructure (e.g., desalination in WA/SA).
Flights, road trips, and holiday travel
+ 2 more factors...
Flight emissions include radiative forcing multiplier (1.9×) for high-altitude effects. Business/first class multiplied due to larger seat footprint. Pre-calculated routes available for common destinations.
Diet and food consumption patterns
+ 2 more factors...
Diet emissions estimated from typical consumption patterns. Detailed mode allows specifying weekly servings. Quick mode uses diet-type multipliers (vegan: 1,500 kg/yr to high-meat: 4,500 kg/yr).
Household waste, recycling, and composting
+ 1 more factors...
Landfill emissions primarily from methane release during organic decomposition. Recycling credits offset virgin material production. Composting produces minimal emissions compared to landfill.
Our business calculator follows the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Standard, the most widely used international accounting tool for government and business to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions.
Scope 1 - Direct
- • Natural gas combustion
- • Fleet vehicle fuel
- • Refrigerant leaks
Scope 2 - Energy
- • Purchased electricity
- • Location-based method
- • Market-based method
Scope 3 - Value Chain
- • Employee commuting
- • Business travel
- • Purchased goods
View all 15 Scope 3 Categories
Emissions from extraction, production, and transportation of goods and services purchased in the reporting year
Emissions from extraction, production, and transportation of capital goods purchased in the reporting year
Emissions from extraction, production, and transportation of fuels and energy not included in Scope 1 or 2
Emissions from transportation and distribution of products purchased in the reporting year
Emissions from disposal and treatment of waste generated in operations
Emissions from transportation of employees for business-related activities
Emissions from employees travelling between home and work
Emissions from operation of assets leased by the organisation (not in Scope 1/2)
Emissions from transportation and distribution of sold products (paid by organisation)
Emissions from processing of intermediate products by third parties
Emissions from use of goods and services sold by the organisation
Emissions from disposal and treatment of products sold at end of life
Emissions from operation of assets owned and leased to others
Emissions from operation of franchises
Emissions from investments (equity, debt, project finance)
State-Specific Emission Factors
Different states have different grid mixes and infrastructure. We use state-specific factors for electricity, water, and EV calculations.Last updated: 2025-01-25
Source: DCCEEW National Greenhouse Accounts Factors 2025
| State/Territory | Scope 2 | Scope 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW | 0.64 | 0.03 | 0.67 |
| VIC | 0.78 | 0.09 | 0.87 |
| QLD | 0.67 | 0.09 | 0.76 |
| SA | 0.22 | 0.04 | 0.26 |
| WA | 0.50 | 0.06 | 0.56 |
| TAS | 0.20 | 0.03 | 0.23 |
| NT | 0.56 | 0.09 | 0.65 |
| ACT | 0.64 | 0.03 | 0.67 |
| National Average | 0.62 | 0.07 | 0.69 |
Notes: Scope 2 = direct emissions from electricity generation. Scope 3 = indirect emissions from transmission and distribution losses. Tasmania has the lowest emissions due to hydro power. Victoria has the highest due to brown coal generation.
Standards & Frameworks
International standards that underpin our methodology
Our calculators and carbon accounting methodologies are aligned with internationally recognised standards to ensure accuracy, consistency, and credibility. These frameworks provide the foundation for how we measure, report, and verify greenhouse gas emissions.
Corporate Standard
The GHG Protocol is the world's most widely used greenhouse gas accounting standard. Developed by WRI and WBCSD, it provides requirements and guidance for companies preparing corporate-level GHG emission inventories.
How We Apply It
- Scope 1, 2, and 3 emission categorisation
- All 15 Scope 3 categories in business calculator
- Location-based and market-based reporting options
- Operational control boundary approach
GHG Quantification & Reporting
ISO 14064 is the international standard for greenhouse gas accounting and verification. It provides specifications for quantifying, monitoring, reporting, and verifying GHG emissions at organisation and project levels.
How We Apply It
- Part 1: Organisation-level quantification
- Consistent emission factor application
- Uncertainty assessment in estimates
- Data quality management principles
Calculator Standards Alignment
Our carbon calculators are designed to align with these international standards while remaining accessible to individuals and small businesses. For formal Climate Active certification or regulatory reporting, we recommend engaging an accredited third-party auditor to verify your emissions inventory.
Trees vs Carbon Credits: Understanding the Difference
Two distinct products with different claims and evidence
What You Get
- Trees planted in verified reforestation projects
- Estimated CO2e captured over ~30 years (where QCM available)
- Community employment and ecosystem restoration
- Planting certificates and project reports
Claims You Can Make
- "Funded reforestation in [location]"
- "Estimated [X] kg CO2 captured over ~30 years"
- "Contributing to est. co2-e (30 yrs)"
- • "carbon neutral" or "net zero"
- • "100% offset" or "completely offset"
- • Immediate climate impact
What You Get
- Credits retired on international registries (Verra VCS, Gold Standard)
- Serial numbers for independent verification
- Retirement certificate with registry link
- Verified emission reductions (already occurred)
Claims You Can Make
- "Offset [X] tonnes CO2e through certified credits"
- "Carbon neutral" (for offset portion)
- "Verified by [Verra/Gold Standard]"
- • Registry retirement record (public)
- • Credit serial numbers
- • Downloadable certificate
You Purchase
Select carbon credits to offset your footprint
We Retire
Credits permanently retired on registry in your name
You Verify
Public registry link shows retirement details
You Claim
Use certificate for carbon neutral claims
Verra VCS (Verified Carbon Standard)
The world's most widely used voluntary emission reduction standard. Over 1,800 certified projects have collectively reduced or removed more than 1 billion tonnes of CO2e.
Verra RegistryGold Standard
Established by WWF, Gold Standard certifies projects that deliver verified climate and sustainable development benefits. Known for rigorous co-benefit requirements.
Gold Standard RegistryClimate Active Certification Pathway
For Australian businesses seeking formal carbon neutral certification
Climate Active is the Australian Government's carbon neutral certification program. Businesses can certify their organisation, products, services, events, or buildings as carbon neutral.
1. Measure
Calculate full GHG inventory
2. Reduce
Implement reduction strategy
3. Offset
Purchase eligible offsets
4. Report
Public Disclosure Statement
5. Certify
Third-party audit
How Our Business Calculator Helps
- GHG Protocol-aligned Scope 1, 2, 3 calculations
- All 15 Scope 3 categories supported
- Climate Active readiness indicator
- Exportable data for audit preparation
What You Still Need
- Formal emission reduction strategy
- Third-party auditor verification
- Climate Active registration and fee
- Public Disclosure Statement
Important Disclaimer
Our calculator provides estimates suitable for initial planning and awareness. For formal Climate Active certification, you must engage an accredited third-party auditor to verify your emissions inventory. Our calculations are a starting point, not a substitute for professional carbon accounting services.
ACCC Environmental Claims Compliance
Following Australia's anti-greenwashing guidelines
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued guidance on environmental and sustainability claims. We follow these principles to ensure our claims are accurate, substantiated, and not misleading.
ACCC's 8 Principles for Environmental Claims
Make accurate and truthful claims
All claims must be factually correct
Have evidence to back up claims
Substantiation available on request
Do not leave out important information
Full disclosure of limitations
Explain any conditions or qualifications
Clear terms and methodology
Avoid broad and unqualified claims
Specific, measurable statements
Use clear and easy-to-understand language
No jargon without explanation
Visual elements should not mislead
Imagery reflects actual impact
Be direct and open about sustainability
Transparent about trade-offs
How We Apply These Principles
For Tree Planting Products
- Always say "estimated CO2e captured over ~30 years" - never "offset"
- Clearly state trees are a "est. co2-e (30 yrs)"
- Show uncertainty (Model-based estimate; actual sequestration varies by site and conditions)
- Never use "carbon neutral" or "net zero" for tree purchases
For Carbon Credit Products
- Provide registry links for independent verification
- Include serial numbers on all certificates
- Only source from Verra VCS or Gold Standard registries
- "Carbon neutral" claims only with retired credit evidence
For Calculator Results
- All emission factors cited with sources
- Uncertainty ranges shown (±10-40% depending on category)
- Results labelled as "estimates for educational purposes"
- Recommend professional audit for formal claims
Tree Carbon Calculation Methodology
Our primary projects use site-specific carbon modeling methodology, which provides carbon sequestration estimates based on:
- Species-specific growth rates and carbon accumulation curves
- Local climate and soil conditions
- Historical survival rates at each project site
- 30-year projection timeline with decay rates
QCM reports are available for download for applicable projects below.
Estimates, not guarantees: Carbon sequestration figures are modelled estimates based on projected tree growth over approximately 30 years.Model-based estimate; actual sequestration varies by site and conditions.
Not carbon neutral: Purchasing trees does not make you "carbon neutral" or "net zero". Trees are a est. co2-e (30 yrs), not a complete offset of emissions.
No registry retirement: Trees planted through our partners are not registered on carbon credit registries (e.g., Gold Standard, Verra). This is reforestation, not carbon credit retirement.
Project Evidence & Certificates
All original certificates, carbon studies, and project reports from our verified planting partners.
Our Reforestation Partners
We work with verified reforestation organisations that provide transparent reporting, evidence-based carbon estimates, and community-led planting programs.
Eden People + Planet
Eden Reforestation Projects is a non-profit with over 20 years of experience, having planted over 1 billion trees across 10+ countries. They employ 11,700+ villagers for tree planting and nursery work, providing steady income that enables families to save, start micro-enterprises, and send children to school.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
Our Eden reforestation projects in Madagascar and Nepal contribute to 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. Here's how each tree planted creates measurable impact.
SDG 1: No Poverty
Economic opportunities through reforestation employment
Eden empowers local workers with fair wages across Madagascar and Nepal, providing income opportunities in rural communities where formal employment is limited.
SDG 2: Zero Hunger
Living wages enable food security for workers
Tree planters receive fair, living wages that enable them to purchase food for their families. In regions with limited economic opportunity, reforestation employment provides the income stability needed to address food insecurity.
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
Forests improve air quality and support family health
Trees improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and producing oxygen. Fair-wage employment also enables workers to afford healthcare and nutritious food for their families.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
Women's empowerment through employment opportunities
Eden prioritises equal employment opportunities. In Nepal, over half the workforce are women, and for many it is their first opportunity for consistent employment. All work in Nepal is led by National Director Rachhya.