Data Carbon Ladder
This award-winning tool is an MRI scan for any projects where data is being used.
It unveils the CO2e impact of various data routes and choices on emissions via a series of standardised measurements. If you want a precise benchmark of CO2e — a measurement of the total greenhouse gases being emitted — this is the first openly available tool to do so.
It will help you to:
- determine the appropriate size of the dataset(s) required
- the optimal frequency for updates
- the most suitable storage location
- and the analytics necessary for your project
- AND assess existing project setups, where more environmentally friendly options may be available.
The Data Carbon Ladder converts kWh to kg of carbon released based on conversion factors from the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (HM Government, 2021).
The conversion factor is 0.23314 kg CO2 saved for each kWh produced from a carbon free source. The factor is based on the carbon emissions generated by current UK power stations per kWh generated. This factor includes other greenhouse gasses such as methane and nitrous oxide which are converted to their carbon dioxide equivalents, so the value is kg CO2 eq. per kWh (CO2e).
The Data Carbon Ladder framework has now been published and can be accessed from the Journal of Knowledge Management Research and Practice. It contains a number of calculations for each step of the ladder which will require data from your own company/data provider (as these change over time). The published ladder provides an example of worst-case data input for each calculation to provide a benchmark.
Use the Data Carbon Ladder in your organisation
Contact the Digital Decarb team to find out how your organisation could benefit from our Data Carbon Ladder tool.