What is Activity-based Data?
Emissions data derived from specific activities such as fuel consumption, distance travelled, or energy used. Activity-based calculations provide more accurate emissions estimates than spend-based methods and are preferred for carbon reporting.
Why it matters
Activity-based data produces the most accurate and defensible carbon figures. Reviewers and assurance providers place higher confidence in reports built on activity data, and transitioning from spend-based to activity-based methods is a sign of reporting maturity.
Example
Instead of estimating flight emissions from a travel agency invoice total, a company logs 15 return flights from London to Edinburgh (534 km each way) and applies the DESNZ short-haul factor. This gives a precise figure of 2.1 tCO₂e.
Related terms
Spend-based Data
A method that estimates carbon emissions based on financial expenditure in different categories. Spend-based calculations apply average emission factors to spending data, providing useful estimates when detailed activity data is unavailable.
Emission Factors
Coefficients that quantify the greenhouse gas emissions produced per unit of activity. Examples include kg CO₂e per kWh of electricity, per litre of fuel, or per pound spent. DESNZ publishes UK-specific emission factors annually.
Put your knowledge into practice
Start measuring your carbon footprint with EcoHedge. Connect your accounting software and get your first carbon report in hours.