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Lesson 7.3: Introduction to reporting the adaptation pillar3 Topics1 Quiz
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MODULE 1: Setting the scene
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Lesson 1.1: Introduction to the CoM SSA initiative2 Topics
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Lesson 1.2: Introduction to the SEACAP3 Topics
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Lesson 1.3: Climate change and cities in Africa2 Topics
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MODULE 2: SEACAP Mitigation Pillar
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Lesson 2.1: Key concepts in climate change mitigation1 Topic
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Lesson 2.2: Introduction to the Mitigation Pillar2 Topics
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Lesson 2.3: The SEACAP development process for the Mitigation Pillar1 Topic
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Lesson 2.4: Emissions inventories: GHG emissions4 Topics
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Lesson 2.5: Developing a Baseline Emissions Inventory (BEI)3 Topics
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Lesson 2.6: Tools for BEI development2 Topics
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MODULE 3: SEACAP Access to Energy Pillar
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Lesson 3.1: Key concepts in access to energy
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Lesson 3.2: Introduction to the Access to Energy Pillar3 Topics
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Lesson 3.3: The SEACAP development process for the Access to Energy Pillar1 Topic
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Lesson 3.4: Data collection3 Topics
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Lesson 3.5: Developing an Access to Energy Assessment (AEA)2 Topics
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Lesson 3.6: Setting an energy vision and targets3 Topics
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Lesson 3.7: Planning energy actions3 Topics
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MODULE 4: SEACAP Adaptation Pillar
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Lesson 4.1: Key concepts in climate change adaptation1 Quiz
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Lesson 4.2: Introduction to the Adaptation Pillar2 Topics1 Quiz
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Lesson 4.3: The SEACAP development process for the Adaptation Pillar1 Topic1 Quiz
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Lesson 4.4: Developing a Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (RVA)1 Quiz
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Lesson 4.5: Setting an adaptation vision and sectoral targets2 Topics1 Quiz
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Lesson 4.6: Planning adaptation actions2 Topics1 Quiz
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MODULE 5: Steps to take before you implement your SEACAP
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Lesson 5.1: Next steps for prioritised actions1 Quiz
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Lesson 5.2: Categorising actions to access external finance2 Topics1 Quiz
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MODULE 6: Communicating your SEACAP
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Lesson 6.1: Designing your SEACAP3 Topics1 Quiz
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Lesson 6.2: Communicating your SEACAP to key stakeholders1 Topic1 Quiz
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MODULE 7: Reporting your SEACAP
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Lesson 7.1: Introduction to reporting your SEACAP3 Topics1 Quiz
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Lesson 7.2: Introduction to reporting the mitigation pillar4 Topics1 Quiz
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MODULE 8: Integrating your SEACAP into existing planning processes
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Lesson 8.1: Integrating your SEACAP actions into local level plans1 Topic1 Quiz
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Lesson 2.7: Setting mitigation targets2 Topics
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Lesson 2.8: Planning mitigation actions1 Topic
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Lesson 7.4: Introduction to reporting the access to energy pillar3 Topics1 Quiz
While methods for estimating GHG emissions differ depending on the sector, source and available data, most calculations are based on the following formula and require three sets of data:
GHG emissions = Activity data (AD) x Emission Factor (EF) x Global Warming Potential (GWP)*
*the GWP value may be integrated into the EF value – always check the units
GHG emissions are usually measured and reported in kilograms or metric tons of “carbon dioxide equivalents”, denoted as kgCO2e or tCO2e (or CO2eq).
This single unit applies to all GHGs, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).
Activity data
- This is the level of activity (amount) that results in emissions occurring (e.g. amount of fuel combusted/ electricity consumed/ waste sent to landfill).
- This could be measured in mass (kg or tonnes), volume (m3 or litres), or energy output (kWh or TJ).
- Once the activity data has been collected or calculated, it can be converted into different units using conversion factors.
Emission factors
- Converts activity data into emissions of GHGs.
- EFs can either be disaggregated by gas, or given as a total, depending on whether total GHG emissions or emissions of a specific gas are being calculated.
- EFs for grid electricity are always given as total tCO2e/ kWh (i.e. not disaggregated by gas).
Global warming potential
- GWP values are used to convert the mass of a GHG into the equivalent mass of CO2 (i.e. tCO2e).
- Converts emissions of other GHGs to a consistent unit → kg or tonnes of CO2 equivalent, I.e. the GWP unit could be kg CO2e/ kg specific greenhouse gas.
- The GWP value for CO2 will always be 1 (one), because it is the reference gas.
- Remember that some sources may have integrated the GWP values into the EF value – always check the units.
In summary, once the activity data and emission factors have been identified, GHG emissions can be calculated manually. After applying the GWP values to convert to tCO2e, the total emissions in tCO2e can be added up. Alternatively, these calculations can be performed in the CIRIS tool or Proxy Data Tool, which have embedded calculators to manage the conversions.
