FAQ for Envizi Emissions API

What is IBM Envizi Emissions API?

The Envizi Emissions API is a REST API that helps you calculate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions quickly and accurately. It provides trusted emission factors, automated calculations, and flexible ways to work with your data. You can use the API directly with your preferred programming language or tool. Independent software vendors (ISVs) or organizations can integrate emissions calculations into their current workflows.

With the API, you can complete a range of tasks:

• Access a library of verified emission factors.
• Submit activity data and automatically calculate emissions.
• Integrate emissions calculation into existing systems, workflows, or reporting tools.

Is this API a replacement for the GHG accounting and reporting solutions in Envizi ESG Suite?

No. Envizi Emissions API is designed for developers, software product teams, and independent software vendors (ISV)s to embed emissions calculations in existing software solutions. If you require governed workflows, controls, and audit-ready reporting, you can use the emissions accounting solutions in Envizi ESG Suite.

Does Envizi Emissions API support financed emissions?

Yes, you can use the API or the Excel add-in to calculate financed emissions that are aligned with the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF). When you sign up, you get access to calculation logic, factor selection, API endpoints, and Excel functions. Asset classes 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, and 5.5 are supported.

Can I take a trial?

Yes, you can sign up for a 30-day trial and get access to embed GHG Protocol-aligned emissions calculations into your applications and workflows for consistent, auditable results.

For more information, see the IBM Envizi™ Emissions API sign up form.

Can I use the Microsoft Excel add-in?

Yes, the Excel add-in is available to all users of Envizi Emissions API. To use IBM Envizi Emissions Calculations in Excel, you install an add-in and optionally download a template.

On the Excel add-in overview page, you can see how to get started.

Where can I see my usage details?

You can see your account details and current usage on the Account and usage page. After you log in, you can see the number of used and remaining data requests and your subscription details. For more information, see the Account and usage page.

Where can I get an API token?

You create an API token on the API token management page. You must copy the token and store it securely. Each token can be viewed only once. If you lose it, you must create a new one. You can also see your tenant ID, authentication client ID, and emissions client ID on the API token management page. When you make API calls, you use these IDs to authenticate and to identify your tenant and application.

For more information about creating your API token, see Getting started for API users

What are emission factors?

Emission factors are conversion numbers that turn everyday activity data, such as the electricity you use, into greenhouse gas emissions, expressed in CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e).

As an example, imagine you have a bill that shows that you used 100 kWh of electricity last month. An emission factor for your region indicates that using that electricity results in 0.5 kg CO₂e per kWh. You multiply 100 kWh by 0.5 kg CO₂e and get 50 kg CO₂e. So, 50 kg CO₂e is how much greenhouse gas was produced.

Envizi Emissions API manages a library of trusted factors for accurate and automated emissions calculation. You can optionally customize factors if you have more precise data.

For more information, see the Emission factors catalog.

What is a factor selection algorithm?

A factor selection algorithm (FSA) is a method that is used to select the most relevant factors from a larger set of possible factors. When you specify an activity type, the FSA that is used by Envizi Emissions API analyzes available emissions factors and recommends the most appropriate one for accurate, consistent calculations. You can optionally select a different factor than the one that the FSA selected. For example, you might want to select a factor that is more appropriate to your region.

For more information, see Viewing factor details.

What are greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions?

Greenhouse gas emissions are gases that are released into the atmosphere from human activities, mainly burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas.

What is the GHG Protocol?

The GHG Protocol is the leading global standard for greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting. It provides principles and methods for creating GHG inventories and reporting data. Organizations use the protocol to guide emissions policies and track data across products, organizations, and value chains, which help ensure consistent and comparable reporting worldwide. For more information, see this PDF of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol FAQ.

What are Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions?

Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions are categories defined by the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, the most widely used global standard for corporate greenhouse gas accounting. The scopes help organizations understand where their emissions come from and what they can influence or control.

For more information, see What are Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions?