Factor fields

Several fields are available for configuration when you create custom factors.

Table 1 defines the fields that are available for factors.

Table 1. Factor fields
Field	Used in validation logic?	Part of factor dates?	Description
Parent Region			This field narrows down the results in the `Region` field, which can be useful when searching on city names that may have multiple results, like Paris. By default, this value is set to `Earth` and all regions are searchable in the `Regions` field.
Region	Yes		An autofill text-box. Select the appropriate region for the factor. Note: If a region is not found based on the text entered, then no region is matched in IBM® ESG Suite and a region is not saved. If the factor is applicable globally, then enter `Earth` as the region. To create two factors for the same data type for the same time period, you must create a custom region. For more information, see Creating custom regions.
Data Type	Yes		Choose the data type to associate with the factor.
Factor Set	Yes		Select the appropriate custom factor set. It's possible that your organization has two custom factor sets, one for standard location-based emissions and another for Scope 2 market-based reporting. Note: Factors that are captured in the factor set that is labeled `market-based` only apply to the Market-based Emissions report. Factors that are captured in a factor set labeled `Custom - org. name` apply to emissions in standard reports and dashboards.
Sub Type	Yes		This option must remain as `Default`. If another option is selected besides `Default`, the factor will not be applied to your data.
Name			The name of the factor. If the factor changes over time, or multiple factors apply across multiple regions, then best practice is to include both year and region in the factor name. For example, `Electricity - Australia - 2024`.
Description			Enter a description of the factor.
Total CO2e (kgCO2e/unit)			Enter the kg of CO2e per unit factor. It equals the sum of CO2, CH4 and N2O per unit factors expressed in kg of CO2-equivalents. The unit refers to the primary unit of the data type. The unit is usually explicitly identified in the data type name contained within square brackets, for example, Electricity [kWh]). The Total CO2e (kgCO2e/unit) field is the main factor used to calculate emissions in standard reports and dashboards. If the data source does not result in emissions, leave blank.
CO2 (kgCO2e/unit)			CO2 component of factor expressed in kg CO2e per unit. Leave blank if unknown or not applicable.
CH4 (kgCO2e/unit)			CH4 component of factor expressed in kg CO2e per unit. Leave blank if unknown or not applicable.
N2O (kgCO2e/unit)			N2O component of factor expressed in kg CO2e per unit. Leave blank if unknown or not applicable.
BioCO2 (kgCO2e/unit)			BioCO2 component of factor expressed in kg CO2e per unit. Leave blank if unknown or not applicable.
Indirect CO2e (kgCO2e/unit)			Allows for lifecycle emission (upstream and downstream) to be allocated to the data source. For example, this value might account for additional emissions from transportation and extraction of a fuel. Leave blank if unknown or not applicable.
Energy (GJ)/unit			Conversion to allow data to be expressed in terms of energy.
Mass (Kg)/unit			Conversion to allow data is to be expressed in terms of mass.
Volume (L)/unit			Conversion to allow data to be expressed in terms of volume.
Area (m2)/unit			Conversion to allow data to be expressed in terms of area.
Distance (m)/unit			Conversion to allow data to be expressed in terms of distance.
Uncertainty Factor			Leave blank. Legacy functionality that is no longer in use.
Category 1			Free text field that is not used for any reporting, but can be used to add information relevant to the factor.
Category 2			Free text field that is not used for any reporting, but can be used to add information relevant to the factor.
Category 3			Free text field that is not used for any reporting, but can be used to add information relevant to the factor.
Category 4			Free text field that is not used for any reporting, but can be used to add information relevant to the factor.
Category 5			Free text field that is not used for any reporting, but can be used to add information relevant to the factor.
EPA SourceSiteRatio			Not used. Leave blank.
Effective From	Yes	Yes	Defines the effective start date of the factor. If left blank, the factor is applied to all matching data prior to the `Effective To` date. If the `Effective To` date is also blank, the factor applies to all matching data regardless of time period.
Effective To	Yes	Yes	Defines the effective end date. If left blank, the factor applies to all matching data after the `Effective From` date. If the `Effective From` date is also blank, the factor is applied to all matching data regardless of time period.
Published From	Yes	Yes	Defines the date on which the factor was published. This field uses equivalent logic to the `Effective From` field. Published dates are used in preference to effective dates for activity data captured after the period of historical data. If the published date is unknown or you would like to calculate emissions according to the factor effective period, set the `Published From` date to be the same as the `Effective From` date. For more information, see Assigning factors.
Published To	Yes	Yes	Defines the end of the validity period for published dates. This field uses equivalent logic to the `Effective To` field.
Review On			Date for factor review. This field is not involved in validation logic.
Factor Source			A reference for factor source.
Notes			Additional notes on the factor such as uncertainty calculation methodology, indirect factor source, or the person or group responsible for maintaining the factor.