Example FAQ
Although most users can be educated within the application, some will want more information than fits in the product. Below is an example of the kind of content you can host on your website to give users more depth.
About Connect Earth
Connect Earth is a leading environmental data tools company that works with banks to power carbon insights — for example, carbon footprint estimates per transaction. Our APIs are open for usage (open documentation) and use leading methodologies from industry and academia for our footprint estimates.
Important: All carbon footprint information is used solely for informational services and not for any other purpose or sold to third parties.
Carbon footprinting FAQ
Below is the carbon calculation methodology used for transaction-level CO2e estimates. You can provide this to end users to help them understand the calculations.
General questions 🌍
Q: How is my carbon footprint being calculated?
We calculate the carbon footprint of your purchases using emissions factors specific to the category and region of your purchase.
The calculation multiplies the transaction spend amount by the emissions factor for the category to estimate the footprint:
Transaction amount × Category emissions factor
Example:
- You go to the supermarket and spend £20.
- We multiply this by the emissions factor for groceries in your country (e.g. 0.48 kg CO2e/£).
- The resulting carbon footprint estimate is 9.5 kg CO2e.
The same £20 spent at a bakery might equate to 6.8 kg CO2e — which is why this is an estimate. The methodology is the same as used widely in industry and academia for carbon footprinting.
While our calculations make estimates as accurate as possible by categorising the merchant, the figures you see in the app are estimates, because we can't see exactly what products were purchased.
Q: How is my carbon footprint data being used?
The information used to calculate and provide emissions estimates for your transactions is only used for this purpose — to help you learn about your carbon footprint. It is not sold to any external third parties.
For more information on data processing and usage, see our privacy policy.
As a UK-based company following data compliance standards like GDPR and SOC2, Connect Earth takes data privacy and ownership very seriously. We are audited yearly for data privacy and security. Our SOC2 Type 2 certification is a testament to our strong internal data processes.
Q: How do you know what was bought in a transaction?
The simple answer: we don't know exactly what was bought. However, an approximate industry-standard footprint estimate can be made using the transaction category.
We categorise transactions according to the merchant they were made with, because neither we nor your bank can see which specific products were included. We use industry averages for merchants to estimate the environmental impact.
Examples:
- Groceries — we estimate based on the impact of a typical basket of groceries in your country, including manufacturing, packaging, and transportation.
- Fuel stations — no product weighting needed; the volume of fuel purchased can be precisely determined, and the associated emissions calculated.
- General stores (e.g. Amazon) — a weighted basket-of-goods approach. The estimate is broader, but such purchases typically contribute only a small amount to total footprint compared to travel, home energy, and food.
Q: How accurate are the estimates?
The estimates provide a general, approximate indication of the environmental impact of spending. While we strive for accuracy using industry-standard emission factors and reliable data sources, these estimates are based on broad assumptions and may not account for variations in specific products or supply chains.
For most users, the app provides a valuable tool to understand the environmental implications of spending patterns. Interpret the estimates as informed approximations rather than precise measurements.
We continuously work to improve accuracy as technology and data sources improve. Feedback and additional information help refine our models over time.
Q: Why is it important to learn about my carbon footprint?
Measuring your carbon footprint is a great first step to fight climate change. Up to 60–70% of global emissions are directly or indirectly linked to household consumption, so consumers have significant power to influence global sustainability.
While your carbon footprint is not entirely your fault or responsibility, spreading awareness of where emissions come from helps promote more sustainable consumption and production globally.
Detailed explanation 🔎
Q: What does the carbon footprint cover?
We calculate the carbon footprint of each transaction for all upstream and direct emissions (cradle-to-gate plus use). This means all emissions embodied in the creation of a product, plus any direct emissions from consuming it.
We use a method called Environmentally Extended Input-Output (EE-IO) analysis, which measures all the inputs required to create a product. For example, emissions from clothing include all emissions from materials and manufacturing as well as things like marketing or legal services that the manufacturers require. For some products (e.g. fuels) we also include the emissions from using them.
The footprint does not include downstream emissions such as disposal or the emissions from powering electronics — partly to avoid double-counting (energy emissions are already accounted for in energy transactions).
Q: What factors does the carbon footprint consider?
Our model considers a wide range of factors, including which industries are involved in making each product and region-specific information about imports and exports. We also adjust for price changes — including the latest energy prices and currency exchange rates.
Our models and calculations follow standard Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Environmentally-Extended Input-Output methodologies. We integrate Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (indirect energy/utility), and Scope 3 (other indirect) emissions where possible into each emissions factor.
Q: How are the CO2e models made?
We have an expert carbon-science team and partner with universities and other research organisations to ensure our carbon models are as accurate as possible. They are in line with industry and academic best practices to follow common standards and protocols like the GHG Protocol.
Our emissions calculation models are based on data from official government data and research, including sources such as EE-IO models, OECD, Eurostat, DEFRA, and many more.
Our methodology is up to date with the latest carbon-modelling know-how from industry and academia — meaning you get the same quality of emissions data for your spending as governments and climate scientists use.
For any more information, get in touch via our website.