Overview
We understand you've already collected valuable sustainability data. That's why Daato makes it easy to import your existing information directly through Excel files, saving you time and effort.
When Can You Import Data?
You can import data at two key stages:
- When setting up default activities at the organization level (Step 2.1)
- When collecting specific data at the entity level (Step 2.2)
How to Import Your Data
Step 1: Access the Import Feature
Simply click the "Import from file" button on the relevant screen.
Step 2: Use Our Ready-Made Templates
In the CO2 Footprinting module, you can add various datapoints regarding the activities and to make things easier, we've created Excel templates specifically designed for each import stage:
Download the appropriate template by clicking the download button in the top right corner of the upload page (alternatively, we have also attached the templates for both stages at the bottom of this article)
Please note that both steps have two different templates. Kindly download them separately.
What to Include in Your Templates
For Organization-Level Activities (Step 2.1)
Field | What to Enter | Format | Required? |
Activity Name | The name of the sustainability activity | Text (e.g., "Electricity", "Water usage") | Yes |
Region | Where the activity takes place | Text (e.g., "European Union", "Global", "Japan") | Optional |
Scope | The GHG Protocol scope category | Format: 1.1, 1.2, 3.5, etc. | Optional |
Factor | The emission conversion factor | Number (e.g., 0.5, 2.31, 1) | Optional |
Date | When the activity occurred | Format: DD/MM/YYYY | Optional |
Description | Details about the activity | Text (e.g., "Water consumption and treatment in facilities") | Optional |
Tags | Keywords to categorize the activity | Comma-separated words (e.g., "Water, Facilities") | Optional |
While most fields are marked optional, we strongly recommend filling in all available information for the best experience with the tool.
For Entity-Level Data Collection (Step 2.2)
Next, we move on the step 2.2, the data collection part where the entities (subsidiaries) can fill in their own respective data and edit information as needed.
Here, the Entity Manager can add relevant activities for their own entity. The template upload process remains identical BUT the template itself is a little different now.
To import data, please click on 'Add Activity' -> 'Import from file'
Below, you will find a table which explains the various columns in the template. While most of them are the same as the previous step, please note the new ones.
Use the entity-level template (2.2), which includes additional fields:
Field | What to Enter | Format | Required? |
Activity Name | The name of the sustainability activity | Text (e.g., "Electricity") | Yes |
Region | Where the activity takes place | Text (e.g., "China", "Global") | Optional |
Unit | Measurement unit for the activity | Standard abbreviations: - Kilowatt-hours → kWh - Liters → l - Kilometers → km - Tonnes → tonne - Cubic meters → m3 - Hours → h - Dollars → usd | Optional |
Value | Quantity of the activity | Number (e.g., 5000000, 100000) | Optional |
Scope | GHG Protocol scope category | Format: 1.1, 1.2, 3.6, etc. | Optional |
Date | When the activity occurred | Format: DD/MM/YYYY | Optional |
Tags | Keywords to categorize | Comma-separated words (e.g., "Travel, Air") | Optional |
Description | Details about the activity | Text (e.g., "Grid electricity in China") | Optional |
Factor | Emission factor (CO₂e/unit) | Decimal number (e.g., 0.5, 2.31) | Optional |
Total Emissions | Result of Value × Factor | Number in kg CO₂e or t CO₂e | Required |
Source | Where the emission factor came from | Text (e.g., "DEFRA", "IPCC Guide") | Optional |
Important Tips
- Follow the required formats exactly to ensure successful imports
- Any format discrepancies in required fields will prevent the upload from completing
- While many fields are optional, providing complete information will give you the most value from the Daato platform
Challenges When Receiving Customer Data
Please be aware of these common issues that can prevent successful data imports:
Unit formatting issues:
- Use only the standard abbreviations listed in the template
- Example: Use "h" instead of "hour" (a customer recently experienced an import failure due to this specific issue)
- Avoid variations (e.g., use "kWh" not "kilowatt-hours")
- Common errors include: "hour" instead of "h", "liter" instead of "l", "kilometres" instead of "km"
Inconsistent date formats:
- Dates must follow the DD/MM/YYYY format exactly
- Other formats (MM/DD/YYYY or YYYY-MM-DD) will cause import failures
Need help with your imports? Our Customer Success team is always ready to assist you!
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