Working With Units in the CO₂-Footprinting Module

(How our tool handles conversions, why some fields never convert, and the “base-unit” logic behind the scenes)

Whether you enter data manually or use the Smart Search workflow, the CO₂-Footprinting module follows the same logic for units and conversions.

1. Choose a Measurement Type

   • In manual mode you open the Add Activity dialog and select the type from a long list.

   • In Smart Search the tool pre-selects the type that matches the emission factor you picked, but you can still change it if needed.

2. Pick a Unit

   • The Unit drop-down shows only the units that belong to the chosen type, preventing mix-ups.

   • Behind the scenes each type has one base unit (conversion value = 1). All other units convert back to this reference before emissions are calculated.

   • Monetary and plain numeric fields never convert; the amount you enter is stored exactly as typed.

With this structure: eleven measurement types, a clear base unit for each, and context-aware unit lists, you can capture activity data in the units your teams already use while the tool maintains consistent, audit-ready conversions in the background.

1. Why the Module Converts Units

• Flexibility for data owners. Facility teams think in kilowatt-hours, fleet managers in litres, suppliers in pounds or tonnes.

• Consistency for calculations. Behind the scenes every figure is translated into a single base unit so emission factors apply correctly and dashboards line up.

• Audit-ready transparency. The conversion factor for each unit is stored next to the raw number so reviewers can trace an emission back to the original metre reading, invoice or purchase order.

2. How the Conversion Engine Works

Note. Monetary and generic numeric fields never convert because no base unit is needed.

3. Conversion Families We Support

Below are the main families of convertible units, their base unit, and a few popular alternatives available in the drop-down. The list is not exhaustive but it covers 95 percent of typical CO₂ data entries.

*Temperature converts only when needed for specific emission-factor look-ups, for example refrigerant leak calculations.

4. What You Will See in the Interface

• Drop-down lists. When a field is convertible you will notice a unit selector like you see the one in the screenshot above. Converted units, for example month in a Time field, appear so you can enter values in a way that feels natural even if the base is second.

• Zero friction. Enter 150 MWh or 540 GJ and the tool handles the maths.

• Transparent output. In download or audit views you will see both the original entry and the base-unit value along with the conversion factor used.

5. Tips for Accurate Data Entry

1. Pick the unit you know best; less manual conversion means fewer typos.

2. Watch prefixes (k, M, G); 1 MWh equals 1 000 kWh, not one million.

3. Use primary data where possible, such as kWh from the bill, to avoid rounding errors from double conversions.

4. Remember non-convertible fields: currency and plain numbers stay exactly as typed.

6. Need a Unit That Is Not Listed?

Our library already covers most engineering and sustainability standards. If your data source outputs a unit you cannot find, contact support. We regularly expand the catalogue and push updates without affecting past reports.

Bottom line. Unit conversion happens quietly in the background so you can focus on collecting high-quality activity data. Choose the units that make sense to your teams. The CO₂ module will do the heavy lifting and keep calculations consistent, transparent, and audit-ready. Please find the complete list here.