Full accounting of city GHG emissions. The Tool covers five sectors including Energy, Industrial processes, Agriculture, Land-use change and forestry, and Waste. Within these five sectors, the Tool measures the six GHGs (CO2, CH4, N2O, HFCs, PFCs and SF6) specified in the Kyoto Protocol. The Tool also takes into account cross-boundary transport and cross-boundary waste disposal.

Combined top-down and bottom-up data collection approach. A top-down approach refers to obtaining available statistical and sectoral data from relevant institutions, such as statistical agencies, competent authorities and industrial associations. A bottom-up approach means obtaining data through research and sample surveys. Due to insufficient statistical and sectoral data, top-down and bottom-up approaches often need to be combined in data collection.

Additional focus on key emissions sources. The Tool places special emphasis on industry, buildings, transport and waste in data collection and reporting formats. Industry, buildings and transport are high profile major emissions sources identified by city managers, while waste is another major source of emissions from cities that is less visible but a cornerstone of city GHG accounting nonetheless.

Compatible with both international and domestic standards. The Tool uses one set of data to produce multiple sets of output according to both international standards and domestic policy requirements. The Tool can produce various reporting formats including the GPC format, the Provincial inventory format, the Key area format (industry, buildings, transport and waste), the Industry format (primary, secondary, service and residential), the Emissions intensity format and the Information items. The Tool offers a GHG accounting pathway which conforms with both China’s national conditions and international standards and makes it easy for users to conduct international comparison of GHG accounting and reporting.

Reduced workload for users through automated design. The Tool provides embedded calculation formulas and default emission factors for ease of use. Users only need to collect and input activity level data if they don’t desire an in-depth understanding of the accounting methods or use customized emission factors. After data entry is completed, the Tool generates calculation results with the press of a single button. All calculation methods and default emissions factor data are described in detail in the Guide, to aid the user and promote transparency.