Defined event boundary
The event footprint boundary is agreed before the calculation is prepared, so it is clear what has and has not been included.
Methodology
Australian event carbon footprints need a documented record.
Event Carbon uses a structured approach to calculate event emissions as CO₂-e, define the agreed scope and document the assumptions behind the final footprint.
For Australian events, the calculation may use Australian National Greenhouse Accounts factors where relevant, alongside other recognised emissions factor sources where appropriate for travel, accommodation, catering, materials, waste and supplier activity.
The aim is to make final reports, certificates and carbon wording clearer, better evidenced and aligned with what has actually been assessed.
Methodology approach
Our methodology
Event Carbon follows a structured assessment process so the final footprint reflects the event location, event format, agreed boundary and available evidence.
Emissions are calculated as carbon dioxide equivalent, or CO₂-e, using activity data, relevant emissions factors and documented assumptions where needed.
For Australian events, this may include Australian National Greenhouse Accounts factors where relevant, alongside other recognised sources where needed for event-specific categories such as travel, accommodation, catering, materials, waste and supplier activity.
The output is a carbon record that explains what has been included, how the footprint has been calculated and what evidence supports the final report, certificate or carbon statement.
Activity data and factors
The footprint is calculated using available event activity data, relevant emissions factors and recorded assumptions. Factor sources are selected to match the event location and emissions source where practical.
Documented output
The final report, certificate or carbon statement is supported by calculation notes, scope notes, assumption notes and carbon credit evidence where credits are used.
Frameworks that inform the approach
The frameworks below inform how Event Carbon approaches event boundaries, greenhouse gas calculation, documentation and carbon balance evidence for Australian events.
Australian emissions factors
Australian National Greenhouse Accounts factors may be used where relevant for Australian activity data, such as energy, fuel, waste or other emissions sources.
Carbon accounting
GHG Protocol principles inform the overall carbon accounting approach, including boundaries, consistency, transparency and completeness.
GHG quantification
ISO 14064 concepts inform emissions quantification, assumptions, calculation discipline and reporting structure.
Event sustainability
ISO 20121 concepts inform event-related sustainability thinking, including how events are planned, delivered and improved over time.
Carbon neutrality
ISO 14068-1 concepts inform carbon neutral wording and the need for a documented footprint, reduction consideration and carbon credit evidence.
Carbon credits
Where carbon credits are used, Event Carbon researches and compares suitable verified projects so the options reflect the event or organisation's sustainability objectives and values, then records the selected project, recognised standard or scheme, purchase route and retirement evidence.
Credits may be purchased through project developers, registries, marketplaces, brokers or scheme-approved routes, depending on the credit type and event location. Examples may include Australian Carbon Credit Units, Verra VCS certified credits, Gold Standard certified credits, Woodland Carbon Code units or other suitable recognised routes, depending on project suitability and availability.
Credits may be purchased through project developers, registries, marketplaces, brokers or scheme-approved routes, depending on the credit type and event location. Examples may include Australian Carbon Credit Units, Verra VCS certified credits, Gold Standard certified credits, Woodland Carbon Code units or other suitable recognised routes, depending on project suitability and availability.
Reference to these frameworks does not mean every assessment is independently certified or formally assured unless this is agreed as part of the selected package.
Governance checks
Claims we avoid. Evidence we record.
We avoid
- Vague carbon neutral claimsCarbon statements are matched to the agreed event scope, data quality, calculation basis and carbon credit evidence.
- Hidden assumptionsWhere data is estimated, the assumption is recorded rather than presented as exact.
- One-size-fits-all factorsAustralian and international events may require different factor sources, units and assumptions depending on the emissions source.
- Unsupported carbon credit claimsCarbon credits are included in final carbon statements only where procurement or retirement evidence is available.
- Overstated outcomesCertificates and summaries communicate the result clearly, without inflating the environmental benefit or implying formal certification where it does not apply.
We document
- Agreed event scopeThe emissions sources covered by the event footprint, including any exclusions or estimates.
- Activity dataThe event information used for the calculation, such as travel, venue energy, catering, accommodation, materials, supplier activity or waste where included.
- Calculation basisThe emissions factors, units, assumptions and source notes used to calculate the CO₂-e footprint.
- Carbon credit evidenceThe selected project, credit route and retirement evidence where credits are arranged.
Location-based calculation approach
Australian, UK and international events may require different emissions factors, units, assumptions and carbon credit routes.
Event Carbon records the factor source and calculation approach used for each event, so the footprint reflects the agreed location, data quality and event boundary rather than being treated as one-size-fits-all.
Current position
Event Carbon is not currently ISO certified and does not provide financial or legal advice.
Calculations and carbon statements are based on the agreed event scope, available activity data, recorded assumptions, selected emissions factors and verified carbon credit evidence where included.
Who prepares your assessment
Every assessment is prepared and reviewed personally by Sophia, Event Carbon's founder, rather than generated automatically from a self-serve calculator.
Activity data is reviewed line by line before a footprint, report or certificate is finalised, so the final record reflects a considered judgement, not just an input into a formula.
See it applied
An illustrative event snapshot is available on request, showing how the methodology above translates into a footprint breakdown, reduction opportunities and a sample certificate for a specific event type.