Definition of Secondary Data

In carbon accounting, secondary data is collected data that is not generated by the organization but can be obtained from other databases, published works, and or research. These datasets are available to approximate GHG emissions in situations where primary data (precise, collected data) cannot be obtained or is too costly. Secondary data sources include industry averages, government statistics, scientific literature, or third-party emission factors from reliable sources such as DEFRA, EPA, or IPCC.  

What is Secondary Data ?

Secondary data are those data that are gathered externally rather than captured through measurement or observation of the organizational system. It is usually accumulated or normalized and can be obtained from public data repositories, some kind of databases, articles, or other publications primarily from the field of business. Secondary data is very significant when it is impossible, difficult, or expensive to collect primary data.

Scope of Secondary Data

Secondary data in carbon accounting refers to a vast area of information used to estimate the emissions of GHG and carbon footprints. It is primarily used in:

• Scope 3 emissions: Especially for the scope 3 emissions relevant to activities in the value chain or other processes not directly linked to the company.
• Emission factors: For the objective of identifying emission intensities of a particular activity, process or energy consumption.
• Life cycle assessment (LCA): Enabling more comprehensive evaluations of environmental effects on a range of products within their life cycle.
• Industry benchmarks: Providing competitive benchmarks that enable users to compare their levels of performance with those of the sector.

Types of Secondary Data 

1. Emission Factors: Data that represents the average emissions produced per unit of activity, such as CO2 emissions per kilowatt-hour of electricity. Common sources include databases like eGRID, DEFRA, or IPCC.
2. Activity Data: Quantitative information on organizational activities, such as the amount of purchased goods or the volume of materials transported.
3. Market Data: Information about market averages, industry standards, and regional statistics that help in estimating emissions for specific sectors.
4. Energy Mix Data: Insights into the energy sources used in electricity grids, helping to estimate emissions from electricity consumption.
5. Material and Process Data: Data for production processes, raw materials, and transportation to calculate carbon footprints.

Features of Secondary Data 

• Cost-Effectiveness: Secondary data reduces the need for expensive direct measurements or surveys.
• Standardization: Offers widely accepted and standardized emission factors and benchmarks for uniformity.
• Ease of Access: Available through public, governmental, or industrial sources.
• Accuracy Limitations: May lack specificity to a particular organization or activity, leading to potential inaccuracies.
• Supplementary Role: Often complements primary data, especially when granular or location-specific data is not available.

FAQs

Q1: Why is secondary data important in carbon accounting?

Secondary data is critical for assessing emissions in cases where primary data collection is impractical or too expensive. It supports Scope 3 reporting, emission factor calculation, and life cycle assessments by providing standardized datasets.

Q2: Can secondary data replace primary data in carbon accounting?

While secondary data is helpful, it cannot fully replace primary data due to its limitations in specificity and accuracy. It is often used in combination with primary data to enhance the completeness of carbon accounts.