This tool is designed to help users understand and calculate the embedded emissions of iron, steel, and aluminium products under the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Below are the key information about the tool.
- Iron and Steel
- Aluminium
- Facility-specific measured data
- Regional emission factors
- CBAM default values
This section describes the basic input information required for calculating product-specific embedded emissions (SEE). These inputs will form the framework for subsequent emission calculations.
Bubble Approach
The bubble approach determines how the boundaries for emission calculations are defined. You need to choose whether to use the bubble approach based on your facility's actual situation.
Selection Guide
- Yes (Use Bubble Approach): Treat the entire facility as a "bubble," where all emissions are aggregated at the facility level and then allocated by product output. This is suitable when multiple production lines share emission sources.
- No (Do Not Use Bubble Approach): Account for emissions from each production process separately. This is suitable when emission sources can be clearly attributed to specific products.
Data Entry Requirements
- When selecting "Yes," ensure all relevant emission sources within the facility are included in the calculation scope
- When selecting "No," enter emission data for each production process individually
Method A: Bubble Approach
The total emissions of the entire facility are allocated proportionally based on each product's output. This method is suitable for complex production environments where emission sources are shared and difficult to attribute directly to a single product.
Method B: Process-level Accounting
Emissions are calculated separately for each production process. This method provides more accurate product-level emission data and is suitable for facilities with clear emission source boundaries.
Sector
Select the sector to which your product belongs. This calculator currently supports the following sectors:
- Iron and Steel: Including pig iron, crude steel, direct reduced iron (DRI), ferro-alloys, and various steel products
- Aluminium: Including unwrought aluminium, aluminium products, and aluminium alloys
The sector selection will determine the available aggregated goods categories and production routes.
Aggregated Goods Category
Select the "aggregated goods category" of the goods produced in this process. Please match the HS code (CN code) with the goods category.
Aggregated goods category is a product grouping defined in CBAM regulations, classifying products with similar production processes and carbon emission characteristics.
Common Categories in Iron and Steel Sector
- Pig Iron
- Crude Steel
- Direct Reduced Iron - DRI
- Ferro-alloys - FeMn, FeCr, FeNi
- Iron or Steel Products
Common Categories in Aluminium Sector
- Unwrought Aluminium
- Aluminium Products
Route Name
The production route describes the main process path from raw materials to final products. Please select the corresponding route based on the actual process used in your facility.
Main Routes in Iron and Steel Sector
- BF-BOF Route: The traditional route using blast furnace for ironmaking and basic oxygen furnace for steelmaking
- EAF Route: Route using electric arc furnace with scrap or DRI as raw materials
- DR Route: Direct reduction of iron ore using natural gas or hydrogen
Main Routes in Aluminium Sector
- Hall-Héroult Route: The standard smelting route where alumina is electrolyzed into aluminium metal
- Secondary Route: Recycling route using scrap aluminium as raw material
The route name is used to identify your production process. You can use a custom name or select a preset route.
Production Volume
Enter the production volume of this production process during the reporting period (in tonnes).
- Unit: Metric tonnes (t)
- Range: Must be a positive number
- Period: Consistent with the reporting period (usually a calendar year or a quarter)
Source streams refer to material or energy flows in the production process that cause greenhouse gas emissions. This section guides you on how to enter calculation parameters for each source stream.
Method
Select the applicable emission calculation method for each source stream. CBAM provides three standard methods:
Combustion-based Method
Applicable to emissions from fuel combustion. Calculation formula:
Where AD is fuel consumption, NCV is net calorific value, EF is emission factor, and OxF is oxidation factor.
Process-based Method
Applicable to emissions from chemical reactions (non-combustion), such as CO₂ released from limestone decomposition. Calculation formula:
Where AD is raw material consumption, EF is emission factor, and ConvF is conversion factor.
Mass Balance Method
Calculate emissions based on carbon balance of material inputs and outputs. Calculation formula:
Where AD is material quantity, CC is carbon content, and 44/12 is the molecular weight ratio of CO₂ to C.
Activity Data (AD)
Activity data refers to quantified data on materials or energy related to the source stream during the reporting period.
- Unit: Select appropriate units based on material type (e.g., t, Nm³, GJ)
- Data Source: Prioritize measured data from the enterprise's metering system
- Accuracy: Data should be obtained using calibrated metering equipment
Net Calorific Value (NCV)
Net calorific value represents the effective heat energy released when fuel is completely combusted. This parameter is only required when using the combustion-based method.
- Unit: GJ/t (solid and liquid fuels) or GJ/1000Nm³ (gaseous fuels)
- Priority: Prioritize measured values or data provided by suppliers; if unavailable, refer to the IPCC default values in the table below
IPCC Default Net Calorific Value Reference Table
| Fuel Type | Default EF (tCO₂/TJ) | Default NCV (GJ/t) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crude Oil | 73.3 | 42.3 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Orimulsion | 77.0 | 27.5 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Natural Gas Liquids | 64.2 | 44.2 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Motor Gasoline | 69.3 | 44.3 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Kerosene | 71.9 | 43.8 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Shale Oil | 73.3 | 38.1 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Gas/Diesel Oil | 74.1 | 43.0 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Residual Fuel Oil | 77.4 | 40.4 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Liquefied Petroleum Gases | 63.1 | 47.3 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Ethane | 61.6 | 46.4 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Naphtha | 73.3 | 44.5 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Bitumen | 80.7 | 40.2 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Lubricants | 73.3 | 40.2 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Petroleum Coke | 97.5 | 32.5 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Refinery Feedstocks | 73.3 | 43.0 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Refinery Gas | 57.6 | 49.5 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Paraffin Waxes | 73.3 | 40.2 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| White Spirit & SBP | 73.3 | 40.2 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Other Petroleum Products | 73.3 | 40.2 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Anthracite | 98.3 | 26.7 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Coking Coal | 94.6 | 28.2 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Other Bituminous Coal | 94.6 | 25.8 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Sub-bituminous Coal | 96.1 | 18.9 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Lignite | 101.0 | 11.9 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Oil Shale and Tar Sands | 107.0 | 8.9 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Brown Coal Briquettes | 97.5 | 20.7 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Coke Oven Coke & Lignite Coke | 107.0 | 28.2 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Gas Coke | 107.0 | 28.2 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Coal Tar | 80.7 | 28.0 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Gas Works Gas | 44.4 | 38.7 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Coke Oven Gas | 44.4 | 38.7 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Blast Furnace Gas | 260.0 | 2.47 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Basic Oxygen Furnace Gas | 182.0 | 7.06 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Natural Gas | 56.1 | 48.0 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Industrial Waste | 143.0 | n.a. | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Waste Oil | 73.3 | 40.2 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Peat | 106.0 | 9.76 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Waste Tyres | 85.0 | n.a. | WBCSD CSI |
| Carbon Monoxide | 155.2 | 10.1 | J. Falbe and M. Regitz, Römpp Chemie Lexikon, Stuttgart, 1995 |
| Methane | 54.9 | 50.0 | J. Falbe and M. Regitz, Römpp Chemie Lexikon, Stuttgart, 1995 |
| Wood/Wood Waste | 112.0 | 15.6 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Sulphite Lyes | 95.3 | 11.8 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Other Primary Solid Biomass | 100.0 | 11.6 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Charcoal | 112.0 | 29.5 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Biogasoline | 70.8 | 27.0 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Biodiesels | 70.8 | 37.0 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Other Liquid Biofuels | 79.6 | 27.4 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Landfill Gas | 54.6 | 50.4 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Sludge Gas | 54.6 | 50.4 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Other Biogas | 54.6 | 50.4 | IPCC 2006 GL |
| Municipal Waste (biomass fraction) | 100.0 | 11.6 | IPCC 2006 GL |
Emission Factor (EF)
Emission factor represents the greenhouse gas emissions per unit of activity data.
- Combustion-based Method: Unit is tCO₂/TJ, representing CO₂ emissions per terajoule of heat
- Process-based Method: Unit is tCO₂/t raw material, representing CO₂ emissions per tonne of raw material reacted
Data Source Priority
- Facility/enterprise-specific measured values
- Regional or national statistical emission factors
- IPCC default values (see reference table above)
Reference Resources
- IPCC Emission Factor Database (EFDB) — Provides default emission factors for various fuels and processes
- EU CBAM Official Page — Access the latest CBAM default values and policy updates
Other Factors
Depending on the selected method, the following additional factors may need to be entered:
Oxidation Factor (OxF)
- Applicable Method: Combustion-based method
- Definition: The proportion of carbon in fuel that is oxidized to CO₂
- Range: 0% ~ 100%
- Default Value: Usually assumed to be 100% (conservative estimate, assuming all carbon in fuel is fully oxidized)
- Note: Only use values below 100% when reliable measured data shows incomplete carbon oxidation
Conversion Factor (ConvF)
- Applicable Method: Process-based method
- Definition: The proportion of carbon in raw material that is converted to CO₂ in the chemical reaction
- Range: 0% ~ 100%
- Default Value: Usually assumed to be 100% (conservative estimate)
- Note: When the reaction is incomplete (e.g., partial limestone decomposition), the measured conversion rate can be used
Biomass Content (BioC)
- Applicable Method: All methods
- Definition: The proportion of carbon derived from biomass in fuel or raw material relative to total carbon
- Range: 0% ~ 100%
- Default Value: 0% (pure fossil fuel)
- Note: Biomass carbon emissions are recorded separately under the CBAM framework and are not counted in total fossil carbon emissions. Accurately enter this ratio when using mixed fuels containing biomass
Carbon Content (CC)
Carbon content is only required when using the mass balance method, representing the mass fraction of carbon in the material.
- Unit: tC/t material (mass fraction of carbon)
- Range: 0 ~ 1
- Purpose: Convert carbon mass to CO₂ mass through CC × 44/12
Data Source Priority
- Laboratory Analysis: Prioritize carbon content analysis results of actual material samples from certified laboratories
- Supplier Provided: Use carbon content data provided by the material supplier in quality certificates
- IPCC Default Values: When the above data is unavailable, refer to IPCC default carbon content values
Reference Resource: IPCC Emission Factor Database (EFDB) contains default carbon content values for various fuels and raw materials.
Energy emissions cover emissions related to measurable heat (steam, hot water, etc.). When the production process involves heat input or output, relevant data needs to be entered in this section.
Imports
Record measurable heat obtained from external sources during the production process. Includes the following two scenarios:
External Purchase (from outside facility boundary)
Steam, hot water, or other heat carriers purchased from external suppliers.
- Data Requirements: Heat quantity (TJ or GJ), supplier's emission factor
- Source: Invoices and emission data provided by suppliers
- Note: If the supplier cannot provide emission factors, default values can be used
Internal Transfer (from other processes within the facility)
Heat received from other production processes within the same facility.
- Data Requirements: Heat quantity (TJ or GJ), emission factor of the process generating the heat
- Source: Internal metering systems and energy management records
- Note: Ensure that the heat emissions have been accounted for in the source process to avoid double counting
Exports
Record measurable heat output to external sources during the production process. Emissions corresponding to exported heat will be deducted from the total emissions of this process.
Two Types of Exports
- External Sale: Heat sold to third parties outside the facility boundary. The heat quantity and related emissions need to be recorded, and the emission amount will be deducted from this process.
- Internal Transfer: Heat provided to other production processes within the same facility. The receiving process needs to include this heat in its "Imports".
Emission Factor (EF)
The emission factor for heat represents the greenhouse gas emissions per unit of heat generated.
Internal Source
- When heat is generated internally within the facility, the emission factor should be calculated based on actual fuel consumption and emission data for generating that heat
- Calculation Method: Total emissions corresponding to the heat ÷ Total heat output
External Source
- Prioritize using emission factors provided by the heat supplier
- If supplier data is unavailable, the following alternatives can be used:
- Average emission factor for the heating industry in the country/region
- Default values specified in Annex III of (EU) 2023/1773
Perfluorocarbon (PFC) emissions are only relevant to aluminium smelting. PFCs (mainly CF₄ and C₂F₆) are produced during anode effects in the electrolysis process. CBAM provides two calculation methods: the slope method and the overvoltage method.
Slope Method
The slope method estimates PFC emissions based on the frequency and duration of anode effects. Below is the complete four-step calculation process:
Calculate CF₄ Emission Factor
Using anode effect frequency (AEF) and duration (AED), and slope emission factor (SEF):
Where:
- SEF = Slope emission factor (kg CF₄/(t Al·AE-min/cell-day))
- AEF = Anode effect frequency (times/cell·day)
- AED = Anode effect duration (min/time)
- Result unit: t CF₄/t Al
Calculate C₂F₆ Emission Factor
C₂F₆ emissions are usually estimated as a fixed proportion of CF₄:
Where F(C₂F₆) is the mass ratio coefficient of C₂F₆ to CF₄, depending on the smelting process type.
Convert to CO₂ Equivalent
Multiply CF₄ and C₂F₆ emissions by their respective global warming potentials (GWP):
CBAM default GWP values (IPCC AR4):
- GWP(CF₄) = 6630
- GWP(C₂F₆) = 11100
Calculate Total PFC Emissions
Multiply the CO₂ equivalent emission factor by aluminium production:
Overvoltage Method
The overvoltage method estimates PFC emissions based on anode effect overvoltage during the electrolysis process. Below is the complete four-step calculation process:
Calculate CF₄ Emission Factor
Using anode effect overvoltage (AEO), current efficiency (CE), and overvoltage coefficient (OVC):
Where:
- OVC = Overvoltage coefficient (kg CF₄/(t Al·mV))
- AEO = Anode effect overvoltage (mV)
- CE = Current efficiency (%)
- Result unit: t CF₄/t Al
Calculate C₂F₆ Emission Factor
Same as the slope method, C₂F₆ is estimated as a fixed proportion of CF₄:
Convert to CO₂ Equivalent
Use GWP values to convert PFC emissions to CO₂ equivalent:
CBAM default GWP values (IPCC AR4):
- GWP(CF₄) = 6630
- GWP(C₂F₆) = 11100
Calculate Total PFC Emissions
Purchased precursors are intermediate products procured from external suppliers and consumed in the production process at this facility. The embedded emissions of precursors themselves need to be included in the total emissions of the final product.
Precursor SEE (Direct and Indirect)
The specific embedded emissions (SEE) of precursors include both direct and indirect emissions:
Direct SEE
- Definition: Greenhouse gas emissions directly produced during precursor production (tCO₂e/t precursor)
- Data Sources:
- Facility-specific data provided by supplier (preferred)
- Industry average for the country/region where the supplier is located
- Default values specified in CBAM regulations
Indirect SEE
- Definition: Indirect emissions from electricity consumption during precursor production (tCO₂e/t precursor)
- Data Sources:
- Actual electricity emission factor data provided by supplier
- Grid emission factor for the supplier's country
- Default values specified in CBAM regulations
AD Quantity
Record the quantity of purchased precursors consumed during the reporting period.
- Unit: Tonnes (t)
- Definition: The amount of precursor actually consumed in this production process (not purchase quantity)
- Notes:
- Quantity should be based on actual consumption, not purchase records
- Inventory changes need to be considered
- Ensure correspondence with the reporting period
Own precursors are intermediate products produced within the same facility (or other facilities of the same company). Unlike purchased precursors, emission data for own precursors can be calculated directly based on actual production data.
Precursor SEE (Direct and Indirect)
The specific embedded emissions (SEE) of own precursors should be calculated based on actual emission data from their production process.
Direct SEE
- Definition: Greenhouse gas emissions directly produced during precursor production (tCO₂e/t precursor)
- Data Source: Calculated based on actual monitoring data from this facility's precursor production process, including:
- All source stream emissions from precursor production process
- Energy emissions involved in precursor production process
- PFC emissions involved in precursor production process (if applicable)
- Calculation: Direct SEE = Total direct emissions from precursor production / Precursor production volume
Indirect SEE
- Definition: Indirect emissions from electricity consumption during precursor production (tCO₂e/t precursor)
- Data Source: Calculated based on actual electricity consumption and applicable electricity emission factor for the precursor production process
- Calculation: Indirect SEE = Total indirect emissions from precursor production / Precursor production volume
AD Quantity
Record the quantity of own precursors consumed in the final product production process during the reporting period.
- Unit: Tonnes (t)
- Definition: The amount of own precursor actually consumed in the final product production process
- Notes:
- Should be based on actual consumption (not production volume)
- If the precursor has multiple downstream uses, allocate usage reasonably
- Ensure consistency with the reporting period and final product production boundaries
Below are the professional terms and abbreviations commonly used in this tool to help you understand CBAM-related concepts and calculation parameters.