Open and Linked Data Model for Carbon Footprint Scenarios

TL;DR

This paper introduces an open, linked data model for carbon footprint scenarios to enhance transparency, reusability, and understanding of complex assumptions, demonstrated through a web-based prototype.

Contribution

It proposes a novel open and linked data framework for modeling carbon footprint scenarios, addressing challenges of complexity and adaptability.

Findings

Improved data transparency and quality

Enhanced reusability of scenarios

Prototype demonstrates practical implementation

Abstract

Carbon footprint quantification is key to well-informed decision making over carbon reduction potential, both for individuals and for companies. Many carbon footprint case studies for products and services have been circulated recently. Due to the complex relationships within each scenario, however, the underlying assumptions often are difficult to understand. Also, re-using and adapting a scenario to local or individual circumstances is not a straightforward task. To overcome these challenges, we propose an open and linked data model for carbon footprint scenarios which improves data quality and transparency by design. We demonstrate the implementation of our idea with a web-based data interpreter prototype.