How to use IDEA data in Scope 3 calculations? Preparing for the future of emission amount accounting

As a result of efforts to comply with the disclosure standards set by the SSBJ and other initiatives, there has been increased activity both in Japan and overseas regarding supply chain emission amount, and the need for Scope 3 calculations is growing.

There are two ways to calculate this: by collecting 1 data (actual measurements) or by using 2 data (databases based on industry averages, etc.), but because 1 data is difficult to collect and involves a large workload, it is more common to use 2 data. There are several types of 2 data, but AIST-IDEA*¹ is used by companies that undertake volume-based calculations.

* 1 The official name will change to AIST-IDEA in April 2024.

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Essential for precise Scope 3 calculations! The AIST-IDEA database recommended by the Ministry of the Environment

Inventory database "AIST-IDEA"What is it?

Inventory data is the data that records the environmental impact generated throughout a product's life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to disposal.

AIST-IDEA, developed under the initiative of the National Institute of Advanced Industry and Technology, is a database that stores a huge amount of inventory data. It is an accumulation-based data that reflects resources and Energy at each stage of the life cycle, and the following features support its high accuracy:

[Transparency] The input and output data that forms the basis of the data are made public, and the process is designed to be visible.

[Comprehensiveness] Contains 5,600 data sets, covering almost all economic activity in Japan.

[Completeness] It is possible to evaluate 18 environmental impact areas, including ozone layer destruction and the generation of hazardous chemicals.

[Representativeness] Reflects average domestic Manufacturing methods and Service based on Japanese statistical data, including the Japan Standard Industry Classification.

As of April 2025, the AIST-IDEA version available is Ver. 3(the latest version is Ver. 3.5).

Due to the Ministry of the Environment having previously conducted a special license distribution program, many companies used coefficients from the previous generation Ver. 2 series. However, with this distribution program being discontinued and official support for Ver. 2 ending at the end of 7 2024, it is recommended that companies switch to Ver. 3.

The actual situation of Scope 3, Category 3 and 5, for which IDEA use is particularly recommended

Scope 3 covers all GHG emission amount except for Scope 1(a company's direct emissions) and Scope 2(indirect emissions from the use of purchased Energy ).

In calculating Scope 3 , which is divided into 15 categories, the Emission factor and Intensity to be used for each category are selected in accordance with national guidelines. For Category 3 and 5, it has been recommended to obtain IDEA coefficients separately and calculate them. In the latest guidelines, alternative values ​​are now published, but in light of the quality of the Emission factor, it is preferable to use the latest IDEA coefficients.

For all companies and industries
Zeroboard
A solution that calculates and visualizes GHG emission amount across the entire supply chain, and collects data between group companies and from suppliers
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What measures should be considered now?

IHow to use the DEA correctly

AIST-IDEA data is provided under a 1 year license. The Ver.2.3 (special license) distributed by the Ministry of the Environment also has a 1 year usage period, so it is necessary to correctly understand and handle the contract period and usage period.

AIST-IDEA can be renewed up to 3 months before the contract expiration date, so if you need to continue using it, be sure to renew your contract early.

It is important to continue working on Scope 3 calculations and keep track of trends. The highly reliable AIST-IDEA is an essential database for calculations, and I believe that preparing it so that it can be used correctly will be a step toward decarbonization measures with an eye to the future.

The industry's first system standard installation, "AIST AIST-IDEA Zeroboard Limited Package"

Even if you feel the need for AIST-IDEA, there are probably many people in charge who are hesitant to purchase the full package and the cost burden.

The Zeroboard limited package consists of only about 400 items that are convenient for calculating supply chain emission amount out of the IDEA database, which is usually sold as a set of about 5,300 items mainly for LCA purposes, and has been supervised by our LCA experts. The construction of a database supervised by IDEA and the standard installation of IDEA's GHG emission amount calculation tool are both industry firsts.

The preset IDEA database is automatically updated with the latest coefficients when the version is updated, making it a package that supports user companies' calculations in terms of operational efficiency as well.

Zeroboard's unique system, which specializes in governed data management, will support user companies in operating AIST-IDEA and improving data quality.

For all companies and industries
Zeroboard
A solution that calculates and visualizes GHG emission amount across the entire supply chain, and collects data between group companies and from suppliers
View Details

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[Reference source]

What are supply chain emission amount? (Ministry of the Environment)https://www.env.go.jp/earth/ondanka/supply_chain/gvc/files/SC_gaiyou_20230301.pdf

Guide to calculating supply chain emission amount using primary data - "Calculating Scope 3 emission amount that reflect reduction efforts" - (Ministry of the Environment)
https://www.env.go.jp/earth/ondanka/supply_chain/gvc/files/tools/1ji_data_v1.0.pdf

What are Scope 3 emission amount? (Ministry of the Environment)https://www.env.go.jp/earth/ondanka/supply_chain/gvc/estimate_03.html

Emission intensity for calculating greenhouse gas emissions, etc. of organizations throughout the supply chain (Ver.3.5) (Ministry of the Environment)5

Emission intensity Database (Ministry of the Environment)https://www.env.go.jp/earth/ondanka/supply_chain/gvc/estimate_05.html