Calculation Methodology

About the App

The WC3 App is a tool for quantifying the upfront embodied carbon of civil works projects, covering life cycle stages A1 to A5 (Product, Transport, and Construction). The calculation is based on a direct, quantity-based methodology where user-defined quantities are multiplied by a corresponding Embodied Carbon Factor (EC Factor) to determine the total impact in kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kg CO₂e).

A key feature of this calculator is its ability to model the impact of fleet electrification. It automatically applies the correct calculation logic based on the energy source selected (e.g., diesel fuel or grid electricity), providing a clear comparison between conventional and electric-powered plant and haulage.

Module Details

• A1-A3 Materials: Calculated based on the mass or volume of the material, with the option to apply default or custom materials, or use an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) override.
• A4 Haulage: For diesel vehicles, emissions are based on tonne-kilometres (t.km). For electric vehicles, emissions are based on the vehicle's energy consumption (kWh/t.km) and the carbon intensity of the selected electricity grid.
• A5 Construction: For diesel plant, emissions are based on activity time and fuel consumption rates (L/hr). For electric plant, emissions are based on activity time, equipment energy consumption (kWh/hr), and the carbon intensity of the selected electricity grid. For Earthworks, emissions are derived from pre-defined productivity factors (L/m³ or kWh/m³) applied to the activity volume.

Notes & Limitations

• This calculator is a decision-making tool for comparing design scenarios. The accuracy of the output is directly dependent on the quality of the input data.
• The scope is intentionally focused on upfront carbon (A1-A5) and excludes operational stages (B1-B7), end-of-life stages (C1-C4), and Module D.
• Calculations for A4 Haulage and A5 Construction activities (including Earthworks) rely on pre-defined, industry-average productivity and consumption rates which may not reflect specific on-site conditions.
• Default emission factors are indicative and intended for early-stage design comparison. For final reports, project-specific EPDs should be used wherever possible.