Does the solid waste calculation in the Emissions Tracker account for the life cycle emissions of materials?
The solid waste calculator in the Emissions Tracker uses the IPCC first order decay model and calculates the estimated annual direct emissions from waste disposal sites. This is just the CH4 and N2O emitted at the sites as the waste decomposes, net of any flaring or methane capture. Other waste models, such one from US EPA and in the ICLEI CACPS software calculate the lifecycle emissions of waste, rather than just the emissions of the landfill. Therefore, a city who uses both the CACPS software and 2 Degrees might find very different results for waste. The method in the 2 Degrees Emissions Tracker is recommended by IPCC and the ICLEI International Protocol. More information about the solid waste calculations in the Emissions Tracker can be found in the help file on the site.
