# Appendix 2 - Examples of emission factor databases Many emission factors already exist and are made available in the form of emission factor databases. The most reliable databases, which are usually used in Bilan Carbone® approaches, are listed here. The [Base Empreinte®](https://base-empreinte.ademe.fr/) is a public emission factor database developed by[ADEME, French Public Agency for Ecological Transition](https://www.bilancarbone-methode.com/methode-bilan-carbone-r-en/glossary#ademe), bringing together emission factors that are relevant for the French territory. Resulting from the merger of the former Base Carbone® and Base Impact®, it is the database to be preferred in the majority of cases. This database provides quality indicators for some of its EFs. An account is required to access it; nonetheless the entire database is free. The documentation associated with the database is available directly on it. The Base Empreinte® notably offers spend-based emission factors by sector of activity, and therefore not specific to an actor or a market.

Figure xx. Typical presentation of an EF on the Base Empreinte®. Depending on their plan for uncertainties, include an EF with an uncertainty in % as well.

The different emission factors provided by the Base Empreinte® are systematically reviewed before their integration into the database, and their uncertainties are given in two forms: * In a quantitative form, via a percentage, which is for the moment provided by the user who proposed the emission factor. * In a qualitative form, via six indicators similar to those detailed [here](https://www.bilancarbone-methode.com/methode-bilan-carbone-r-en/4-accounting/4.4-method-for-estimating-uncertainties/4.4.2-how-should-they-be-determined), each rated between 1 and 5 stars The six indicators provided by the Base Empreinte® can be reused within the framework of the uncertainty calculation recommended [here](https://www.bilancarbone-methode.com/methode-bilan-carbone-r-en/4-accounting/4.4-method-for-estimating-uncertainties/4.4.2-how-should-they-be-determined). However, it is desirable to modify the score given to these indicators, in the case, for example, where you would use the emission factor of an activity in Brittany to account for the same activity in Auvergne. Indeed, the "Geographical Representativeness" indicator of the Base Empreinte® evaluates whether the LCA carried out is truly representative of the Breton territory, whereas your indicator must evaluate whether the emission factor you use is truly representative of the activity you are accounting for. In our example, even if the LCA was very good, you are using the emission factor from the wrong territory, so the geographical representativeness is therefore not "Very good". The [Agribalyse® database](https://agribalyse.ademe.fr/app/aliments?search=) is a public emission factor database co-led by ADEME, French Public Agency for Ecological Transition and INRAE, which brings together environmental indicators for agricultural and food products, including emission factors. All of the emission factors in this database are derived from life cycle analyses (LCAs). The documentation associated with this database is available [here](https://doc.agribalyse.fr/documentation/). The [INIES database](https://www.inies.fr/) is a national database gathering environmental and health data specific to products and equipment in the construction sector, including emission factors. The [ecoinvent® database](https://ecoinvent.org/) is an international emission factor database, grouping more than 18,000 EFs derived from LCAs and managed by the ecoinvent association. It is one of the most comprehensive databases; nevertheless access to this database is paid. The [negaoctet database](https://codde.fr/nos-marques/negaoctet/base-de-donnees) is an emission factor database specific to the digital sector. Part of the database is made available for free via emission factors directly integrated into the Base Empreinte®, but the rest of the database is paid. The [sectoral guides](https://bilans-ges.ademe.fr/ressources/approches-sectorielles) ADEME, French Public Agency for Ecological Transition guides generally include emission factors specific to the sector concerned, and are in general resources to use if the organisation's sector is covered by one of these guides. The sectors currently covered are: * Water and sanitation * Digital, Information and Communication Technologies * Commerce and Distribution * Mountain sector * Public works * Viticulture and winemaking sector * Finance * Bakery * Cleaning services * Chemicals * Healthcare * Spirits * Aviation professions * Furniture * Aggregate and recycling site * Cosmetics * Non-market tertiary sector * Sports federations * Agricultural and agri-food The EXIOBASE database is an international database that consolidates macro-economic data and environmental impacts, by region and by sector. It notably offers more numerous and more recent spend-based emission factors than the spend-based ratios of the Base Empreinte®.