5. Cut-Off Criteria

Emvide ensures a comprehensive approach to lifecycle assessment (LCA) and Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) analysis by minimising exclusions and capturing all significant inputs and outputs within the defined system boundary. This section outlines the cut-off criteria applied in studies, providing clarity on inclusions, exclusions, and the methodology for handling minor flows.

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Overview of Cut-Off Criteria

Cut-off criteria refer to thresholds used to determine whether specific inputs, processes, or outputs are included in the system boundary. Emvide leverages its AI-powered architecture to reduce the reliance on arbitrary cut-offs by processing all available data efficiently and accurately.

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Default Approach in Emvide

Inclusion by Default

• All explicitly defined resources and processes are included in the analysis.

• Organisational overheads (e.g., general office energy use) are excluded unless specified by the user.

• Completeness is maintained through Emvide's ability to process complex datasets efficiently.

Dynamic Processing

• Emvide’s common process model automatically incorporates all significant flows without requiring manual thresholds for exclusion.

• Minor flows that do not significantly impact results are still documented, providing transparency.

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Specific Exclusions

While Emvide strives for completeness, certain exclusions may occur. These are:

• Overheads or Ancillary Inputs: Non-specific items not directly tied to the product lifecycle.

• User-Specified Omissions: Processes or materials explicitly excluded by the report issuer.

Any exclusions are:

1. Clearly noted in the relevant sections of the report.

2. Documented with justification in the appendix to maintain transparency.

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Assumptions for Minor Inputs

In cases where inputs are too small or difficult to quantify, assumptions may be applied:

• Proxy Data: Similar processes or materials are used as a stand-in for unquantified inputs.

• Assumption-Based Modelling: Generalised emissions factors are applied based on industry averages.

These assumptions are:

• Documented explicitly in the report.

• Verified for consistency and alignment with international standards.

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Completeness by Design

Emvide is designed to process all components efficiently, ensuring that:

• The need for arbitrary exclusions is minimised.

• Minor inputs are accounted for through systematic proxy or assumption-based methods.

This approach ensures that the final analysis is as comprehensive and accurate as possible, with transparency maintained throughout.

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Compliance with Standards

Emvide’s cut-off criteria align with:

• ISO 14067: Ensures that all significant flows contributing to the carbon footprint are captured.

• ISO 14040/44: Completeness is a core principle, and cut-off criteria are only applied with clear justification.

• GHG Protocol Product Standard: Emphasises the inclusion of all significant greenhouse gas emissions within the defined boundary.

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Reporting of Exclusions

All exclusions are documented in:

• Lifecycle Inventory (LCI): Specific nodal points highlight excluded resources or processes.

• Appendix: Detailed justifications and assumptions for excluded items are provided for full transparency.

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Benefits of Emvide’s Approach

1. Minimised Exclusions: Ensures that all relevant data is included for a robust and transparent analysis.

2. Efficiency: AI-powered processing reduces the manual burden of applying traditional cut-off thresholds.

3. Flexibility: Users can tailor exclusions as needed while maintaining alignment with best practices.

4. Transparency: All exclusions and assumptions are fully documented, supporting stakeholder confidence.

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Further Reading

• Methodological Approach
• Data Collection and Quality Assurance
• Standards and Compliance