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GHG inventory targeted data collection strategies and software tools

11am, July 23rd, 2015

As part of its national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory capacity building program, the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) is helping developing countries develop data collection strategies and software tools to improve their GHG inventory practices.

Developing GHG inventories is an essential first step toward managing emissions. EPA assists developing countries–to improve their capacity to estimate and track their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A complete and transparent national GHG inventory is an essential tool for understanding emissions and trends, projecting future emissions and identifying sectors for cost-effective emission reduction opportunities.

EPA provides technical assistance in collecting data, developing analytical methods, and documenting the inventory process so that countries can continue to build upon their efforts for the future.

Tools and technical assistance include:

  • Working with inventory compilers to document their national inventory systems using the National System Templates, which facilitates identification of key gaps and areas for targeted assistance.
  • Collaborating with countries to obtain and process high-quality satellite data and aerial imagery needed to implement IPCC land-use methodologies.
  • Training country experts on the ALU (Agriculture and Land-Use National GHG Inventory) software tool, enabling countries to estimate emissions and removals from all AFOLU categories.

EPA also assists countries to overcome data collection barriers and enhance their capacity to transition to higher-tier methods for key categories There are two general parts to this approach:

  • Identification of data needs and strategies: EPA works with national experts to identify critical data needs for applying the IPCC methods and then assists them with assembling the data.
  • Software tools: EPA has supported the development of software tools that simplify the task of estimating emissions from agriculture, land-use change and forestry, and solid waste.

For more information see the program website.

For more information on the ALU software tool, click here.

Institutions Involved

  • US Environmental Protection Agency
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