Published on September 14, 2023, this report by Andrew Hoffmeister, Pavitra Srinivasan, Avi Mersky, and Ethan Taylor of ACEEE investigates a modeling approach that seeks to refine carbon emissions calculations. The approach involves the application of information and communication technology (ICT) and calculations based on the net positive carbon handprint methodology. A positive carbon handprint accounts for emissions reductions across a product’s life cycle. Two use cases are considered: management of electric grids and electric vehicles. The proposed model can also be applied to other use cases. The main takeaway is that handprints provide a more comprehensive understanding of carbon emissions and represent an important step toward more accurate attribution.

Keywords: Architecture/Engineering, Climate Change, Cloud & Data Analytics, Communications, Connected/ EV Vehicles, Construction/New Buildings, Energy Efficiency/Management, HVAC & Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), Internet of Things (IoT), Natural Gas, Processors/Semiconductors, Protocols/Standards, Renewable Energy, Smart Grid, System Integrator, Utilities