What we calculate
Embedded emissions represent the greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing one unit of a CBAM-covered product, expressed as emissions intensity (e.g. tCO₂ per tonne), for the specific functional unit of that product. Generally this is considered to be the CN Code for aluminium or steel products.
Installations can use our Installation Module in order to prepare their EU CBAM emissions intensities via the CarbonChain platform.
What goes into the calculation (high level)
Activity data
Fuel consumption
Process emissions
Electricity use (where relevant)
Emission factors and conversions
Standardised conversion logic
Consistent treatment of units and periods
Allocation rules
Applied where multiple products share emissions
Based on documented allocation keys
Precursor/input handling
Supplier-specific emissions where available
Clearly labelled assumptions where not
The exact same dataset is used in order to inform the benchmarks. There are precursor- and process-specific benchmarks that are used, alongside a mass adjustment index factor for the precursor inputs.
What CarbonChain stores for auditability
Source files and upload history
Timestamps and dataset versions
User actions (upload, publish, export)
Approval and publishing metadata
This ensures that every reported value is traceable and reproducible.
Important comparison tip
When comparing suppliers:
Same product form
Same production route
Same reporting period
Differences outside these controls often reflect boundary or data scope differences, not real performance.