FORM-2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 OF 1970)
AND
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
(As Amended)
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See section 10; rule 13)
“System and Method for Management of Emission Factors”
HCL Technologies Ltd., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of India, of No. 8, MTH Road, Ambattur Industrial Estate, Chennai-600 058 Tamil Nadu India.
The following specification particularly describes the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT OF EMISSION FACTORS
FIELD
The present invention relates to a novel technique for managing one or more emission factors and more particularly for measuring carbon footprint for an activity based on these emission factors
BACKGROUND
Global warming is one of the biggest issues being faced worldwide. Various approaches have been taken to tackle this slowly growing threat. Due to increasing levels of pollution due to human activity, the effects of global warming are more pronounced and difficult to contain. They have slowly become visible in most areas of life. The UN, governments of different countries and business enterprises are all trying to mitigate the effects of global warming within their areas of influence. One of the measures taken as the first step in the battle against global warming in many regions of the world has been to start measuring the carbon footprint of each entity as a result of its activities and reporting the same. The way to measure the carbon footprint is either through direct measurements using sensors or measuring it indirectly using emission factors which are based on research in various areas. Majority of the enterprises in the world are expected to measure and report their contribution towards global warming through the use of the indirect measurement approach relying on emission factors generated as a result of their activities. These emission factors are expected to be published by various local and global regulatory bodies, either from the government or global organizations like IPCC.
While the approach of indirect measurement of carbon emissions is an easy to use approach, it still poses some problems to business organizations, some of which are listed below:
• Emission factors are published periodically by regulatory bodies, resulting in a constant turnover of emission factors. Organizations have to keep track of these changes.

• Emission factors are published by the regulatory bodies in document form, making it difficult for users to incorporate them into local applications used for measuring carbon footprint.
• Mapping of the correct emission factors to the activities to increase accuracy of measurement is another challenge given the number of options available in various regions.
• A single organization can have operations spread across multiple countries, compounding the challenge of tracking and managing these emission factors.
US2008/0255899 describes various embodiments of methods and systems relating to tracking and/or managing any combination of energy consumption. GHG emissions, carbon credits and/or costs associated with one or more pieces of equipment, one or more sites, or an entire enterprise. The invention comprises of an asset database which stores emission information relating to assets of an organization and an emission tracking software which calculates emission factors for each of these.
US2010/0030608 relates to a system and method for a carbon calculator including carbon offset determination. Distance and modes of transport may be used to determine carbon emissions and carbon offsets to compensate for the carbon emissions. The calculator may also provide trade-off comparisons between alternate modes of transportation such as air, truck, train, boat and the like. The system comprises means to compute carbon emissions based on specific conditions and related emission costs. These can be stored in a database for eventual recall and use.
US 7,400, 871 teaches methods and systems of tracking enterprise gas emissions such as greenhouse gas emissions. The systems and methods relate to collecting or entering data relating to one or more emissions sources of an enterprise or an enterprise location, calculating emission totals and according to certain embodiments, generating emission reports.
However the above-stated citations only describe mere retrieval and storage of emission factor-related information in which the selection of relevant emission factor is done offline without using these systems. They do not address the above-stated difficulties. None

of these teach or disclose identification of emission factors relevant to a particular area/location/activity/time frame etc as well as classification and storage of context-specific information and recording usage of each emission factor thereby enriching the context for that emission factor and therefore producing an intelligent engine for management of such information
Thus there is a need to address these issues to improve the accuracy and quality of carbon footprint measurements reported by organizations. It will also help regulatory bodies to coordinate their efforts in ensuring the accuracy of emission factors.
The difficulties mentioned above can be overcome to a large extent through the creation of a data exchange, leveraging IT technologies. Management of this data exchange for emission factors will result in standardization of use of emission factors, helping in the efforts against global warming. Any changes and corrections can be cascaded in real time to the organizations, allowing quick course corrections.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure describes a method for updating one or more emission factors comprising the steps of classifying the emission factors based on one or more criteria at a data store, receiving a request comprising of one or more aspects describing a context, identifying one or more emission factors from the data store relevant to the request based on the aspects, recording usage of the identified emission factor, ascertaining the relevance of the identified emission factor based on the recorded usage and updating the information of the emission factor with its relevance and context.
The present disclosure introduces a new system for updating one or more emission factors comprising of data store configured to store information about the emission factors, classifier configured to classify the emission factors based on one or more criteria at the data store, receiver configured to receive one or more requests comprising of one or more aspects describing a context, identifier configured to identify one or more emission factors from the data store relevant to the request based on the aspects, recorder configured to record usage of the identified emission factor at the data store, relevance calculator configured to ascertain the relevance of the identified emission factor based on the recorded

usage and updating unit configured to update the information of the emission factor with its relevance and context
The invention provides the relevant emission factors based on the criteria through internally optimized data structures. Information on the emission factors is uploaded into the data store through both automated modes using pre-defined data structure formats for emission and manual modes. The main operations of the invention are:
- Addition of new emission factors from various sources
- Responding to queries on emission factors from dependent applications globally spread out in real time and providing the relevant emission factors that are applicable
- Provide recommendations on applicability of emission factors
- Gather feedback on use of the emission factors and profile the usage trends
The invention will therefore become a centralized data exchange for carbon emission factors and shall remove the complexity involved for business enterprises in tracking and managing emission factors relevant to them. This shall also increase the quality of measurements and reduce costs related to auditing and certification
Further this shall help in better bench marking of carbon footprints, aiding in the steps against global warming
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following is a brief description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting of the scope of the invention.
In the accompanying drawings:
Figure 1 illustrates a method for updating one or more emission factors in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a system for updating one or more emission factors in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure.
The flowchart and schematic diagrams of Figures 1-2 illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operations of some embodiments of methods, systems, devices and computer program products for the invention. In this regard, each block may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that in other implementations, the function(s) noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functionality involved.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Exemplary embodiments now will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the particular exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.
The specification may refer to "an", "one" or "some" embodiment(s) in several locations. This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.
As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "includes", "comprises", "including" and/or "comprising" when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other

features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, "connected" or "coupled" as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed items.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The figures depict a simplified structure only showing some elements and functional entities, all being logical units whose implementation may differ from what is shown. The connections shown are logical connections; the actual physical connections may be different. It is apparent to a person skilled in the art that the structure may also comprise other functions and structures. It should be appreciated that the functions, structures, elements and the protocols used in communication are irrelevant to the present disclosure. Therefore, they need not be discussed in more detail here.
Also, all logical units described and depicted in the figures include the software and/or hardware components required for the unit to function. Further, each unit may comprise within itself one or more components which are implicitly understood. These components may be operatively coupled to each other and be configured to communicate with each other to perform the function of the said unit.
Although aspects of the disclosed embodiments will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings and described below, it should be understood that these aspects could be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materials could be used
Figure 1 illustrates a method for updating one or more emission factors in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 specifically

provides a data gathering and processing flow. The details of various emission factors are entered into a data store from various sources. These are published periodically by various regulatory bodies. In a preferred embodiment, these details are uploaded using the automated mode using predefined data structure formats. In cases where direct input of emission factors is not possible, they may alternatively be entered manually. At step 101, these factors are classified based on several predefined criteria. These criteria may include activity type, subtype, applicable target devices, regions, timeframe of relevance, accuracy levels or recommendations for applicability. This classification aids identification of relevant emission factors applicable to a particular context.
The activity is triggered at step 102, when a request for identification of applicable emission factors and their information is received with respect to a defined scenario. In a preferred embodiment, these requests are received from users i.e. manually through the system. In another preferred embodiment, they are received through an interface from other carbon management systems. In a preferred embodiment, this request includes one or more aspects and their values which describe the context in which the information on emission factors is requested. These aspects may include any of activity type, activity subtype, applicable target devices, regions, timeframe of relevance accuracy levels or recommendations for applicability
At step 103, the value and context in which a particular emission factor is used is entered into the system against that emission factor to enrich its relevance data. The information for that emission factor is then updated with its relevancy in step 104. In this manner, with each entry the system holds more information and therefore is better equipped to identify the relevancy of each emission factor with respect to a given scenario. A knowledge base is built up based on this data. In a preferred embodiment, it may also be used to profile usage trends of emission factors
Figure 2 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a system for updating one or more emission factors in accordance with the present disclosure. The device is preferably a server and is connected to a network of user devices and carbon management application servers. It comprises of a data store (205) which is configured to store information pertaining to the emission factors. These details are entered into the data store from various sources and include those published periodically by various regulatory bodies. In a preferred embodiment, these details are uploaded into the data store automatically using predefined data structure

formats. In cases where automatic input is not possible, they may alternatively be entered manually.
The data store (205) receives input from the classifier (207) which is configured to classify the emission factors based on several predefined criteria. These criteria may include activity type, subtype, applicable target devices, regions, timeframe of relevance, accuracy levels or recommendations for applicability. This classification aids identification of relevant emission factors applicable to a particular context.
A receiver (201) is configured to receive requests through an interface. In a preferred embodiment, these requests comprise of one or more aspects describing a context and are for identification of applicable emission factors. The information received is with respect to a defined scenario. In a preferred embodiment, these requests are received from users i.e. manually through the system. In another preferred embodiment, they are received through an interface from other carbon management systems and applications. In a preferred embodiment, this request includes one or more aspects and their values which describe the context in which the information on emission factors is requested. These aspects may include any of activity type, activity subtype, applicable target devices, regions, timeframe of relevance accuracy levels or recommendations for applicability
The identifier (206) receives input from the receiver (201) and is configured to identify one or more emission factors from the data store (205) relevant to the request based on the received aspects.
The receiver (201) is also configured to receive usage data pertaining to a stored emission factor. In a preferred embodiment, the usage data comprises of the value and context in which a particular emission factor is used. The receiver (201) is connected to the recorder (202) which is configured to enter it into the system against that emission factor to enrich its relevance data. In a preferred embodiment, the recorder (202) is also configured ti profile the usage trends of emission factors. The relevance calculator (203) is receives input from the recorder (202) and is configured to update the information for that emission factor with its relevancy using the updating unit (204)
As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the present invention may be embodied as a method, system, or computer program product. Accordingly, the present

invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, a software embodiment or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects all generally referred to herein as a "circuit" or "module." Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-usable storage medium having computer-usable program code embodied in the medium.
Any suitable computer readable medium may be utilized including hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, a transmission media such as those supporting the Internet or an intranet, or magnetic storage devices.
Computer program code for carrying out operations of the present invention may be written in an object oriented programming language such as Java®, Smalltalk, C++, Objective C and C#. However, the computer program code for carrying out operations of the present invention may also be written in conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language and/or a lower level assembler language. The Programming code can be any action scripts such as Flash, Flex, JavaFX or SilverLight. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer (i.e., controller of the user's mobile terminal), partly on the user's computer, as a stand- alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).
Furthermore, the present invention was described in part above with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention.
It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts

specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer- readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed exemplary embodiments of the invention. Although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined by the following claims:

We claim:
1. A method for updating one or more emission factors, comprising the steps of:
- classifying the emission factors based on one or more criteria at a data store;
- receiving a request comprising of one or more aspects describing a context;
- identifying one or more emission factors from the data store relevant to the request based on the aspects;
- recording usage of the identified emission factor;
- ascertaining the relevance of the identified emission factor based on the recorded usage and
- updating the information of the emission factor with its relevance and context;

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the criteria comprises one or more of activity type, activity sub-type, applicable target devices, regions, timeframe of relevance, accuracy levels and recommendations for applicability
3. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the aspects comprise one or more of activity type, activity sub-type, applicable target devices, regions, timeframe of relevance, accuracy levels and recommendations for applicability
4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein information on emission factors is uploaded at the data store through automated modes using pre-defined data structure formats
5. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein information on emission factors is uploaded at the data store manually
6. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising the step of profiling usage trends of emission factors
7. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the requests are received from one or more associated applications
8. A method as claimed in claim 1, comprising the step of updating the information of the emission factor with its usage data

9. A method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the relevance of the emission factor is based on its usage
10. A system for updating one or more emission factors, comprising of:

- data store configured to store information about the emission factors;
- classifier configured to classify the emission factors based on one or more criteria at the data store;
- receiver configured to receive one or more requests comprising of one or more aspects describing a context;
- identifier configured to identify one or more emission factors from the data store relevant to the request based on the aspects;
- recorder configured to record usage of the identified emission factor at the data store;
- relevance calculator configured to ascertain the relevance of the identified emission factor based on the recorded usage; and
- updating unit configured to update the information of the emission factor with its relevance and context;

11. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the criteria comprises one or more of activity type, activity sub-type, applicable target devices, regions, timeframe of relevance, accuracy levels and recommendations for applicability
12. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the aspects comprise one or more of activity type, activity sub-type, applicable target devices, regions, timeframe of relevance, accuracy levels and recommendations for applicability
13. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein information on emission factors is uploaded at the data store through automated modes using pre-defined data structure formats
14. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein information on emission factors is uploaded at the data store manually

15. A system as claimed in claim 10, comprising the recorder is configured to profile the usage trends of emission factors
16. A system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the requests are received from one or more associated applications
17. A system as claimed in claim 10, comprising the updating unit is configured to update the information of the emission factor with its usage data
18. A system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the relevance of the emission factor is based on its usage

Dated this 18th day of January 2011

Of Anand and Anand Advocates Agents for the Applicant