Estimation Methods

Introduction

The Validere platform allows users to apply multiple estimation methods to equipment or flow, enabling customers to control the approach for calculations of estimated emissions and volumes from underlying operational data. 

Users can select the estimation method from a comprehensive calculations library based on the protocol, activity type, and method to match the jurisdictional requirements. Users can verify the accuracy of the chosen quantification method by viewing the equation formulas, inputs, and linked source documentation, further improving transparency and auditability.

Add an estimation method to a piece of Equipment

  1. Go to the Equipment view under Organization in the Navigation bar.

    Select the equipment piece to which you would like to apply the estimation method from the table, which will take you to the Detail page for that specific piece of equipment.

  2. Select the Estimation Method tab.
  3. Click on Add Estimation Method. 

  1. Populate Estimation Method details: 
  • Name the estimation method.
  • Select the calculator from the calculations library. Additional fields will pop up based on the calculator chosen. 
  • Fill out the additional fields. 
  • Assign to a Reporting Scenario, if applicable. Reporting scenarios are used to classify the results under some context. Reporting Scenarios are often used to identify regulatory obligations or sustainability goals (e.g., TIER, GHGRP, Scope 2, Corporate Sustainability). 

  1. Click the Submit button in the bottom right to save the estimation method. 

Edit an estimation method

  1. Go to the Estimation Method view under Calculations in the Navigation bar or through the Equipment Estimation Method Tab.
  2. Select the estimation method that you would like to edit. You can locate the estimation method piece by browsing pages or using the saved filters.
  3. Click on Edit. 
  4. Modify the name or associated reporting scenarios. 


Delete an estimation method

  1. Go to the Estimation Method view under Calculations in the Navigation bar or through the Equipment Estimation Method Tab.
  2. Select the estimation method that you would like to delete. You can locate the estimation method piece by browsing pages or using the saved filters.
  3. Click Delete. 
  4. Deleting an estimation method will delete all associated calculation results. Verify you want to delete the estimation method, and click Delete.


Configure input sourcing on an estimation method

Input sourcing allows you to define where the calculator input should come from. For example, source the operating hours for a pneumatic device estimation method from the facility's operating hours. To do this, you must define the source asset, measurement type, and reporting scenario of the source record. 

  1. Select the equipment piece or flow and navigate to the Estimation Methods tab. 
  2. Click on the estimation method and toggle to the Configuration tab. The Configuration tab will display all applicable inputs in the table. 

  1. Navigate to the right side of the row until you see the three dots. Click on the icon and select Set Source.
  2. A pop-up window will appear to specify: 
    1. Asset Type
    2. Asset Name
    3. Measurement Type
    4. Reporting Scenario

  1. Repeat for each input on the estimation method.

Configure default values on an estimation method

Default values can be configured per input on an estimation method and applied during execution. Default values are values you want to be held consistent and use month over month in your calculations. To configure a default value:

  1. Select the equipment piece or flow and navigate to the Estimation Methods tab. 
  2. Click on the estimation method and toggle to the Configuration tab. The Configuration tab will display all applicable inputs in the table. 

  1. Navigate to the right side of the row until you see the three dots. Click on the icon and select Define Default Value. 
  2. A pop-up window will appear to define the default value.

  1. Click Save.

Apply Configuration to an Estimation Method

  1. Select the equipment piece or flow and navigate to the Estimation Methods tab. 
  2. Click on the estimation method and toggle to the Calculations tab.
  3. Click on the Apply Configuration button.
    1. This action will check the input sourcing to see if a record value exists. If a record value does exist, the calculator input will be populated with this value. If the source record is in a different unit than the calculator unit, the value will be converted to be displayed in the unit of the calculator.
    2. If no record value is found, it will check if a default value is configured if no record value is found. If a default value is configured, it will apply the value to the calculator input.
  4. Input values from a record will have an associated hyperlink and default values, and manually entered values will not have a link.


Execute Calculations

  1. Go to the Estimation Method detail view and navigate to the Calculation Tab.
  2. Check to ensure all required fields are populated using the optional tab for each input field.
  3. If all inputs are provided, you can click the Calculate button.


Last updated: Jan 10, 2024