Data Dimensions & Metrics

Learn how Tracenable’s dimensional model structures GHG emissions data, with metrics for total and category-level Scope 1, 2, and 3 aligned to the GHG Protocol.

How Dimensions and Metrics Work

Tracenable datasets follow a dimensional model.

• Dimensions are the attributes you can use to analyze or slice the data. Each dataset is defined by one or more dimensions.

• Metrics are the most granular layer: each one represents a unique combination of dimension values that defines a specific data point.

This dimensional model provides a transparent and predictable way to structure data. It removes ambiguity in naming, ensures consistency across datasets, and makes it easier to understand how each metric is constructed.

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Dimensions in GHG Emissions Data

All greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data in Tracenable is organized along three core dimensions: Level, Scope, and Type. These dimensions define how emissions are categorized and reported, and every metric in the dataset is derived from their combinations.

• Level indicates whether data is reported in aggregate or broken down into categories:

  • Total - Consolidated values for Scope 1, Scope 2, or Scope 3.

  • Categories - Granular breakdowns within each scope, such as stationary combustion (Scope 1), purchased electricity (Scope 2), or business travel (Scope 3).

• Scope classifies emissions according to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol:

  • Scope 1 - Direct emissions from company-owned or controlled operations.

  • Scope 2 - Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heat, steam, or cooling.

  • Scope 3 - Other indirect emissions across the value chain, both upstream and downstream.

• Type defines how emissions are measured:

  • Absolute - Total greenhouse gases emitted, expressed in metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e).

  • Revenue Intensity - Emissions normalized by company revenue, allowing fairer comparisons across companies of different sizes and industries.

Including all three dimensions ensures that metrics are both comprehensive and flexible, making it possible to move seamlessly between high-level totals and detailed category-level insights.

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Metrics in the GHG Emissions Dataset

Metrics in the dataset are generated by combining the three dimensions: Level, Scope, and Type. This structure provides clarity on whether a metric refers to a consolidated total (e.g., Total Scope 1) or a more detailed breakdown (e.g., Categories of Scope 3).

Level	Scope	Type	Metric
Total	Scope 1	Absolute	Total Scope 1
Total	Scope 2	Absolute	Total Scope 2
Total	Scope 3	Absolute	Total Scope 3
Categories	Scope 1	Absolute	Categories of Scope 1
Categories	Scope 2	Absolute	Categories of Scope 2
Categories	Scope 3	Absolute	Categories of Scope 3
Total	Scope 1	Revenue Intensity	Total Scope 1 Revenue Intensity
Total	Scope 2	Revenue Intensity	Total Scope 2 Revenue Intensity
Total	Scope 3	Revenue Intensity	Total Scope 3 Revenue Intensity
Categories	Scope 1	Revenue Intensity	Categories of Scope 1 Revenue Intensity
Categories	Scope 2	Revenue Intensity	Categories of Scope 2 Revenue Intensity
Categories	Scope 3	Revenue Intensity	Categories of Scope 3 Revenue Intensity

For Categories of Scope X metrics, each data point is complemented by an Emissions Categories attribute. This specifies the exact source of emissions within that Scope, such as:

• stationary combustion or mobile combustion for Scope 1,

• purchased electricity or steam for Scope 2, and

• purchased goods or product use for Scope 3.

This attribute ensures clarity and context at the category level, ensuring users can see exactly which part of a company’s emissions the metric represents.

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