Submissions:2019/WikiCarbon Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Database

Due to limited space, WikiConference North America 2019 unfortunately could not accommodate this submission in its program this year.
Please check out our Unconference for opportunities to present and share there.

Etherpad

Title:

WikiCarbon Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Database

Theme:

Reliability of Information

Type of session:

Workshop

Abstract:

WikiCarbon is launching a MediaWiki under a free license for the public domain that will enable the public to compile carbon emissions data on all goods and services (products). We chose a MediaWiki because this platform enables us to maximize all of the following: Reliability, transparency, and accessibility.

Currently, there is no comprehensive, consolidated product carbon footprint (PCF) database -- for all products being sold – that is readily available to consumers; and which enables reliable PCF cross-comparison. Multiple institutions and organizations have compiled various types of emissions datasets[1]; however, they have not focused on PCFs and/or are not delivering the PCFs via a platform that enhances accessibility and reliability.

WikiCarbon has determined that a product carbon footprint (PCF) database is the most relevant type of database/dataset for individuals to: Inform themselves about the emissions intensity of various lifestyle choices. Consumers interact with products every day (e.g., food, beverage, transportation, electronics, etc.), and products are often the single/primary point of exchange between a company and a consumer. As such, PCFs are a great place to start this dialogue (conversation).

A MediaWiki dedicated to compiling PCF data is very much in-line with the Wikimedia Foundation’s mission(s) to disseminate educational content globally. While the singular focus of WikiCarbon currently is compiling PCF emissions data: Other types of emissions data, and/or other environmental data, can and may be made available on WikiCarbon – including educational content like alternative methods for cross-comparison, embodied emissions, emissions and energy, etc.

In the presentation, WikiCarbon will address topics including: (1) Benefit(s) to consumers from a Product-focus; (2) What a MediaWiki provides that other platforms do not or cannot; (2) How we can scale compilation in rapid sequence; and (4) How a MediaWiki facilitates, above all, data reliability (see: Rule 6: Cite, cite, cite).

We would like to discuss with the audience: Strengths and weaknesses of a MediaWiki; improving data reliability (verification); other potential affiliates, in addition to Wikipedia; best ways to attract contributors; how we can support and/or collaborate with Wikimedia editors; and to answer any questions from the audience.

Sincerely, Alexander

[1] National and/or global emissions (World Bank, OECD, WRI, etc.); Third-party life cycle and emissions factors (IPCC, Athena Institute, Bath Inventory (ICE), Defra, Ecoinvent, etc); Corporate emissions (Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) the most established); and Other datasets (https://www.carbonfootprint.com/; Appropedia, https://www.appropedia.org/Welcome_to_Appropedia).

Academic Peer Review option:

No

Author name:

Alexander G. Frantzen

E-mail address:

frantzen.alexanderprotonmail.com

Wikimedia username:

WikiCarbon

Affiliated organization(s):

Estimated time:

10-15 minutes presentation; the remainder for discussion.

Preferred room size:

20-40

Special requests:

None.

Have you presented on this topic previously? If yes, where/when?:

No.

If your submission is not accepted, would you be open to presenting your topic in another part of the program? (e.g. lightning talk or unconference session)

Yes.