WC3 Carbon App

Understanding A1-A5

WC3 is an "upfront" carbon calculator, which means it focuses on the A1-A5 lifecycle stages as defined by international standards like EN 15978. This scope covers all emissions generated from the raw material extraction ("cradle") up to the point of the project's completion ("practical completion").

These stages are:

• A1-A3: Product Stage: All "cradle-to-gate" emissions from raw material supply, transport to the factory, and manufacturing of the products (e.g., concrete, pipes, steel, asphalt).

• A4: Transport Stage: Emissions from transporting the finished products from the factory gate to your project site.

• A5: Construction Stage: All emissions generated from on-site construction and installation processes, including fuel for earthworks, energy for paving, and general site power.

By focusing on A1-A5, the app provides a comprehensive and actionable assessment of the embodied carbon you have direct control over before the project becomes operational.

1. Getting Started: Your First Project

Your "workspace" is centered around the header at the top of the page.

1. Create an Account: All work is tied to an account. Sign up or log in via the initial modal to access the app.

2. Name Your Project: Click on the "Untitled Project" text to give your project a unique name. This name will be used for your exports and reports.

2. Data Entry Workflow

You can populate your project in two primary ways:

Option A: Automated Import

This is the fastest way to get started and is available to all users.

1. From Civil Site Design (CSD): In your CSD software, generate the "WC3 Export." This creates a .json file.

2. From a Previous WC3 Save: Use a .json file you previously saved using the "Export Project" button.

3. Import the File: In the WC3 App header, click the "Import Project" button. This will overwrite your current workspace. Select your .json file, and the app will automatically populate all tabs with your project data.

4. Review Your Data: Your model is now 90% complete. You must still review the imported data and select your desired Energy Sources in the A4 and A5 tabs to complete the calculation.

Option B: Manual Data Entry

Use the main tabs to navigate through the project stages and enter your quantities manually.

3. A1-A3 Materials Tab

This is where you will input all the physical materials for your project.

1. To add a material: Click the "Add [Item] Row" button at the bottom of a section (e.g., "Add Pavement Layer").

2. Data Entry: Fill in the white cells. The grey cells are auto-calculated.

3. Pro Tip: Use the Duplicate Row button (two squares icon) to quickly copy a row with similar data.

4. Using an EPD: Click the "EPD" button on any row to override the default material data with your own verified EPD factors.

4. A4 Transport Tab

This tab calculates the emissions from hauling materials. The calculations are based on the masses you entered in the A1-A3 tab and the distances you set here.

Transport Mode: Select your primary haulage vehicle (e.g., "Articulated Truck").

Energy Source:

• To use the standard diesel calculation (t.km), select "Diesel Fuel".

• To use the electric calculation (kWh/t.km), select your state's electricity grid (e.g., "Electricity: NSW/ACT") or "Renewable Energy".

Distances: Enter the one-way distances from your suppliers to the project site. The app will automatically calculate the full return journey.

5. A5 Construction Tab

This tab calculates the emissions from on-site construction activities. It is split into three sections.

Earthworks

1. Select your Energy Source (Diesel or Electric).

2. The table header will dynamically update to show "Total Fuel (L)" or "Total Energy (kWh)".

3. Enter the Volume (m³) (in-situ) for your Cut/Fill activities. The app will use hidden productivity factors to automatically calculate the total fuel or energy consumed.

Construction Activities (Trenching & Pavement)

This section is auto-calculated based on your inputs in the A1-A3 tab.

• For every "Pipe" you add, a "Trenching" activity is created.

• For every "Pavement" layer you add, a "Grading & Compaction" activity is created.

• The fuel/energy consumption is determined by the "Energy Source" dropdown at the top of this section.

General Site Activities

This section is for manually adding other on-site emissions.

1. Select an "Energy Source" (e.g., "Diesel Fuel" or "Electricity: NSW/ACT").

2. The "Unit" column will update automatically.

3. Enter the total Quantity (L or kWh) of energy used for that activity (e.g., "Site Office Power").

6. Analysing Your Results

As you add data, your results are calculated in real-time on the "Summary" and "Comparison" tabs.

Summary Tab

This is your main project dashboard.

• KPI Cards: At the top, you'll see the high-level totals for A1-A3, A4, and A5, giving you an instant overview.

• AI Analysis (Pro Feature): Click the "AI Analysis" button (in the header) to get a plain-English summary of your results, key hotspots, and data anomalies, which will appear in this section.

• Carbon Breakdown Chart: A doughnut chart showing the carbon contribution of each main category.

• Results by Category: A detailed list showing the percentage and total CO₂e for each category, with an in-line bar chart for a quick visual scan.

• Top 5 Contributors: A ranked list of the specific materials driving your carbon footprint.

Comparison Tab

This tab allows you to compare different design options head-to-head.

• Save a Scenario: First, go to the "Manage Scenarios" button in the header and save your current project as "Scenario A."

• Make Changes: Go back to the A1-A3 or other tabs and make your design changes (e.g., swap a material, change a transport distance).

• Select & Compare: Go to the Comparison tab. Select "Scenario A" in the first dropdown and your "Current Project" in the second.

• Analyse: The tab will instantly update with a grouped bar chart and a detailed table showing the raw kg CO₂e difference and the % difference for every category, allowing you to clearly see and report on the savings.