Purchasing Data Update Information

Purchasing Data Update

In July 2024, we updated the purchasing data version in SIMAP to align with the EPA's most recent release of factors from their Environmentally Extended Input-Output (EEIO) database. Version 1.2 includes updated emission factors based on 2021 dollars and new categories based on the 2017 version of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).

The EPA recently restructured how they categorize their EEIO purchasing data emission factors (see information on version 1.2), and they will continue to use this format in the future. The categories sort the type of purchased good or service in order to apply an appropriate emission factor. In order to facilitate methodological consistency into the future, we have incorporated this valuable update into SIMAP. However, this also means that users with existing purchasing data in SIMAP will need to manually recategorize that data in order to use the new method moving forward. 

We have developed a process to help expedite this recategorization. It involves updating an Excel template with the new categories. 

Transferring your purchasing data

Please follow the steps below to transfer your purchasing data to the new version:

  1. Navigate to the Export Data page, select the appropriate campus (for Tier 2 accounts only), and click 'Export your Data and EFs.'
    • Note that it will take several minutes to download because the export must gather all the data in your account into CSV files. Refresh the page if the export takes too long.
  2. Once downloaded, locate and open the PurchasingData CSV.
  3. Copy the data from columns A-H and paste them into columns A-H of the Purchasing Data Update Excel Excel document. Do not edit any data in columns A-H, otherwise your data will not upload properly.
  4. In the 'Destination' column of the PurchasingDataUpdate Excel, choose a new category for each data point. You can review the full list of sources on the purchasing data categories page to choose which category will best fit each data point. Be sure to save periodically so you don't lose your progress. 
    • Here are some examples of common category changes:
      • Air transportation: Average > Air Transportation: Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation
      • Farms: Fresh fruits and tree nuts > Crop Production: Fruit and Tree Nut Combination Farming
      • Food and beverage and tobacco products: Packaged poultry > Food Manufacturing: Poultry Processing
  5. Once you have selected a destination for all your data points, navigate to the Import Data page, select the radio button next to 'Purchasing Data sources update,' click 'Choose file' and select the file, then click 'upload.'
  6. Your data should now be moved to the new version. 
    • If you want to make sure all your data was moved, you can check the All Purchasing Data page to make sure no entries remain.
  7. On the Calculation Sources and Methods page, go to the Purchasing Data Version drop down, switch to the 'NAICS' version, and click 'save.'
  8. Now, all your Purchasing data should be visible in the appropriate scope 3 categories on the Data Entry tab with new 'Category' and 'Source' listings. 

Please note that this process only moves your purchasing data from the old version to the new version. This process and Excel file CANNOT be used to upload new purchasing data. 

Email simap@unh.edu with any questions about the purchasing data update.