The Emission Quantification Tool (EQT) was developed by the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) as a science-based tool designed to empower policymakers and practitioners to estimate emissions, plan climate-friendly systems, and monitor achievements. Initially launched in 2013 in collaboration with the Climate and Clean Air Coalition - Municipal Solid Waste Initiative (CCAC-MSWI), the EQT was one of the pioneering tools for measuring both greenhouse gas (GHG) and short-lived climate pollutant (SLCP) emissions in the waste sector.
Since its launch, the EQT has undergone continuous improvement based on user feedback and evolving national and global requirements. In 2018, Version II introduced significant updates to enhance functionalities and usability. The latest Version III, released in 2025 in partnership with the UNEP International Environmental Technology Centre (UNEP-IETC), includes advanced features to further support GHG and SLCP quantification at both city and national levels.
DownloadUser’s Manual - Emission Quantification Tool (EQT) for Estimating Short Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) and Other Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) from Waste Sector (PDF 2.9MB)
Introduction
Global waste generation is projected to soar to between 2.56 and 3.33 billion tonnes by 2050, posing significant climate challenges. The waste sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) and short-lived climate pollutant (SLCP) emissions, making it a critical focus area for climate action. Reducing these emissions is pivotal to achieving the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
Methane (CH₄) emissions—a potent greenhouse gas that traps 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period—from solid waste disposal sites account for a significant portion of the global methane budget and represent an urgent priority for mitigation. In addition, the prevalent open burning of waste releases SLCPs such as black carbon (BC), further exacerbating climate and air quality challenges. To address these critical issues, global initiatives like the Global Methane Pledge and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) have mobilized nations, organizations, and stakeholders to take urgent and collective action. These initiatives highlight the pivotal role of the waste sector in reducing methane
The Global Methane Pledge, signed by over 150 countries, commits to a 30% reduction in global methane emissions by 2030, recognizing the waste sector as a key area for achieving these reductions. Similarly, the CCAC has been instrumental in advancing efforts to cut SLCPs, which is crucial for slowing near-term climate warming while delivering significant health and environmental co-benefits. Beyond these, global frameworks like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 11 (Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action)—underscore the importance of sustainable waste management in mitigating climate impacts and fostering a circular economy.
The Emission Quantification Tool (EQT): Driving Climate Action in Waste Management
Accurately measuring climate pollutants at every stage of waste management is crucial for meeting global climate goals and creating sustainable policies. Science-based tools such as the EQT help policymakers and practitioners estimate emissions, track progress, and make informed decisions to reduce them.
The Emission Quantification Tool (EQT) makes this process easier. It helps users calculate methane (CH₄) and short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) like black carbon (BC) from waste management activities. By assessing baseline emissions and comparing different scenarios, EQT allows decision-makers to identify high-emission areas, set priorities, and develop effective waste management strategies that benefit the climate.
What is the Emission Quantification Tool (EQT)?
The EQT is a solid and user-friendly tool developed designed to help policymakers and practitioners in the waste sector to:
- Quantify GHG and SLCP emissions from waste management systems.
- Identify climate hotspots in current practices.
- Design and evaluate climate-friendly pathways by comparing baseline emissions with multiple future scenarios.
What are the Key Features of the EQT?
- Holistic Lifecycle Assessment: EQT quantifies emissions across all waste management phases, including potential savings from recycling and composting.
- Comprehensive Technological Coverage: Supports multiple waste treatment methods, from composting and RDF to landfilling and incineration, among others.
- Flexible & User-Friendly Design: Built in Excel with step-by-step guidance, using default or custom data for detailed pollutant analysis.
- Scenario-Based Decision Support: Compares baseline vs. alternative scenarios with visual outputs for informed waste management planning.
- Support for Data-Limited Contexts: Addresses the lack of waste management data through default values to encourage assessments and accurate annual data collection.
Why Use the EQT?
- Science-Based Decision-Making: Helps experts and policymakers meet climate goals and assess their waste management procedures.
- Accessibility: The tool is user-friendly, featuring a step-by-step guide for data entry through built-in user support and a detailed manual.
- Expert Assistance: IGES provides assistance for any clarification questions users may have regarding the tool and its use.
- Global Applicability: Designed to match local waste management contexts for application in both developed and developing countries countries.
Contact
IGES Sustainable Consumption and Production Area
Manual - English & Chinese
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