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This page describes the changes that have been implemented in the Emerald EcoLabel tool. The most recent
changes are shown first.
Ecolabel Simulator
May 31, 2024
Version 2.2.0
Implements new workflow to support Ecolabel Simulator
- Added the Emerald Ecolabel Simulator to the EcoLabel tool.
- Added the ability to create and manage Ecolabel Simulator licenses.
- Added new management interface for suppliers.
- Added address geocoding for suppliers.
Minor updates
January 26, 2024
Version 2.1.1
- Added the ability to append alphanumeric characters to the PG grade of the binder in the Mixes data entry page.
- Added a 'Sold with packaging' checkbox in the Mixes data entry page. EPDs cannot be developed for mixes sold with packaging.
- Added 'Anti-strip Agent - Portland cement' as an Ingredient Type for Mix Additives.
- Changed the way Ingredient drop-downs are displayed in the Mix data entry page to the format '[Supplier] - [Ingredient Type] - [Ingredient Name].
- Added documentation upload functions for the Mix Design (in the Mixes page), Waste (in the Plants page), and SDS (in the Organization Details -> SDS page).
- Added upstream EPD for Surface Tech AQU Aramid Fibers
Portable Plants
November 5, 2023
Version 2.1.0
Implements new workflow to support portable plants
- Implements ability to copy mixes
- Adds plant-based mix page navigation
- Adds aggregate type: Mineral Filler - Milled or Crushed Limestone
- Updates license agreement
IRA and EPI Benchmarking Initiative
May 9, 2023
Version 2.0.1
Implements new workflow to support benchmarking asphalt mixes for the Inflation Reduction Act and Energy Performance Indicator benchmarking initiative
- Updates plant page to provide access to benchmark data input.
- Implements benchmark data input form.
- Adds google-map based location selection for plants and organizations.
5-Year Update
March 31, 2022
Version 2.0.0
Implements 2022-2027 PCR
- Updates background datasets.
- Updates EPD template.
- Updates workflow elements.
- Updates user interface design.
Correctness Check Update
November 11, 2020
Version 1.1.3
Adds additional checks and bugfixes
- Updates high and low bounds on burner fuel BTU/short ton calculations during plant data entry.
- Alters primary energy intensity calculation to only evaluate burner fuel use during plant data entry.
- Adds separate electricity usage check during plant data entry.
- Removes diamond program selection during new plant creation due to deprecation of API endpoint.
Correctness Checks and GHG Estimator
August 18, 2020
Version 1.1.2
This update includes two new features.
- Adds a system that checks plant primary data before it's submitted to the EcoLabel tool. This system calculates total energy usage per short-ton of mix produced (excluding electricity) and indicates whether the results are outside the expected range. The expected range was established through a statistical analysis of the data used to develop the Asphalt Mix PCR's backing LCA.
- Adds a separate greenhouse gas estimator tool based on NAPA's GHGC2 system. This tool is intended for quick estimates of plant GHG performance and uses a different method than the EcoLabel EPD tool.
Data gap fix
July 30, 2020
Version 1.1.1
Updates creation of EPD document
- Fixes a bug in which the presence of binder additives was not disclosed in the Data Gaps section of the EPD.
Proxy data update
July 6, 2020
Version 1.1.0
This update improves the accuracy of LCA calculations.
- Propane TRACI 2.0 impacts are now calculated using the equivalent amount of natural gas on an energy basis.The impacts of one BTU of natural gas will be used to estimate the impacts of one BTU of propane.
- Fuel oil TRACI 2.0 impacts are now calculated using the equivalent amount of diesel on a volume basis. One gallon of diesel will be used to estimate the impacts of one gallon of fuel oil.
- Fixes a bug in which onsite solar and wind power allocation were not being weighted according to production volume. Plants that use onsite solar or wind generation will see a decrease in A3 PERE values in the EPDs for each mix produced by that plant.Fixes a bug in which offsite nonrenewable energy was not being included in PENRE calculations. All plants using grid power will see an increase in PENRE A1 and A3 values.Changes behavior so that pressing the 'Enter' key while editing the plant primary data will not submit the form.
Changelog implemented
July 6, 2020
Version 1.0.0
This update implements the changelog and adopts a versioning system.
- Major versions (X.0.0) will occur when significant site-wide alterations to workflow are made or new versions of the PCR are implemented.
- Minor versions (0.Y.0) will occur when functionality is added or changed, background data is updated, or bugfixes are implemented that may impact EPD calculations.
- Patch versions (0.0.Z) will occur when bugfixes or minor workflow alterations are made that do not affect EPD calculations.