Beta4 Release Notes
We are excited to introduce Beta4, our latest API version, featuring improved performance and new capabilities. Upgrade your implementation now to get access to the latest enhancements. More details about the new features can be found below.
Beta4 was released on the 10th of March 2023. We recommend migrating to the new API version promptly, as older versions will no longer be supported and will soon be deprecated. If you are a Developer or Enterprise plan customer, please contact us if you require any assistance.
For all API updates, including breaking changes and specific migration instructions please see our migration guide.
Introducing data versioning
The database underpinning Climatiq is frequently updated. New emission factors are regularly added, and existing factors are modified for various reasons, such as when a source publishes errata, new data quality flags are applied to existing emission factors, or when changes are made to a factor's metadata like activity_id or source_lca_activity value.
Updates like these often necessitate changes in your application. Therefore, we are now introducing the concept of data versioning, which allows you to choose when to opt-in to such changes, providing greater control over emission factors and data quality used in your calculations.
Our data versioning approach ensures that users can maintain stability in their applications while still having the option to access the most recent and accurate data when needed.
Please note that data versioning only applies to /estimate and /batch endpoints that require users to provide an emission selector in the API request. Endpoints like Cloud Computing, Intermodal Freight, Flights, and other advanced calculation endpoints that do not require a selector, will be automatically updated with the latest data versions without user involvement.
For a detailed explanation of these changes and their implications, please refer to our data versioning guide.
New emission calculation method: AR6
This past March, the IPCC published their Sixth Assessment Report (opens in a new tab) emissions.
They've also included an updated calculation method, which we've added as a default for sources that provide ar6 data. For information on calculation methods, see our co2e calculation documentation.
Introducing audit trails for advanced endpoints
This update introduces customizable audit trails for calculations, which are invaluable for audit tracing and reporting compliance. Audit trails are used with our advanced endpoints, such as freight shipping, cloud computing, and classification. The activity_data and selected emission factor for each calculation are documented within the audit trail feature.
Users can now control the visibility of these trails, enabling them for audit or record-keeping purposes. By default, audit trails will be turned off. If you're a user of these advanced endpoints and would like to access this capability, please contact us for more information.
| Audit trail on | Audit trail off |
|---|---|
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Improved year handling for emission factors
We have implemented a new logic for handling years in emission factors. Previously, the year attribute corresponded to the publication year of the data source. Now, it accurately represents the year the data source deems most valid for the emission factor.
Updated default data quality flags for enhanced accuracy
We've made changes to how we handle data quality flags in our calculations to align with current best practices and enhance the overall data quality. We kept the old default flags for those who still use them, but we have now introduced a new method.
Going forward, we won't include certain types of data quality flags in our calculations unless the user specifies them in the API request. For which data quality flags have been affected, see our beta4 migration guide.
Add-on endpoints
Our Cloud Computing, Classifications and Custom Mapping endpoints are now available as add-ons as part of our paid Developer or Enterprise plans, much like our Intermodal Freight endpoint. Please contact us if you are interested in using these features.
New currency exchange source for spend-based calculations
We have switched our source for monetary exchange rates to the UN treasury, improving the accuracy and reliability of our currency exchange data. As a result, you will see some changes in the CO2e currency-related endpoints as the new rates are implemented.