🌱 Research Project — Altınbaş University

AI-Powered Corporate Carbon Management System

Transform Carbon Data into Strategic Insights with Machine Learning

VisionCO2 is a web-based corporate carbon management platform that integrates mathematical emission modeling with AI-powered analytics. Designed in compliance with the GHG Protocol, our system enables organizations to collect, monitor, analyze, and report carbon emissions across Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 categories through a unified, transparent, and scalable digital infrastructure.

Scope 1, 2 & 3 Emissions
GHG Protocol Aligned
AI & Machine Learning Powered
Modular, Scalable & Maintainable
3
Emission Scopes Covered
Scope 1, 2 & 3
4+
AI/ML Techniques
Clustering, Regression, Trend, Optimization
10+
Emission Sources Tracked
Fuel, Gas, Electricity, Travel & more
6+
Calculation Standards
IPCC, EPA, DEFRA, GHG Protocol…
📖 About the Project

About VisionCO2

Design and Implementation of a Web-Based Corporate Carbon Management System with AI-Supported Analytics

Project Overview

This research project addresses the critical gap between traditional carbon accounting practices and the growing need for data-driven, transparent sustainability management. Developed at Altınbaş University, VisionCO2 represents a systematic application of modern web technologies and software engineering principles to create a sustainability-oriented information system.

Research Context

The increasing complexity of corporate sustainability requirements has highlighted the need for digital platforms that can support carbon data management in an integrated, transparent, and scalable manner. Current corporate practices often rely on fragmented, manual, or spreadsheet-based approaches that lack integration, scalability, and traceability.

Project Information

Project CodePB2024-UBF1
InstitutionAltınbaş University
FacultyFaculty of Applied Science
DepartmentDepartment of Management Information Systems

🇹🇷 Paris Agreement Context

Türkiye signed the Paris Agreement on April 22, 2016, emphasizing its commitment as a developing country. This necessitates systems for monitoring, managing, and reporting corporate carbon footprints.

Platform Capabilities

A comprehensive suite of features designed for end-to-end corporate carbon management, from data collection to AI-powered strategic recommendations.

Complete GHG Protocol Coverage

Track and calculate emissions across all three scopes in accordance with internationally recognized GHG Protocol standards.

  • Scope 1: Fuel consumption, natural gas, company vehicles
  • Scope 2: Purchased electricity, heating, cooling
  • Scope 3: Business travel, commuting, waste, suppliers

Machine Learning-Based Insights

Move beyond static calculations to predictive analytics powered by AI and machine learning algorithms.

  • Clustering algorithms for emission-intensive groups
  • Regression models for operational-emission relationships
  • Scenario analysis with projected outcomes

Real-Time Carbon Performance Monitoring

Centralized dashboards provide immediate overview of corporate carbon performance with rich visualizations.

  • Total emissions tracking with trend visualization
  • Scope-based distribution analysis
  • Department-level emission breakdowns

Vico AI Assistant

An integrated conversational AI assistant that provides emission summaries, risk assessments, and sustainability guidance.

  • Emission summaries and analysis
  • Efficiency recommendations for your organization
  • Scenario-based strategy guidance

User-Friendly Data Collection

Structured data entry interfaces ensure GHG Protocol-compliant data collection with full traceability.

  • Form-based interfaces for complete data capture
  • Unit consistency validation
  • Persistent storage for long-term monitoring

Standardized & Custom Reports

Generate comprehensive sustainability reports with visual representations and export capabilities.

  • Automatic report generation from emission data
  • Department and category-level breakdowns
  • Time-based comparison reports

Strategic Mitigation Analysis

Evaluate alternative decarbonization strategies through scenario modeling with cost-benefit analysis.

  • Conservative, aggressive, and optimal scenarios
  • Projected emission trajectories
  • Confidence scores and impact estimates

Sustainability Initiative Tracking

Manage and monitor sustainability projects with progress tracking, timeline management, and ROI calculation.

  • Track active decarbonization initiatives
  • Resource allocation visibility
  • ROI calculation for sustainability investments

Data Processing Pipeline

From raw activity data to actionable decarbonization strategies — powered by deterministic calculation and machine learning.

1. Data Collection

Structured input through GHG Protocol-compliant interfaces for activity-level data across all scopes.

2. Deterministic Calculation

Mathematical emission modeling using official emission factors from IPCC, EPA, DEFRA, and national authorities.

3. ML Analysis & Pattern Recognition

Clustering algorithms identify emission-intensive groups; regression models capture operational-emission relationships.

4. Predictive Modeling & Scenarios

AI-supported scenario generation for conservative, aggressive, and optimal mitigation strategies with projected outcomes.

Emission Calculation Methodology

All calculations follow the GHG Protocol classification framework using emission factors from official governmental and academic institutions.

1

Scope 1

Direct Emissions

Fuel Consumption

CO₂e (kg) = Fuel Consumption (liters) × Emission Factor (kg CO₂/liter)

Source: IPCC 2006, EPA 2024

Natural Gas

CO₂ (t) = Natural Gas Consumption (m³) × 0.00202

Source: Turkish Ministry of Environment 2019

Company Vehicles

CO₂e (kg) = Distance Traveled (km) × Emission Factor (kg CO₂e/km)

Source: DEFRA 2025

2

Scope 2

Energy Indirect Emissions

Electricity Consumption

CO₂e (t) = [Consumption (kWh) × EF] / 1000

Source: Turkish Ministry of Energy 2024

Cooling Energy

CO₂e (kg) = Cooling Energy (kWh) × EF (kg CO₂e/kWh)

Source: IPCC 2006

Heating Energy

CO₂e = [(FC × d × 10⁻³) × NCV × 10⁻³] × EF × 10⁻³ × OF × GWP

Source: IPCC 2006, ITU 2022

3

Scope 3

Other Indirect Emissions

Business Travel & Commuting

CO₂e (t) = Distance (km) × [CO₂ + CH₄×28 + N₂O×265] / 1000

Source: EPA 2025, IPCC 2014

Waste Generation

CO₂e (t) = [Waste (kg) × EF (tCO₂e/short ton)] / 907.18

Source: EPA 2024

Supplier Emissions

Spend-based, Material-based, Hybrid, or Recycling-adjusted methods

Source: GHG Protocol 2023

Official Emission Factor Sources

Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources
Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change
Istanbul Technical University (ITU)
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Greenhouse Gas Protocol (WRI & WBCSD)

Scenario-Based Mitigation Analysis

Evaluate alternative decarbonization strategies through AI-powered scenario modeling with cost-benefit projections.

Conservative

Minimal operational changes with gradual transition and lower organizational disruption.

CO₂ Reduction5–15%
Est. Cost€10K–€38K
Productivity73–88%
Timeline6–12 months

Aggressive

Substantial operational changes with rapid transition and significant emission reductions.

CO₂ Reduction30–50%
Est. Cost€28K–€750K
Productivity85–95%
Timeline12–24 months
⭐ Recommended

Optimal

Balanced approach with phased implementation achieving significant but sustainable reduction.

CO₂ Reduction20–35%
Est. Cost€25K–€690K
Productivity92%
Timeline12–18 months

Results & Outcomes

The platform successfully functions as an integrated corporate carbon management information system — not just a standalone calculation or visualization tool.

Comprehensive Data Management

Systematic collection, storage, and processing of emission data across Scope 1, 2, and 3 with persistent storage for longitudinal analysis.

Enhanced Transparency & Consistency

Unified digital infrastructure improves accessibility, transparency, and consistency of carbon-related information across organizations.

Effective Scenario Analysis

Clear differentiation among conservative, aggressive, and optimal mitigation strategies with cost-benefit projections.

ML Model Validation

Clustering algorithms successfully identify emission-intensive activity groups; regression models capture operational-emission relationships.

Decision Support Capability

AI-generated recommendations with estimated emission reduction potential, economic impact, and confidence scores.

Platform Advantages

FeatureVisionCO2SpreadsheetsGeneric ERP
IntegrationUnified systemFragmented filesPartial
ScalabilityAutomaticManual effortVariable
TraceabilityFull audit trailNoneLimited
GHG ProtocolBuilt-in complianceManualPartial
AI AnalyticsML-powered insightsNoneBasic
Scope CoverageScope 1, 2 & 3VariesLimited

Research & Contributions

Academic contributions advancing the fields of sustainability information systems, digital transformation, and web-based decision support.

Literature Gap Addressed

Addresses corporate carbon management from a holistic information systems perspective with end-to-end sustainability support.

Novel Integration Approach

Systematic application of web technologies and software engineering to sustainability-oriented information systems.

AI-Enhanced Carbon Accounting

Mitigates greenwashing through data-driven, model-based guidance for achieving carbon neutrality.

SDG Alignment

Aligned with SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 9 (Industry & Innovation), and SDG 12 (Responsible Production).

Publications

RESEARCH PAPER

Design and Implementation of a Web-Based Corporate Carbon Management System

Focus: System architecture and implementation

Web-Based SystemsCarbon ManagementSoftware ArchitectureSustainability
RESEARCH PAPER

AI-Supported Mathematical Modeling and Machine Learning Based Carbon Footprint Calculation System

Focus: AI integration and analytical capabilities

SustainabilityArtificial IntelligenceData AnalysisMachine Learning

Research Team

A multidisciplinary team from Altınbaş University and Istanbul University driving innovation in sustainability information systems.

Principal Investigator

İncilay Yıldız

Assistant ProfessorAltınbaş University

Management Information Systems

Project coordination, research methodology, academic supervision

E

Efe Hüseyin Özkan

System Developer

Undergraduate StudentAltınbaş University

Management Information Systems

System architecture, frontend and backend development

E

Esma Altınbaşak

Designer

Undergraduate StudentAltınbaş University

Jewelry and Jewelry Design

UI/UX design and visualization components

E

Eren Dönmez

Developer

Undergraduate StudentAltınbaş University

Management Information Systems

Frontend development and user interface design

Y

Yahya Cem Yorulmaz

Research Advisor

Undergraduate ResearcherIstanbul University

Faculty of Economics — Business Administration

Machine learning architecture, predictive model design, and AI-driven analytics integration

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the VisionCO2 platform and research project.

🔬 Research Collaboration

Interested in AI-Powered Carbon Management?

Whether you're a researcher, organization, student, or policy maker — we welcome collaboration opportunities in sustainability information systems, AI-driven environmental analytics, and carbon management.

Industry implementation partnershipsAcademic research collaborationCarbon accounting methodology developmentAI/ML model improvementOpen-source contribution
GHG Protocol Compliant
Research-Backed
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