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Seven indicators

Environmental environmental

Carbon, thermal comfort, biodiversity, soils: Netcarbon calculates seven indicators based on the initial condition of your site and then on your project, using methods recognized by official regulations.

20 cm – 1 mmapaccuracy2018history BD Ortho2100Climate projections
Method

The same method for all seven

  1. 1Initial State

    The site is mapped using aerial and satellite imagery, with land-use classification at 20 cm resolution, temperature, comfort, and shade maps at 1 m resolution, and historical data BD Ortho dating back to 2018.

  2. 2Project

    You can import your site plan (.dwg) file or model the project directly in the app.

  3. 3Difference

    The indicators are recalculated for the project and compared to the baseline, current conditions, and climate projections through 2100.

01Carbon

Carbon stock

The amount of carbon stored in vegetation (trees, shrubs, herbaceous layers) and in the site's soils, both today and 25 years from now.

Why measure it? To understand what a project preserves, destroys, or creates in terms of carbon sinks, and then to quantify that benefit in a carbon footprint assessment or as certified carbon credits.

Unit
tCO₂e (metric tons of CO₂ equivalent)
Horizon
Today, at age 25
Data
Land-use classification at a depth of 20 cm, tree species, and soils
Executives
Label Bas Carbone (French low-carbon label), GHG Protocol (LSRG)
Utile pourAménageursCollectivitésFoncières & bailleursInfrastructures
Stock at Age 25
Carbon Stock Map, Initial ConditionCarbon Stock Map, project at the same site+398 tCO₂
LowHigh
Initial212 metric tons of CO₂
Project610 metric tons of CO₂
Difference+398 metric tonsof CO₂
02Carbon

Carbon Capture

The estimated annual carbon uptake by the site's existing vegetation. Calculated during the assessment, it supplements the carbon stock.

Why measure it? To determine the annual contribution of existing vegetation and incorporate it into a carbon footprint analysis.

Unit
tCO₂e per year
Available in
Diagnosis (baseline assessment)
Data
Vegetation layers and species
Executives
Carbon footprint, GHG Protocol
Useful forPlannersLocal authoritiesReal estate owners & social landlords
Estimated absorption over one yearExisting vegetation, by stratum
Estimated absorption4.8 metric tons of CO₂per year
Per hectare1.5 metric tons ofCO₂/ha/year
Percentage of trees62%
03Climate

Surface temperature

The temperature of the ground and surfaces. This reveals heat islands: an asphalt parking lot quickly exceeds 50 °C in direct sunlight, while a shaded lawn remains much cooler.

Why measure it? Identify surfaces that trap heat and choose the right strategies: depaving, light-colored materials, and landscaping.

Unit
°C
Moment
Day or night, during hot weather
Data
Weather data, imagery, and land cover, 1-meter resolution map
Executives
Climate Plans (local climate plan (PCAET)), Adaptation Strategies
Utile pourCollectivitésFoncières & bailleursInfrastructures
Summer Afternoon
surface temperature Map, original conditionMap surface temperature, project on the same site−7.5 °C
20 °C50 °C
Initial46.8 °C
Project39.3 °C
Difference−7.5 °C
04Climate

perceived temperature (UTCI)

What a pedestrian actually feels. The UTCI combines air temperature, radiation, humidity, and wind, and is expressed in degrees.

Why measure it? To objectively assess the comfort of a schoolyard, a public square, or a neighborhood—both today and in light of the summers of 2050 or 2100.

Unit
°C UTCI
Scale
Street, square, schoolyard, neighborhood
Data
3D model of the site, weather data, IPCC climate projections, 1-meter-resolution map
Executives
UTCI Index, climate change adaptation plans
Useful forPlannersLocal authoritiesReal estate owners & social landlords
3:00 p.m., a hot day
perceived temperature Map (UTCI), original conditionperceived temperature Map (UTCI), project on the same website−4.2 °C
Initial39.8 °C
Project35.6 °C
Difference−4.2 °C
Thermal Stress Scale UTCI
  1. No stress9 to 26 °C
  2. Moderate26 to 32 °C
  3. Strong32 to 38 °C
  4. Very strong38 to 46 °C
  5. Extreme> 46 °C
05Climate

shade, sunshine & wind

The shadows cast by buildings and trees, the duration of sunlight, and air circulation at pedestrian height (1.5 m) on a typical day.

Why measure it? To place trees, seating areas, playground equipment, or shade structures in the right spots, and to ensure that a project does not create wind tunnels.

Units
Percentage of shaded area (difference in percentage points), hours of sunshine, m/s at 1.5 m
Moment
A Typical Day, Hour by Hour
Data
3D model (framework, shafts), sun path, prevailing winds, 1-meter map
Uses
Schoolyards, public spaces, shade structures
Utile pourAménageursCollectivitésInfrastructures
Cumulative shadow, June 21
shade, Sunshine & Wind Map, Initial Conditionsshade, sunshine, and wind map; project on the same site+5 points
ShadeShaded areaFull sun
Initial40% shade
Project45% Shade
Difference+5points
On the same 3D model
  • Shadows cast by buildings27%→ 18%
  • Shade from the trees13%→ 27%
  • Average sunshine6.1 hours/day→ 5.6 hours/day
  • Wind at 1.5 m2.4 m/s→ 2.1 m/s
06Soils & Biodiversity

Biodiversity (CBS and CBSh)

The CBS measures the proportion of areas conducive to biodiversity relative to the total area of the plot. The " CBSh " weights each area according to its ecological quality (open ground, green roof, permeable paving, etc.).

Why measure it? To verify compliance with local urban plan (PLU), compare different design options, and identify the areas where biodiversity gains will be greatest.

Unit
Coefficient from 0 to 1
Scale
Lot, block, project
Data
Land Use, Vegetation Layers
Executives
local urban plan (PLU) (biotope coefficient, Art. L.151-22 of the Urban Planning Code)
Useful forPlannersLocal authoritiesReal estate owners & social landlords
Coefficient by surface area
Biodiversity Map (CBS and CBSh), baselineBiodiversity Map (CBS and CBSh), a project on the same website+0,37
open groundLow vegetationTreesWaterproof
Initial0.21
Project0.58
Difference+0.37
Example of weighting · determined by each local urban plan (PLU)
  • open ground1
  • Vegetation on Slab0.5 to 0.7
  • Green Roof0.3 to 0.7
  • Semi-permeable coating0.3 to 0.5
  • Waterproof surface0
07Soils & Biodiversity

Land Sealing

The proportion of built-up and paved areas compared to natural areas: lawns, meadows, and areas with trees and shrubs.

Why measure it? To quantify unsealed areas, track changes in a region, and document your ZAN commitments.

Unit
% of the area, in m² or ha
History
Depending on the vintage BD Ortho (IGN) since 2018
Data
Land-Use Classification at 20 cm
Executives
Climate and Resilience Act (2021), Net-Zero Emissions by 2050 Goal
Utile pourCollectivitésFoncières & bailleursInfrastructures
Hardened surfaces
land take Map, original conditionMap land take, project on the same site−46 pts
UnspoiledPavedBuilt-up
Initial78%
Project32%
Difference−46 pts
Land Use Breakdown · Natural Areas on the Right
Initial
22%
Project
68%
Frameworks

Which indicator for which context

These metrics feed directly into your regulatory filings, certifications, and reporting.

IndicatorLabel Bas Carbone (French low-carbon label)Carbon Footprint (GHG Protocol)ZAN Trajectorylocal urban plan (PLU) · biotope coefficientClimate & Adaptation PlanESG Reporting
01Carbon Stock
02carbon sequestration
03surface temperature
04perceived temperature (UTCI)
05shade, sunshine & wind
06Biodiversity(CBS and CBSh)
07land take
Frequently Asked Questions

The indicators, in plain language

What is the " UTCI " index?

The Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI ) is an internationally recognized thermal comfort index. It combines air temperature, humidity, wind, and radiation (from the sun and from surrounding surfaces) to express, in degrees, the level of perceived temperature experienced by a person outdoors. Above 32 °C UTCI, this is referred to as severe heat stress.

What is the difference between surface temperature and perceived temperature ?

surface temperature e measures the heat of materials—such as floors and wall coverings. perceived temperature measures what the human body perceives, taking into account air, radiation, humidity, and wind. The two complement each other: the former identifies surfaces that accumulate heat, while the latter assesses users’ thermal comfort and identifies pockets of coolness.

How is the CBS ( Biotope Area Factor ) calculated?

Each type of land cover is multiplied by an ecological value coefficient, ranging from 1 for the “ open ground ” to 0 for an impervious surface. The sum is divided by the total area of the parcel. The coefficients are set by each municipality’s “ local urban plan (PLU) ”; the “ CBSh ” refines this calculation based on the ecological quality of the areas.

How can you track the ZAN trajectory of a project or a region?

The land-cover change indicator compares the proportion of paved areas before and after the project and quantifies the areas where impervious surfaces have been removed. Using historical data from the “ BD Ortho ” reports dating back to 2018, you can also track changes in your region over time.

Can carbon credits be certified?

Yes. Carbon credits associated with plantations can be valued using the Label Bas Carbone (French low-carbon label) ( Ville arborée method) or included in a carbon balance sheet according to GHG Protocol.

In what formats can the indicators be downloaded?

As a PDF summary, in a spreadsheet, and as GIS layers, directly from the application.

Demonstration

Measure the impact of your next project, starting with the initial sketch.

30 minutes on an area of your choice, with an expert Netcarbon.

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