Methodology Overview

Darwin transforms your business data into biodiversity insights using a scientifically robust pipeline combining multiple environmental databases.

Assessment Pipeline

┌─────────────────┐     ┌─────────────────┐     ┌─────────────────┐
│  Financial Data │     │   EXIOBASE      │     │   Commodity     │
│  (EUR, USD)     │ ──► │   (EMRIO)       │ ──► │   Inventory     │
└─────────────────┘     └─────────────────┘     └────────┬────────┘
                                                         │
┌─────────────────┐     ┌─────────────────┐              │
│  Product Data   │     │   ecoinvent     │              │
│  (tonnes, m3)   │ ──► │   (LCA)         │ ─────────────┤
└─────────────────┘     └─────────────────┘              │
                                                         ▼
┌─────────────────┐     ┌─────────────────┐     ┌─────────────────┐
│  Pressure Data  │     │   ReCiPe        │     │   Biodiversity  │
│  (direct)       │ ──► │   (LCIA)        │ ◄── │   Impacts       │
└─────────────────┘     └─────────────────┘     └─────────────────┘

Data Input Types

Darwin handles 4 types of input data, each with different precision levels:

Model Chain

1. Monetary Models (EXIOBASE)

Financial data is processed through EXIOBASE to identify:

• Associated commodities and their quantities
• Geographic origins of production
• Supply chain structure

2. Product Models (ecoinvent)

Commodity and product data flows through ecoinvent to determine:

• Life cycle inventories
• Environmental pressures per unit
• Regional variations

3. Pressure-Impact Models (ReCiPe)

All pressure data is converted to biodiversity impacts using ReCiPe:

• Climate change impacts
• Land use effects
• Water and pollution impacts
• Aggregated species.year scores

Handling Data Heterogeneity

Organizations often have data at different granularities across entities. Darwin addresses this with a proprietary algorithm that:

1. Handles multiple input types ensuring consistency across levels
2. Propagates relevant data across entities where possible
3. Prevents double counting through smart allocation rules
4. Gives users control over data usage and refinement

Scientific Foundation

Darwin's methodology builds on:

• ISO 14040/14044: Life Cycle Assessment standards
• SBTN: Science Based Targets for Nature framework
• TNFD: Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures
• IPBES: Global biodiversity assessment framework

Continuous Improvement

Darwin regularly updates its databases and methodologies: