A carbon accounting tool for complex and uncertain greenhouse gas emission life cycles

In this paper, we present CAT v1.0, software developed for managed forests in the LULUCF sector, but whose emission life cycle is linked to that of other sectors. While the structure of the software follows IPCC Guidelines, it also contains additional features such as an embedded Monte-Carlo error propagation technique and a user-friendly flux manager that allows for complex cradle-to-grave representations of the wood transformation industry. The flexibility of the software is illustrated through two case studies in northeastern France.