FAQs

Carbon Footprint Tracker FAQs (25)

• What is a carbon footprint?

  It's the greenhouse gases produced with almost every consumption choice we make.

• What is CO₂ equivalent and how does it measure your carbon footprint?

  Your carbon footprint is measured in kilograms of CO₂e, combining multiple greenhouse gases into one easy-to-understand unit.

• Why’s it important to understand my estimated carbon footprint?

  Understanding where your carbon emissions come from can help you change or be more conscious of your activities in certain areas.

• How can I learn more about my carbon footprint?

  Use the Westpac Carbon Footprint Tracker, which estimates your carbon footprint for eligible accounts.

• How does my estimated carbon footprint compare to others?

  The Westpac Carbon Footprint Tracker provides averages for Australian individuals and households, sourced by Cogo, that you can refer to.

• How accurate is the carbon footprint calculation?

  CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent) values are estimates based on extensive research by our partner, Cogo, at an industry and country level.

• How does Westpac calculate my estimated carbon footprint?

  The Westpac Carbon Footprint Tracker multiples eligible transactions by an 'emissions factor', which, when combined, provide a monthly view of an individual's estimated carbon footprint.

• How is my estimated carbon footprint calculated?

  Calculations use two pieces of data, the transaction amount and the transaction’s industry category, which has an associated emissions factor.

• How will Westpac use my carbon footprint data? 

  Carbon footprint data or personal information is not shared with any third party; only de-identified or aggregated data may be disclosed.

• Is my carbon footprint calculated based on the merchant type?

  No, it’s calculated using the industry-specific emissions factor assigned to the specific category of your purchase.

• How do my lifestyle choices affect my estimated carbon footprint?

  The Westpac Carbon Footprint Tracker doesn't consider all the lifestyle choices you make, as it uses industry averages to calculate the estimated carbon footprints of eligible transactions in the Westpac App.

• Can I hide the Carbon Footprint Tracker feature from my home screen?

  Yes, it's customisable and can be removed if you prefer not to see it.

• Do all transaction categories have a carbon footprint?

  Most eligible transactions are automatically assigned to an industry category which has an associated estimated carbon footprint emissions factor assigned to it.

• How are foreign currency transactions and from my eligible accounts treated for the purpose of Carbon Footprint Tracker calculation?

  A foreign currency transaction is converted to AUD and an average carbon emissions factor is applied, based on the relevant industry category assigned to that transaction.

• How are Mortgages and Loan repayments treated?

  Mortgage or Loan repayments, like any product or service transaction, can be a source of emissions.

• How can I exclude an account from my Carbon Footprint Tracker view?

  Navigate to the ‘Filter’ function and deselect the relevant account from the list.

• I was supposed to be removed from a joint account I previously had access to, why can I still view Carbon Footprint Tracker insights for this account?

  It may take up to 24 hours to remove your access to a joint account from receiving carbon footprint insights.

• Which products are eligible for Carbon Footprint Tracker insights?

  Westpac Savings and Transaction accounts, Credit Cards, and Consumer Loans (including home loans, personal loans and flexi loans).

• Why can’t I see the Carbon Footprint Tracker feature in the App?

  You'll need at least Westpac App version 10.11.0 and have opted to show the Carbon footprint feature.

• Why do I see my closed accounts in the Carbon Footprint Tracker insights?

  To provide a complete estimated carbon footprint view of your spending for the past 12 months.

• Can I filter the Categories views using my tags?

  Yes, you can filter by single or multiple tags.

• How can I change a transaction category?

  You can apply or change a transaction's category by selecting the transaction, selecting 'Edit' under Subcategory', and select the updated category.

• What’s a positive expense? Does it reduce my estimated carbon emissions for a transaction?

  Certain credit transactions, such as refunds, have a positive value, reducing your footprint by the amount corresponding to the credit.

• Why are my recent transactions not included in my Carbon Footprint Tracker insights?

  Only fully processed (settled) transactions are included in Carbon footprint insights.

• How can I lower my footprint?

  Understand how spending contributes to your carbon footprint and how you can lower emissions through spending choices.