Why this matters
Every footprint is only as trustworthy as the data behind it. In Root, you can tag any material, product, or activity record with information about how that data was obtained and whether it was verified, plus attach notes and supporting files. This gives you (and anyone reviewing your report) a clear trail back to the source of every number.
Documenting data quality also supports ISO 14044 and CSRD reporting requirements, which call for transparency about where your data comes from and how reliable it is.
Where to find it
You'll see a Data Quality button wherever you can attach supporting information to a record, including:
Custom Material References
Materials
Product BOM lines and packaging
Consumables
Goods & Services items
Utility contracts
Impact datasets
Click that button to open the Data Quality & Documentation panel.
How to fill it in
1. What type of data is this?
Choose the option that best describes the source:
Option | When to use it | Example |
Primary data | Directly metered, invoiced, or weighed — no calculation involved | Electricity invoice, fuel receipt, shipping manifest |
Company-derived | Calculated from your own activity data, even if an industry factor is used in the formula | Floor area (m²) × an industry benchmark (kWh/m²) to estimate energy use; distance calculated from a postcode |
Industry benchmark | No company-specific activity data at all — based on a default, sector benchmark, or industry average | Generic waste rate, spend allocated using a sector average |
2. Was the data verified?
Select Yes if the data has been checked against a source document or a second party (e.g. an invoice, meter reading, or audit). Select No if it hasn't been independently checked yet.
3. Add a note
Use the notes field to add any context that helps explain the source — for example, an invoice number, the calculation method used, or which benchmark you applied.
4. Attach supporting files
Drag a file into the upload area, or click to browse. Accepted formats: PNG, XLSX, XLS, PDF, JPG, JPEG.
5. Save
Click Save to store your changes, or Cancel to discard them.
FAQ
Do I have to fill this in?
No — these fields are optional. If left blank, the record will simply show as "Unavailable" for that dimension. That said, filling them in strengthens your reporting and makes it easier to respond to audits or client questions later.
Can I go back and edit this later?
Yes. Reopen the Documentation/Evidence panel on the same record at any time to update the tags, note, or files.
Does this affect my calculated footprint?
No. These fields document the quality and provenance of your data — they don't change the footprint calculation itself.
Can I attach more than one file?
Yes, you can attach multiple files to the same record.
Where does this show up in my results?
Data quality tags are surfaced as flags in your results view, so you can quickly see which records are backed by primary data versus company-derived estimates or industry benchmarks.