The purpose of this template is to help you create a complete and accessible archive of your national GHG inventory. The template is also consistent with archiving guidance for future reporting requirements under the Enhanced Transparency Framework1 (ETF) for National GHG Inventories. An inventory archive is a collection of information related to the GHG inventory compilation process, reporting, and institutional arrangements. Having easy access to such information will help:

• Current and future inventory compilers understand previously used data, methodologies, structures, processes, etc., so that they can prepare the inventory efficiently and in a manner that is consistent with prior inventories,
• Increase the sustainability of the national GHG inventory management system over time, and
• Increase the transparency of current reporting under the UNFCCC (e.g., for National Communications and Biennial Update Reports), in addition to transparency of future reporting under the ETF. This can be particularly valuable for peer review processes, such as International Consultation and Analysis.

The Archiving Coordinator (see roles documented in Template 2. Institutional Arrangements) is encouraged to use this template to develop an Archiving System before the national GHG inventory compilation cycle begins, and to document potential improvements to the Archiving System based on lessons learned from archiving materials or accessing these materials later. An Archiving System enables the efficient compilation of an archive that is consistent across all sectors and categories. The Archiving Coordinator may need to work with the National Inventory Coordinator (NIC) and other inventory team members to develop this plan. The Archiving Coordinator should archive all material associated with each GHG inventory compilation cycle and not overwrite material. An inventory archive differs from routine electronic file backup. The archive should be a collection of materials that specifically facilitates replicating the compilation steps of a prior GHG inventory.