If you have questions about Intuit Green Snapshot, we’ve done our best to answer them below. 

 

Have more questions, feedback, or just want to say ‘hi’?  Email us at green@intuit.com

We would love to hear from you!


Contents

Support and Technical Questions

About Intuit Green Snapshot

Intuit & Green

Partnership with Cooler

Carbon/Greenhouse Gases 101

Methodology

Need more help?  Email green@intuit.com and we’ll do our best to answer your questions. 

 


Intuit Green Snapshot Support   >>>Back to Top

 

Frequently Asked Questions for Support

  1. What if I don’t have QuickBooks?
  2. The application freezes!  Is there a demonstration file that I can use to test the product?
  3. How do I get started?
  4. I use Microsoft Vista and am having trouble.
  5. How do I find the application when I want to use it again
  6. What are the system requirements to run this application and where can I download them?
  7. Does this application work with QuickBooks Online?
  8. Will this application work with Safari, Firefox, or Chrome?
  9. The application is asking to give QuickBooks Connector access to my QuickBooks data.  Is it going to change my data?
  10. How do I give QuickBooks Connector access to my QuickBooks data if QuickBooks does not ask me if I want to grant access automatically
  11. I hit the back browser and navigated away from my application.  What happened?
  12. How can I save my information in Intuit Green Snapshot?
  13. When I try to load the application, it looks stuck at 100% matches ready.  What should I do?
  14. Will this application work with the Mac or Canadian versions of QuickBooks?  

 

 

1.      What if I don’t have QuickBooks
You can get instructions for downloading a copy of QuickBooks and using a demonstration file by clicking here.

2.      The application just freezesIs there a demonstration file that I can use?
If the application doesn’t download expenses from your file, we recommend trying with a demonstration file.

You can download and get instructions for using a demonstration file by clicking here.

3.      Getting Started with Intuit Green Snapshot

Step 1:   Open Internet Explorer and QuickBooks.  Log in as Administrator in the Company Profile you would like to use for Intuit Green Snapshot.

Step 2:   Use Internet Explorer to go to http://greensnapshot.homestead.com/

a.       Click on “Get Started”

Step 3:   Sign in to Intuit Workplace.

a.       If you do not have a Workplace account fill in the required information to register.

We will send an email to your account to confirm your registration.  Please confirm by following the link to continue

b.       If you already have a Workplace account or once you have confirmed your registration, login to your account.

Step 4:   Confirm your subscription to Intuit Green Snapshot

a.       Confirm your order by clicking Next.  The subscription to the product is free

b.       Once you see your order is confirmed, click “Go to this Application.”  The application will now begin uploading your information. 

Step 5:   Install QuickBooks Connector (if you already have Connector installed, you may skip this step).  Be sure QuickBooks is running and you are logged in as Administrator.

a.       Click the Internet Explorer Information bar to allow QB Connector to be installed.  It is located at the top of the page.

b.       Select the menu item to Install ActiveX control.

c.        Once you have completed registration, or if you already have an account, simply sign-in with your email and password.

Step 6:   Once your QuickBooks data has been successfully uploaded, you will be taken to the homepage for Intuit Green Snapshot and you are ready to get started.

 

4.      I use Microsoft Vista and am having trouble

QuickBooks Connector sometimes has issues working with Vista.  We are working to resolve this issue.

 

5.      How do I find the application when I want to use it again?

Go to greensnapshot.homestead.com, and you can log in from the “login” button on the top right of the screen.

 

6.      What are the system requirements to run this application and where can I download them?

·        Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher            Download now

·        Adobe Flash Player 9 or higher           Download now

·        Javascripts enabled

o   In Internet Explorer, go to Tools, Internet Options, and Security.  Then scroll down to make sure the box to enable Javascripts is checked). 

 

7.      Does this application work with QuickBooks Online?

No, this application currently only works for QuickBooks Desktop.  We are continuously working to develop and expand the product and hope to make it available for users of QuickBooks Online. 

 

8.      Will this application work with Safari, Firefox, or Chrome?

No, this application currently only works for Internet Explorer on Windows. 

 

1.      The application is asking to give QuickBooks Connector access to my QuickBooks data.  Is it going to change my data? 

No, the QuickBooks Connector for Intuit Green Snapshot only reads your QuickBooks expense information.  It does not change your QuickBooks data in any way.

 

2.      How do I give QuickBooks Connector access to my QuickBooks data if QuickBooks does not ask me if I want to grant access automatically?

 

3.      I hit the back browser and navigated away from my application.  What happened?

The back browser in the application does not work in the same way as the back button on your browser.  To navigate in the application, click the tabs on the menu bar to see the different sections for “Overview”, “Savings”, “Footprint Details”, and “Green Profile.”  

 

4.      How can I save my information in Intuit Green Snapshot? 
Currently, the actions you select are not saved in Intuit Green Snapshot

5.      When I try to load the application, it looks stuck at 100% matches ready.  What should I do? 

Try hitting “refresh” on your Internet Explorer web browser.  If this does not work, email green@intuit.com. 

 

6.      Will this application work with the Mac or Canadian versions of QuickBooks? 

Unfortunately, Intuit Green Snapshot does not work with QuickBooks for Macs or for the Canadian versions, but we’re working on it. 

 

>>>Back to Top


About Intuit Green Snapshot  >>>Back to Top

 

What is Intuit Green Snapshot?

Intuit Green Snapshot is an online application that will help you profit from going greener. The Green Snapshot uses your QuickBooks data to estimate your businesses carbon footprint, provides customized recommendations that will help you go greener and save money and produces marketing material your business can use to help attract and retain customers.

 

How does it work?

Intuit Green Snapshot automatically pulls expense data from your QuickBooks file, provides an estimate of your business’s carbon footprint, and generates actionable recommendations to help business save money and benefit the environment.  The more actions you take, the more carbon (and dollars) you can save – and you can tell your customers about your green efforts! 

 

How do my business expenses relate to my carbon footprint? 

Whether it’s a computer or advertising that you’ve purchased for your business, that product or service has a carbon footprint. To give you an estimate of your carbon footprint, Intuit has partnered with a leading environmental software company, Cooler, using your business expenses from QuickBooks. 

 

Cooler’s scientific methodology is backed by leading environmental organizations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council, The Environmental Defense Fund, the National Wildlife Federation, and The Gold Standard.  Cooler uses a methodology known as the Economic Input-Output Life Cycle Analysis (EIO-LCA), which calculates emissions based on financial and economic data.

 

Who is Intuit’s environmental partner, Cooler?

Intuit is partnering with Cooler, a climate change software company whose methodology and approach to neutralizing the global warming impact of products and services is backed by leading environmental organizations such as the Natural Resources Defense Council, The Environmental Defense Fund, the National Wildlife Federation, and The Gold Standard.  Cooler uses a methodology known as the Economic Input-Output Life Cycle Analysis (EIO-LCA), which calculates emissions based on financial and economic data.  For more information about Cooler, go to:  http://intuit.climatecooler.com. 

 

 

 

When is it available?

A beta version of Intuit Green Snapshot is available starting April 2009.

 

Which versions of QuickBooks does it work with?

Intuit Green Snapshot will work for the most recent versions of QuickBooks to 2006, including Simple Start Free Edition.

 

Does Intuit Green Snapshot work with QuickBooks Online? 

Not currently, but we are excited to learn what you think of this version of Intuit Green Snapshot, so we know how we can make it better. 

 

Is QuickBooks required to use Intuit Green Snapshot?

Yes.  Intuit Green Snapshot uses expense information from QuickBooks in order to analyze the small business’s carbon footprint and generate customized recommendations.

 

Why am I required to sign up for a Workplace account in order to sign up for Intuit Green Snapshot?

Once you sign up for a Workplace account, you can access Intuit Green Snapshot, as well as other business software available on the Intuit Workplace.  Intuit Green Snapshot is a part of a growing group of applications for small businesses, hosted on the secure Intuit Partner Platform.  To learn more about Workplace and the applications available, visit http://workplace.intuit.com/. 

 

How does the application obtain QuickBooks data?

You control when and how often they want to send your QuickBooks expense data to the web application.  Data is sent from QB to the web application when the user initiates data upload.

 

Is my data secure?

Yes, data is secure and protected by Intuit. 

 

How does Intuit Green Snapshot use my data?

Your expense data from QuickBooks is securely transmitted to Intuit Green Snapshot.  The program automatically runs 4 different reports to make sure we pull all types of expenses … including typical expenses such as Utilities and Auto, plus products or parts you may sell to customers. The data is then analyzed and matched to over 100 categories of carbon emissions impact.  Once expenses are matched to carbon categories, it is then used to calculate a footprint of emissions, and a list of customized recommendations for the user.   For example, a purchase from Shell Oil would be categorized in the fuel category, and we would give you recommendations for how to save money and reduce your emissions on auto fuel. 

 

Do you store my data?

No, we do not store your expense information. 

 

Does Intuit Green Snapshot cost anything?

No. Intuit Green Snapshot is a free web application for QuickBooks users. 

 

Does Intuit or Cooler make money through this product?

Intuit and Cooler generate revenue through affiliate fees from partners whose products can genuinely reduce your impact on the environment   For example, when a smart power strip is purchased from Amazon through Intuit Green Snapshot, Intuit & Cooler receive a commission on the purchase.  All recommended items and actions are carefully screened to be sure that they make a real difference in reducing emissions and saving you money. 

 

 

How are my business expenses related to my impact on the environment? How are they used to create an estimate of my carbon footprint? 

Whether it’s a computer or advertising that you’ve purchased for your business, your business expenses have an environmental impact.  To give you an estimate of your environmental impact, Intuit has partnered with a leading environmental software company, Cooler, using your expenses from QuickBooks.

 

Cooler uses a methodology known as the Economic Input-Output Life Cycle Analysis (EIO-LCA), which calculates emissions based on financial and economic data. This method is, on average, more accurate than any other. More importantly, this method is the only one that captures the total impact of any product, service, or activity.

 

For more information on how your business expenses are translated into a carbon footprint, or about the Economic Input-Output Life Cycle Analysis method, see additional FAQs on Methodology. 

 

How are the recommendations for my business generated? 

Based on your carbon footprint, spending, Intuit Green Snapshot generates actions that you can take, and calculates the potential environmental and cost savings benefits you’d receive by taking that action.  The database of actions will grow over time with contributions from all of you

 

How accurate are the estimated dollar savings and carbon emissions reductions? 

Dollar savings and carbon emission reductions are estimated in a few different ways using the best possible science and data.  We have assumptions listed along with each action.

 

How do you total the carbon savings for actions that I take at my business?

When you tell us that you do an action by clicking on “Done”, we will start calculating your savings if you do that action for one year.  We are open to your feedback on how we can make this better and more accurate.

 

How do I know that the recommendations that suggest a purchase are actually green? 

Items suggested for purchase can help reduce your business’s energy and environmental footprint. For example, a smart power strip both reduces energy usage and reduces carbon emissions.

 

What does it mean when something I purchase is carbon-neutral? 

Some items can be purchased through the site through affiliate relationships in which our commission is used to neutralize the carbon footprint of the purchase.  This is done by first calculating the carbon impact of that purchase and then investing in renewable energy and pollution prevention projects approved by Cooler’s environmental partners.

 

How can small businesses contribute the “green” products and services they sell to the list of actions?    

Intuit Green Snapshot users who sell green products or services can submit their product or service to be included in the application, so that other users can reduce their footprint by buying from other Intuit small businesses using Intuit Green Snapshot.  Interested businesses who are not Intuit Green Snapshot users should contact Intuit at green@intuit.com

 

>>>Back to Top


Intuit & Green  >>>Back to Top

 

Why is Intuit doing something “green”?

Intuit is committed to corporate social responsibility and solving important customer problems. Intuit Green Snapshot makes it easier for our customers to save money and be environmentally responsible.  

 

Are you planning on creating any additional green product offerings?

We are currently focusing on Intuit Green Snapshot to help QuickBooks small businesses.

 

What do you mean by “green”?  Does “green” mean anything that benefits the environment?

We use “green” to describe actions that reduce environmental impact, measured in carbon dioxide gas emission (also know as carbon or Carbon dioxide equivalents – CO2e). Because of their global impact, greenhouse gasses represent a highly standardized and widely recognized measure of impact. 

>>>Back to Top

Partnership with Cooler    >>>Back to Top

 

Why did you choose to partner with Cooler on Intuit Green Snapshot?

Cooler has expertise in a number of environmental fields including carbon calculation methodology, software development, environmental law and climate science. 

 

Is Cooler affiliated with other environmental partners?

Cooler’s Technical Advisory Committee includes the Natural Resources Defense Council, Environmental Defense Fund, National Wildlife Fund and the Gold Standard. 

 

 

How does Cooler know the environmental impact associated with each purchase?

Cooler’s technology analyzes and categorizes business expenses according to the vendor and the expense category. Each business expense is assigned to one of almost 1,000 different emissions categories.  These estimates and calculations are validated by members of Cooler's Technical Advisory Committee who come from leading environmental organizations, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, the National Wildlife Federation the Environmental Defense Fund and Europe’s The Gold Standard. 

>>>Back to Top


Carbon/Greenhouse Gases 101   >>>Back to Top

 

What are greenhouse gases? 

Greenhouse gases, often measured as CO2 equivalents, or carbon, are emitted from many different sources, but predominantly from burning fossil fuels and clear-cutting forests. Over time, humans have disrupted the natural, long-term balance of these gases in the atmosphere.  

 

Why do you use carbon (and not other types of gases) as a measurement?

We express the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in terms of “CO2 Equivalent (CO2e).” Different greenhouse gases cause different levels of warming. CO2e is used as a common unit of measurement.

 

Methodology

 

How does Cooler calculate my estimated footprint?

Cooler uses sophisticated economic tools to translate expense data into carbon impact.  The methodology is based on Input-Output Life Cycle Analysis (IO-LCA), which calculates emissions based on financial and economic data. This method is, on average, more accurate than any other. More importantly, this method is the only one that captures the total impact of any product, service, or activity. 

 

Your business expenses are categorized according to the vendor and the chart of accounts you’ve assigned.  Each business expense is categorized to one of almost 1,000 different emissions categories.  These estimates and calculations are validated by members of Cooler's Technical Advisory Committee who come from leading environmental organizations, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, the National Wildlife Federation, the Environmental Defense Fund and Europe’s The Gold Standard.

 

What is the Economic Input/Output model?

An economic input/output model is a model that estimates the dollars flowing into a single industry from all the other industries in the economy and also the dollars flowing out of a single industry to all the other industries in the economy. Scientists can then combine the input/output table with pollution data from the Energy Information Administration to account for both direct and direct greenhouse gas emissions for all economic sectors in the United States.

 

How do you categorize my expenses? 

Cooler has built a secure matching and calculation engine that analyzes and categorizes business expenses according to the vendor and the expense category. We then link that category to an authoritative calculation of its carbon impact.

 

How do you translate my expense categories into environmental impact?

Cooler uses IO-LCA (defined above) to combine data about the U.S. economy with environmental data and ultimately to determine the environmental impact of each dollar spent in each category. These estimates and calculations are validated by members of Cooler's Technical Advisory Committee who come from leading environmental NGO's, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, the National Wildlife Federation the Environmental Defense Fund and Europe’s The Gold Standard

 

How accurate are the calculations of my environmental impact?

Cooler uses the most comprehensive methodology available to calculate an estimate of your entire carbon footprint. Some estimation is inevitable due to factors that include uncertainty in the governmental and economic data we use, and errors in how you enter or we categorize transactions.  But every time you use the system, Cooler uses that data to get better at estimating your impact.

 

How is my carbon footprint compared to other small businesses? 

Your footprint is compared to other companies in your industry, based on the carbon impact per dollar you spend so you have an idea of how your business compares to others.  As we acquire additional users, we will be able to give you increasingly more accurate comparisons.

 

>>>Back to Top