# How does the carbon estimator work? {% embed url="" %} Watch me :) {% endembed %} Our Carbon Estimator shows the sum of embodied carbon in metric tons of CO2 emitted. Canoa does not over-ride anything that has a specific embodied carbon included from the owner of the product. Our carbon estimate is an estimate only, based on manufacturers available data, and in some cases, our own calculations of categorical averages. When designing with second-life furniture and adding a [**Dashboard**](/docs/design/how-to-use-dashboards.md) to your Canvas, you will be able to see the carbon estimator and track the percentage of second life items included in your project. Pre-owned furniture are all considered net zero. So designing with second-life items in your projects has a great impact on reducing your carbon estimates. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://help.canoa.supply/docs/support/faqs/how-does-the-carbon-estimator-work.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.