> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://noviqai.gitbook.io/noviqai-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://noviqai.gitbook.io/noviqai-docs/the-impact-engine/the-impact-engine.md).

# The Impact Engine

How NoviqAI translates data and AI into real-world sustainability insights.

## What is the Impact Engine?

The Impact Engine is NoviqAI’s AI-powered system that calculates a product’s environmental footprint in real time — even when brands haven’t provided full data.

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It draws on:

* Lifecycle Assessment (LCA) data
* AI-powered estimation models
* Region-specific inputs
* Verified brand + certification data
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The result? A clear, instantly scannable Impact Score for every product.

### AI-Powered Estimations <a href="#ai-powered-estimations" id="ai-powered-estimations"></a>

> What happens when brands haven’t uploaded data?

If no verified data is available, NoviqAI estimates impact using:

* Product category benchmarks
* Region of sale and manufacturing
* Typical transport modes and distances
* Packaging material detection via image analysis (coming soon)

These estimates are labeled as:

* **AI Estimated**
* **Low Confidence** (for high-variability categories like multi-ingredient food)

> The more data we gather, the smarter our AI becomes.

### Verified vs Estimated Data <a href="#verified-vs-estimated-data" id="verified-vs-estimated-data"></a>

> Clear labels, no confusion.

Every product scanned in NoviqAI is transparently tagged:

| Label                  | What It Means                                    |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| **Verified**           | Brand or third-party has uploaded certified data |
| **Partially Verified** | Some fields verified; others AI-filled           |
| **Estimated**          | All data estimated by NoviqAI AI models          |

### What Does the Impact Score Include? <a href="#what-does-the-impact-score-include" id="what-does-the-impact-score-include"></a>

Each product’s score is based on multiple impact factors:

* **Sourcing** – Country of origin, farming inputs, raw materials
* **Ingredients** – Biodegradability, environmental persistence
* **Manufacturing** – Energy, water, emissions per unit
* **Shipping** – Transport type, distance, emissions
* **Packaging** – Recyclability, post-consumer materials
* **Retail Distribution** – Cold storage, shelf life (where applicable)

<p align="right"><a href="https://noviqai.gitbook.io/noviqai-docs/rewards-and-socials/">Next: Explore rewards →</a></p>