Towards standardized grid emission factors: methodological insights and best practices

Abstract

Inconsistent calculation of grid emission factors (EF) can result in widely divergent corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reports. We dissect this issue through a comprehensive literature review, identifying nine key aspects—each with two to six methodological choices—that substantially influence the reported EF. These choices lead to relative effect variations ranging from 1.2% to 69%. Using Germany's 2019–2022 data as a case study, our method yields results that largely align with prior studies, yet reveal relative effects from 0.4% to 34.6%. This study is the first to methodically unpack the key determinants of grid EF, quantify their impacts, and offer clear guidelines for their application in corporate GHG accounting. Our findings hold implications for practitioners, data publishers, researchers, and guideline-making organizations. By openly sharing our data and calculations, we invite replication, scrutiny, and further research.