Overview

Position Green’s Emission Factor Library (EFL) is built on internationally recognized government, industry, and life cycle assessment (LCA) data sources. The library supports Scope 1, 2, and 3 reporting and enables activity-based and spend-based modeling. The platform also allows customers to use supplier-specific emission factors, either provided directly by suppliers or maintained in the library where sector- or supplier-specific datasets are available, in alignment with the GHG Protocol and relevant regulatory frameworks such as ESRS.

Our approach is designed to ensure:

• Credibility through authoritative data sources
• Global coverage across sectors and geographies
• Structured version control and update governance
• Transparent communication of material changes

Types of Emission Factor Sources

The EFL draws on internationally recognized source categories. Representative examples are provided below for transparency; this is not an exhaustive list of all datasets used within the library:

Government & National Authorities

Examples include:

• DEFRA (UK Government)
• EPA (United States)
• Energimyndigheten (Sweden)
• Naturvårdsverket (Sweden)

These sources are commonly used for Scope 1 and Scope 2 factors, as well as selected Scope 3 categories.

International Agencies

Examples include:

• International Energy Agency (IEA)
• European Central Bank (currency conversion rates)

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Databases

Examples include:

• ecoinvent (licensed database)
• RISE climate database (use requires a separate customer license where applicable)

LCA databases are used to provide detailed, activity-based emission factors for specific materials, fuels, and processes.

Spend-Based Modeling (EE-MRIO Databases)

• EXIOBASE (licensed)

EXIOBASE supports spend-based Scope 3 modeling by linking financial data to sector- and region-specific emission intensities.

Industry & Sector-Specific Sources

Examples include:

• AIB (European residual mix for electricity)
• NTM (transport factors)
• Energiföretagen (district heating)
• Green-e / eGRID (electricity factors)
• Drivkraft Sverige (fuel data)

These datasets enhance sector-specific accuracy and regional granularity.

Update Governance & Version Control

Emission factor updates are implemented in alignment with reporting cycles to ensure stability and predictability for customers. While sources are monitored continuously and reviewed upon release, implementation may occur later in the year to allow for quality assurance, impact assessment, and structured release management. 

Position Green maintains a structured process for reviewing and updating emission factors.

Review Cycle

• Sources are monitored for new releases.
• Most major databases are updated annually.
• Upon release, methodology documentation is reviewed to assess structural or methodological changes.

Data Transformation, Controls & Quality Assurance

Emission factor updates follow a structured control process prior to implementation:

• Data transformation and mapping: Updated datasets are downloaded and harmonized to Position Green’s emission factor library structure, including predefined unit conversions where required.
• Controlled expert review: Mapping of source data to our internal structure is performed by climate experts to ensure correct selection and contextual understanding.
• Quality assurance (four-eyes principle): At least two experts independently verify accuracy, consistency, and alignment with source methodology.
• Impact assessment: Where relevant, sensitivity analysis is performed to understand potential material effects prior to release.
• Documentation & audit trail: Key methodological and structural changes are documented to maintain traceability and audit readiness.

Implementation in the Platform

• Updates are version-controlled.
• Structural changes (e.g., classification updates) are documented.
• Major database upgrades (for example, a new EXIOBASE version) are reviewed for methodological or structural changes before being implemented in the platform for customers.

Communication

• Updates are documented in product release notes.

Applying Updated Emission Factors in the Platform

When emission factors are updated, companies are generally encouraged to apply the latest factors going forward as part of good reporting practice.

Customers can apply updated emission factors from the Position Green–maintained EFL directly within the platform, where licensing terms allow. For step-by-step instructions, see our guide: How to update emission factors in a set-up.

Certain datasets are subject to licensing restrictions and may require Position Green involvement to implement updates.

Emission factors that are manually added or externally sourced by customers (i.e., not maintained within the EFL) are not automatically updated. Customers are responsible for obtaining updated values for such factors. Implementation of these updates in the platform currently requires support from Position Green.

Customers who require assistance in assessing impact or implementing updates can engage their Position Green Customer Success Manager.

Transparency & Further Details

Position Green is committed to transparency in emission factor governance. Detailed annual updates and list-level change logs are available through our release documentation.

If you have questions regarding specific emission factors, source versions, or update implications, please contact your Customer Success Manager for further assistance.