Emission Factor Library – Sources, Governance & Updates

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 or other custom emission factors.

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:

1. DEFRA (UK Government)

2. EPA (United States) (coming soon)

3. Energimyndigheten (Sweden)

4. NVE (Norway)

5. Co2emissionefactoren (the Netherlands and Belgium) 

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 Environment Agency  (EEA)

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Databases

Examples include:

• ecoinvent (licensed database)

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

• vegLCA (Norway) 

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

Industry & Sector-Specific Sources

Examples include:

• AIB (European residual mix for electricity)

• NTM (transport factors)

• Energiföretagen (district heating in Sweden)

• Fjernkontrollen (district heating in Norway)

• Green-e / eGRID (electricity factors in the USA)

• Drivkraft Sverige (fuel data)

• BAFA (Germany) (on roadmap)

• Greenview Hotel Footprinting Tool (HFT) - hotel accommodation emission factors  (on roadmap)

• HowGood - agricultural, food and FLAG-related emission factors?  (on roadmap)

 These datasets enhance sector-specific accuracy and regional granularity

Calculated and derived emission factors

The library includes calculated and derived emission factors where no single directly applicable emission factor exists or where customer reporting requires country-specific calculations. These factors are developed using documented methodologies, official source data, and applicable regulatory requirements.

Examples include average diesel and petrol biofuel blends calculated from national biofuel mandates for Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The library also supports mileage-based greenhouse gas calculations for electric vehicles across all European countries, the United States, China, and selected additional countries, covering more than 40 countries in total.

Calculated factors are subject to the same governance framework as externally sourced emission factors, including review, documentation, version control, and periodic updates.

All calculated factors are fully traceable to approved source data, documented assumptions, and a defined calculation methodology, ensuring transparency, consistency, and auditability.


Spend-Based Modeling (EE-MRIO Databases)

Position Green has a proprietary EE-MRIO data model, which enables broad estimates of climate impact from purchases. Our data model was developed at one of Europe’s largest research institutes, SINTEF. Read more about it here. (link)

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 are reviewed for methodological or structural changes before being implemented in the platform for customers.

Communication

Updates are documented in product release notes.

Updated Emission Factors Applied in the Platform (on roadmap)

When emission factors are updated, the platform will automatically recommend the new emission factors for the corresponding reporting period. Where a reporting period has already started when the updated emission factors are available, the platform will notify where updated emission factors should be considered instead. 

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. 

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 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.