General Emission Factor Questions:
Q: What is KEY ESG's emission factor methodology?
A: KEY ESG observes an enhanced methodology that standardises how we update and apply emission factors across all carbon scopes. This includes annual updates locked in January, full transparency, entry method flexibility, and data consistency over a calendar-year reporting period. See KEY ESG's electricity emission factor methodology here.
Q: Can I use my own emission factors?
A: Absolutely. For any carbon activity submission, you can opt to use your own emission factors by entering data through the supplier-specific or direct entry method.
Q: Where do KEY ESG's emission factors come from?
A: Our emission factors are based on the most recent, verified data available from leading providers such as IEA, DEFRA, EPA, and other authoritative sources as of December of the preceding calendar year.
Transparency and Data Access:
Q: Can I see which emission factors are being used in my calculations?
A: Yes, with one exception. All emission factors used in your calculations are available in carbon auditable exports, except for IEA electricity factors.
Q: Why can't I see IEA electricity factors in my exports?
A: The IEA does not permit third-party platforms to share raw conversion factors in output reports due to licensing restrictions. For any questions about an IEA factor, you can contact our support team at support@keyesg.com.
Scope 2 Electricity Specific Questions:
Q: What electricity emission factors does KEY ESG use?
A: Since 2023, our default has been IEA electricity rates. Starting in 2026, we will use local grid rates by default as they better reflect the actual carbon intensity of electricity usage in your company's operating region.
Q: Can I choose between IEA and local grid rates?
A: Yes, you can choose between:
IEA electricity emission factors
Local electricity grid rates This choice depends on what better fits your reporting needs and supports alignment with internal policies or external requirements.
Q: How do I switch between IEA and local grid rates?
A: You can only switch EF types (IEA or local) for the current reporting year by contacting KEY ESG support at support@keyesg.com. EF selections for previous years are locked and cannot be changed retroactively.
Q: Are local grid rates available for all countries?
A: Local rates cover most countries globally. For countries not covered by local rates, we default to IEA's Global set of emission factors, which is updated yearly. You can always switch to IEA rates or use your own rates via the supplier-specific entry method.
Q: What happens if my country doesn't have local grid rates available?
A: If your country is not covered by local rates, we automatically default to IEA's Global emission factors. You can also choose to use IEA rates specifically or input your own rates through the supplier-specific entry method.
Impact on Reporting and Calculations:
Q: What data points does the methodology affect?
A:
All built-in emission factors across Scopes 1, 2, and 3
Any in-platform carbon metrics and calculations that incorporate these emission factors
For electricity specifically: Scope 2 electricity data points and any metrics incorporating electricity (energy consumption, energy intensity, Scope 3.3 fuel and energy activities, Scope 3.7 home working)
Timeline:
Q: When will emission factors be updated each year?
A: For any given reporting year, all relevant emission factors will be updated and locked in January of that year. This timing helps avoid mid-year changes during peak reporting seasons.
Q: How recent will the emission factors be when they're locked in?
A: The emission factors locked in each January will be based on the most recent, verified data available from leading providers as of December of the preceding calendar year.
Q: Why lock emission factors for a full year instead of updating them more frequently?
A: Year-long consistency prevents unexpected variances in reported emissions and avoids mid-year changes that can occur during peak reporting seasons. This provides predictability and stability for your annual reporting cycles.
Getting Help and Support:
Q: What if I have questions about a specific emission factor?
A: Contact our support team at support@keyesg.com. We're here to help explain any emission factors used in your calculations, including questions about IEA factors that cannot be displayed in exports.
Q: How do I request a change to my electricity emission factor type?
A: Contact KEY ESG support at support@keyesg.com to switch between IEA and local grid rates for your current reporting year.