Spatio-temporal electrical grid emission factors effects on calculated GHG emissions of buildings in mixed-grid environments

Abstract

This study compares the calculated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of buildings using two different methodologies in mixed-grid environments. Simulations were conducted using virtual models of 25 buildings and actual meteorological data over 2016–2018. The “Annual Method” using yearly average emission factors and the “Hourly Method” using consumption-based hourly emission factors were used to calculate GHG emissions. The study found that the hourly method provided a more accurate representation of GHG emissions, especially during peak grid demand. Furthermore, the study recommends using a zonal approach to building codes in terms of electrical grids similar to climate zones in current codes and standards while also prioritizing building types with the largest potential for emissions reductions. A case study in Ontario, Canada found that electrification via heat pump always results in GHG savings independent of year, building model, and city if keeping the calculation method the same between fuel-switching models. Future research is needed to improve the accuracy of GHG emissions calculations and understand the relationship between electrical load and GHG emissions.