Vol. 11 No. 4 (2025)
December

Articles

Using guarantees of origin for electricity from renewable energy sources as an instrument for reducing product carbon footprint: A case study

Published 2025-12-29

  • Mariusz Andrzejewski
    • ,
  • Patryk Dunal
    • ,
  • Konrad Grabiński

Mariusz Andrzejewski
Krakow University of Economics

Patryk Dunal
Krakow University of Economics

Konrad Grabiński
Krakow University of Economics

Abstract

Objective: The article aims to demonstrate the potential for reducing the carbon footprint of products through the use of guarantees of origin (GOs) for electricity from renewable energy sources, based on a case study of an energy-intensive company.

Research Design & Methods: We employed regulatory source analysis and a case study methodology to evaluate the use of GOs within a company.

Findings: The research results demonstrate that GOs can serve to reduce a product’s carbon footprint only for purchased electricity. The study also indicates that we cannot recognise such instruments in the cost of generating electricity produced using conventional fuels.

Implications & Recommendations: The study highlights the regulatory and accounting consequences of the use of GOs. Our findings imply the use of a separate allocation method to ensure compliance with ISO 14067 and European Union sustainability reporting standards.

Contribution & Value Added: The study contributes to the literature on carbon footprint reduction by combining aspects of renewable energy certification, legal compliance, and corporate sustainability strategy in the Polish context.

Keywords

guarantee of origin, carbon footprint, energy transition, sustainability, renewable energy, cost accounting

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Author Biography

Mariusz Andrzejewski

Associate Professor at the Department of Financial Accounting, College of Economics and Finance, Krakow University of Economics. He received a PhD in economics from the Faculty of Finance, Krakow University of Economics and completed his habilitation (Dr hab.) in economics at the same university. His research interests include accounting, financial reporting, and corporate sustainability.

Patryk Dunal

Assistant Professor at the Department of Financial Accounting, College of Economics and Finance, Krakow University of Economics. He received a PhD in economics and finance from the Faculty of Finance, Krakow University of Economics. His research interests include renewable energy, corporate governance, and sustainability reporting.

Konrad Grabiński

Associate Professor at the Department of Financial Accounting, College of Economics and Finance, Krakow University of Economics. He received a PhD in economics from the Faculty of Finance, Krakow University of Economics and completed his habilitation (Dr hab.) in economics and finance at the same university. His research interests include earnings quality, earnings management, financial reporting, accounting diversity and corporate finance.

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