A systematic review of corporate carbon accounting practices and performance for advancing climate accountability and low-carbon transitions

As global climate targets intensify, corporations face mounting pressure to measure, manage, and disclose their carbon emissions. However, research on corporate carbon accounting practices, performance evaluation, and their contribution to low-carbon transitions remain fragmented. This systematic literature review explores how corporate carbon accounting practices and performance evaluations contribute to sustainability transformation and low-carbon transition goals. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, we searched Scopus, Web of Science, and IEEE Xplore for peer-reviewed studies published between 2005 and 2025. After screening 1324 records and applying rigorous quality assessment criteria, 163 studies were included in the final synthesis. Three dominant research streams emerged: (i) carbon accounting practices for internal emissions tracking, (ii) carbon disclosure and reporting frameworks, and (iii) performance evaluation linked to sustainability goals. The GHG Protocol dominates corporate practice, yet significant methodological variations persist. Scope 3 emissions remain critically underreported despite comprising 70–90% of corporate footprints. Strategic integration with governance structures strongly predicts emission reduction outcomes. The field exhibits substantial growth but remains fragmented, with inconsistent standards application, limited Scope 3 coverage, and a persistent gap between carbon measurement and actual emission reductions. This review proposes an integrated multi-level framework linking carbon accounting practices to measurable low-carbon outcomes through standardized methodologies, outcome-based reporting, and regulatory accountability.