For many, Scope 1 emissions are synonymous with fuel combustion, whether it occurs in a boiler or a vehicle owned by the reporting organisation. This makes sense, as these are the most visible and easily understood contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within an organisation’s direct control. However, Scope 1 emissions are not limited to fuel combustion.
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol defines four key categories of Scope 1 emissions: stationary combustion, mobile combustion, process emissions, and fugitive emissions. While the first two relate to fuel combustion and the third is mostly relevant to heavy industry, the fourth category, fugitive emissions, is less commonly discussed but highly relevant to most organisations.
What are fugitive emissions? Believe it or not, your company probably has them! This blog will explore fugitive emissions—what they are, how to measure them, and whether addressing them is worth your organisation’s time and resources.
What Are Fugitive Emissions?
The term “fugitive emissions” is often associated with the natural gas industry. Methane, the primary component of natural gas, can escape into the atmosphere during extraction, transportation, refining, and distribution. While this is a significant contributor to global GHG emissions, it’s unlikely to apply to most organisations outside the oil and gas sector.
Other common sources of fugitive emissions include industries such as mining, chemicals, and waste management. For example, methane emissions from landfills can contribute as much as 5% of total GHG emissions in the waste management sector. However, the most widespread source of fugitive emissions—and arguably the least measured—comes from refrigerant leakage.
Cooling systems such as air conditioners and refrigerators use greenhouse gases, known as “F-gases,” to transfer heat and cool spaces. These F-gases often have a very high Global Warming Potential (GWP), meaning they are much more potent as greenhouse gases than carbon dioxide. Even small amounts of F-gas leakage can have a disproportionate impact on global warming.
On average, 2% to 10% of the refrigerants used in cooling systems leak each year. While refrigerants may naturally make you think of commercial refrigerators, these emissions are not limited to businesses like supermarkets or cold chain logistics. In advanced economies, virtually every office building—including yours—is equipped with cooling systems that use F-gases, often required by commercial building codes.
How to Measure Fugitive Emissions
Measuring fugitive emissions from refrigerant leakage is straightforward if approached systematically:
Quantify Refrigerant Leakage:
- During routine maintenance, technicians often “top up” refrigerants to restore the system to its required charge. The amount added during servicing can represent the amount leaked.
- Alternatively, you can compare the original refrigerant charge (as specified in the system’s documentation) with the current charge measured during maintenance.
Identify the Type of Refrigerant:
- Different refrigerants have different GWPs, which determine their potency as warming agents.
- You can typically find the refrigerant type on the system’s label or servicing records.
Apply the GHG Protocol Formula:
- Multiply the quantity of refrigerant leaked by the GWP of the refrigerant to calculate emissions in CO₂-equivalent (CO₂e).
- Numerous online resources, such as the UK Government’s Conversion Factors for Company Reporting, provide reliable GWP values for common refrigerants.
Should You Measure Fugitive Emissions?
The short answer is yes. Comprehensive GHG measurement strengthens your organisation’s credibility in climate action, enhances transparency, and demonstrates accountability. While it might not yet be a regulatory requirement in your jurisdiction, proactive monitoring and disclosure set you apart as a leader in sustainability.
To get started:
- Identify Your Cooling Systems: Determine the types of cooling systems in your buildings, such as package heat pumps, chillers, or variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems.
- Locate Maintenance Records: Find out who maintains these records and ensure you have access to them for data collection.
- Familiarise Yourself with Measurement Frameworks: Understand the GHG Protocol’s guidance on Scope 1 emissions and locate reliable sources for refrigerant GWPs.
In the longer term, it will be imperative to explore reduction initiatives for refrigerant leakage. At the most basic level, you can consider increasing the frequency of maintenance to minimise leakage. You can also evaluate system upgrades to use lower-GWP refrigerants or modern systems that are more efficient. Modern cooling systems increasingly use low-GWP refrigerants in both self-contained and centralised systems. Investing in such upgrades can significantly reduce your Scope 1 emissions while demonstrating your commitment to long-term climate goals.
While fugitive emissions may seem minor compared to fuel combustion, they can have an outsized impact on your organisation’s carbon footprint. By identifying, measuring, and mitigating refrigerant leakage, you can reduce your Scope 1 emissions and position your organisation as a forward-thinking leader in sustainability. Don’t wait for regulations to compel you—start now to stay ahead of the curve.