Which activities fall within the Fugitive Emissions category of Scope 1?
Fugitive emissions refer to the intended or unintended release of greenhouse gases from industrial processes and equipment. These emissions typically result from leaks, venting, or evaporation rather than controlled combustion.
They are categorised as Scope 1 since they originate directly from the reporting organisation's operations.
Key Sources of Fugitive Emissions
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems – Leakage of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) from commercial and industrial refrigeration units, HVAC systems, and transport cooling systems.
- Oil and Gas Operations – Methane (CH₄) leaks from natural gas pipelines, storage tanks, drilling operations, and gas processing plants.
- Chemical and Industrial Facilities – Unintended releases of gases such as sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) in electrical insulation or nitrous oxide (N₂O) in chemical production.
- Landfills and Wastewater Treatment – Methane emissions from decomposing organic waste and anaerobic digestion in sewage treatment.
- Compressed Gas Systems – Releases of carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen (N₂), or other industrial gases used in food processing, medical applications, and manufacturing.
These emissions are significant because they often involve gases with high global warming potential (GWP) that remain in the atmosphere for extended periods.