Once you understand the process, conduct a walkthrough of the facility to see
the identified emission sources and any
additional sources that may not have
been evident from the process review. Be
sure to look at ancillary processes, such
as wastewater treatment, because there
may be GHG emissions associated with
these areas as well.
If visiting every facility is not practical
due to the number and/or geographic
spread of covered facilities, you may need
to rely on individuals at each location to
identify the sources. This is typically done
by sending an information request to
each facility. Request information regarding all possible emission sources for the
scope to be reported. As with any information request, ensure that directions for
providing the needed data are easily understood by facility personnel and that
the request is focused on essential data.
Determining GHG Emissions from
Each Source
Each protocol specifies methods for determining GHG emissions from various
types of sources.
For example, the TCR General Reporting Protocol (GRP) specifies different
methods for determining GHG emissions
from stationary combustion sources.
Some large facilities have continuous
emissions monitoring systems (CEMS)
that directly measure GHG emissions. Direct monitoring using CEMS is considered to be the most accurate method for
determining GHG emissions—assuming
that the equipment is properly installed,
certified, operated and maintained. For
stationary combustion sources that are
not equipped with CEMS, GHG emissions
can be calculated based on fuel data. The
quantity of fuel consumed is multiplied
by an “emission factor” to determine the
GHG emissions. The emission factor may
be calculated based on fuel characteristics (e.g., heat content, carbon content).
If that information is not available, a default emission factor may be used.
Each protocol will also specify methods for determining emissions from
other sources, such as mobile combustion sources, electricity use and fugitive
emissions. Industry-specific protocols
have been developed to assist companies
in certain industries with determining
their GHG emissions.
Verifying GHG Emissions
A final step in GHG emissions determination is checking the results. Due to the
many variables and conversions required
to determine GHG emissions, the potential for errors is high. An internal check
to verify that all sources have been
counted and that calculations are correct
is essential. In many cases, companies
will engage a third party to verify their
GHG emissions, either to meet the requirements of the protocol or to improve
the credibility of their reported data.
ANSI accredits third-party verifiers of
GHG emissions, as do some regulatory
agencies (e.g., the California Air Resources Board).
The EHS Professional’s Role
As an EHS professional, you may either
have the lead role in determining GHG
emissions or support others (energy con-
servation experts or sustainability spe-
cialists). A few of the ways you can help
include:
• Identifying emission sources during
site walkthroughs
• Training plant personnel on data col-
lection
• Integrating GHG information into EHS
data systems
• Conducting quality control checks on
GHG emissions data
• Promoting initiatives to reduce GHG
emissions
As businesses seek to measure and re-
duce GHG emissions, they will look to
EHS professionals for their expertise.
Companies will need to determine their
GHG emissions to understand their risks
associated with GHG regulatory report-
ing and reduction requirements. Becom-
ing educated on the various
requirements and protocols for determin-
ing GHG emissions will prepare EHS
professionals to guide or assist their
company’s efforts. In-depth training pro-
grams are given on GHG emissions de-
termination and verification for the
various protocols. GHG verifiers also ob-
tain experience by working with lead
verifiers to supplement their classroom
training.
LisaS.Ba
rnes,CIH,PE,istechnicaldirectorofcli-matechangeservicesforBureauVeritasNorth
AmericainLakewood, Colo.Shecanbereachedat
Lisa.barnes@us.bureauveritas.com.
