Scope 1.03 - Fugitive Emissions

Introduction

Fugitive emissions do not result from combustion, but rather from the unintentional release of greenhouse gases during processes or from technical equipment. Refrigerants, in particular, contribute significantly to climate impact due to their high global warming potential.

Definition

The GHG Protocol lists fugitive emissions as Scope 1 sources released due to leaks, maintenance work, or accidents. These include, among others:

• Refrigerant leaks from air conditioning systems and cold chains (HFCs, FFCs)
• Methane Leaks in Oil and Gas Infrastructure
• Process-related losses (e.g., in chemical or aluminum production)
  

Implications for Businesses

Fugitive emissions are often difficult to measure, but they can have a massive impact on the climate: One kilogram of leaked HFCs can be equivalent to several metric tons of CO₂e. For this reason, regulations such as the EU’s F-Gas Regulation and industry-specific standards require strict monitoring and documentation.

Practical Implementation

Companies track refrigerant quantities when filling, maintaining, or disposing of equipment. Prevention is achieved through:

• Use of natural refrigerants (e.g., CO₂, ammonia, propane)
• Leak Checks and Maintenance Intervals
• Replacing old equipment with modern, low-emission systems