Highwood’s Glossary

The use of technologies and operational practices to directly reduce emissions from oil and natural gas systems.

A facility that is actively processing or handling oil or natural gas fluid streams

Measures methane by emitting an energy source with a specific wavelength and measure signal intensity reduction due to absorption.

A device that emits electromagnetic radiation (e.g., light) and detects gases such as methane based on differences in light absorption characteristics. Gas mapping Lidar is an example of an active methane sensor.

A population of emitting equipment that can be multiplied by an emission factor to estimate emissions volume or mass over time. Examples of common activity factors include the mileage of natural gas pipeline, the count of thief hatches on a facility, the mechanical power of gas turbines, or other parameters that directly influence the rate of operation (e.g., engine operating hours).

The entity responsible for running a voluntary emissions reduction initiative and managing participation.

see: Alberta Energy Regulator (AER)

Sets out requirements for flaring, incinerating, and venting in Alberta at all upstream petroleum industry wells and facilities. Also applies to pipeline installations that convey gas (e.g., compressor stations, line heaters) licensed by the AER in accordance with the Pipeline Act. With the exception of oil sands mining schemes and operations, Directive 060 applies to all schemes and operations approved under section 10 of the Oil Sands Conservation Act.

See: activity factor (AF)

Emissions data collected from multiple sources and combined, usually for reporting or statistical analysis.

A climate action initiative led by the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI) that aims to eliminate methane emissions from oil and gas operations by 2030.

The regulatory body that oversees the development of oil, natural gas, oil sands, and coal resources in the province of Alberta, Canada.

see: Alternative Fugitive Emissions Management Program (alt-FEMP)

Innovative and science-based alternatives to fugitive emissions management programs (FEMPs). Alternative programs may incorporate the use of various LDAR technologies such as: unmanned aerial vehicles, vehicle-mounted sensors, and continuous monitoring devices to detect, track, repair, and report fugitive emissions. This term is used in Western Canada; in the U.S. and elsewhere, the term "Alternative LDAR" is often used.

The primary trade association for the oil and gas industry in the United States. It represents over 600 member companies involved in all aspects of the petroleum sector, including exploration, production, refining, and distribution. API develops industry standards, advocates for regulatory and policy issues, conducts research, and provides data.

A discernible increase of a measured atmospheric gas over a baseline in which both the discernible increase and baseline are pre-defined. An anomaly occurs when the atmospheric concentration of a gas becomes larger than the minimum atmospheric concentration of that gas a technology can discern above noise. Not to be confused with detection.

Of, relating to, or resulting from the influence of human beings on nature. Source

"Logical grouping of sites, often according to region or basin. or Generic term for oil and gas infrastructure."

Sweet or sour natural gas that is associated with the production of crude oil or crude bitumen. Often referred to as "solution gas", associated gas breaks out of solution from crude oil or crude bitumen under specific reservoir or production conditions.

Computational techniques used to simulate how pollutants spread and dilute in the atmosphere from their source over time and distance. These models (e.g., gaussian plume model) can used to indirectly quantify methane from measurements downwind of the source.

A storage tank in which product is stored at ambient pressure. Atmospheric tanks are designed to operate at pressures less than 0.5 psig.

A remote emissions measurement technique. Downwind mixing ratios of a pollutant, geospatial data (e.g., source height and location), and environmental data (e.g., wind speed and direction) are used to infer the location and/or mass or volumetric flux of a source. Many approaches exist.

Determination of the emission source category associated with a detection event.

Audio, visual, and olfactory (AVO) is a methane detection survey performed using human senses. Regulations often have some form of AVO requirement that is equipment or site specific.

The verification of an organization's emissions data, practices, or performance by a third party.

Designed to enable verification of a organization's progress toward a goal or adherence to a voluntary initiative or regulation.

see: Audio, visual, and olfactory (AVO)

A geographic/geological area where petroleum exists in commercial quantities.

The operation of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at distances where the pilot cannot see the aircraft directly. BVLOS is essential for long-range emissions surveys.

A voluntary initiative that incorporates compliance measures.

The purposeful venting of natural gas to the atmosphere during well operations and/or during pipeline operations or maintenance to relieve pressure in the pipe.

A list of emission sources by category and quantity and aggregated into overall estimates that could be by site, business unit, and/or company over a specified period of time (typically a reporting year). Bottom-up inventories can use generic emission factors derived from industry averages, company-specific factors, direct measurement, engineering calculations, or manufacturer data.

Documentation of facility specific details, such as facility process operations, production, and emissions calculations used during a reporting period.

A measurement that occurs at a granular scale (e.g., component) used to estimate emissions more broadly. Bottom-up measurements can be averaged into emission factors and combined with activity factors to build a bottom-up inventory.

The governing body that oversees oil and gas activities within the province of British Columbia, Canada.

A flexible, non-elastic, anti-static bag of a calibrated volume that can be affixed to an emitting source such that the emissions inflate the bag to its calibrated volume. Technicians record the time required to fill the bag before sending to a laboratory for analysis.

The ratio of carbon emissions to some measure of productivity, such as natural gas production or energy content of oil.

A greenhouse gas trading system that enables monetization of emissions reductions and/or strong performance relative to other market participants. Participants may buy or sell units of GHG emissions in order to operate within the limits outlined by the agreement governing a particular market.

A unit of greenhouse gas emissions reduced by one actor that can be traded to compensate for emissions by another actor.

A not-for-profit charity that runs the global disclosure system for investors, companies, cities, states, and regions to manage their environmental impacts.

See: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE)

A voluntary initiative that holds participants to binding standards that may include emissions reduction performance targets, use of specific technologies, and adoption of methodologies. Certifications entail an explicit declaration of achievement from the administering organization to the participant.

Cheniere's Quantification, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (QMRV) program is a collaborative R&D initiative with groups including EEMDL, with the ultimate goal of providing emissions tags on LNG cargos.

The United States' primary federal air quality law, intended to reduce and control air pollution nationwide. Initially enacted in 1963 and amended many times since, it is one of the United States' first and most influential modern environmental laws. Amendments to the clean air act give the EPA the unambiguous right to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

A non-profit environmental organization dedicated to reducing air pollution and combating climate change. It focuses on advocating for policies, advancing technology innovation, and promoting GHG emissions reductions.

see: Comprehensive Monitoring Program

The principal department of the Colorado state government responsible for public health and environmental regulation, which includes regulation of greenhouse gas emissions.

A CDPHE Air Quality Control Commission regulation, effective 02/14/24: “Control of Emissions from Oil and Gas Emissions Operations”. This includes requirements for oil and gas methane emissions reporting, and, as of 2024, includes an “intensity verification rule” which requires operators to build measurement informed inventories.

The chemical reaction where a hydrocarbon reacts with oxygen to create heat and oxides such as carbon dioxide and water. Energy is obtained from fossil fuels through combustion of the fuel.  Source

How efficiently a piece of equipment is burning a fuel. Combustion efficiency is an important consideration when estimating emissions, since combustion of natural gas destroys methane and creates carbon dioxide, which has a lower greenhouse potential. Higher combustion efficiencies will result in a higher degree of methane destruction and lower overall carbon intensity.

Methane emissions resulting from incomplete combustion of natural gas by an engine.

A voluntary initiative requiring participants to pledge efforts toward a goal that is decided upon by a governing body or collectively by participants within a group. Commitments are typically auditable, binding, and focus on achieving future goals.

The work incorporating the steps taken to transform a drilled well into a producing one. These steps include, but are not limited to: casing the well, cementing the casing, perforating the casing, installing down hole flow control or isolation equipment, hydraulic fracturing, and installing a well head with a production tree.

A component is the smallest scale of oil and gas infrastructure. Examples include valves, flanges, and threaded connections. Multiple components comprise equipment (e.g., tanks, separators) and a site may have multiple pieces of equipment or equipment groups.

A methane monitoring program that combines screening methods with close-range methods to diagnose and precisely pinpoint leaking components.

Methane detection technology installed at a facility to provide repeated emissions measurements at high temporal resolution. Typical continuous measurement technologies may acquire measurements multiple times per second or multiple times per day.

Methane detection technology installed at a facility, on or near equipment with the potential to emit, that monitors for methane emissions on an ongoing basis.

Intentional releases of methane at a known location and rate used to test the performance of methane detection and quantification technology. Colorado State University's METEC facility is a well-known testing facility.

A metric (usually $/tonne of CO2 equivalent) that enables apples-to-apples comparison of emission reduction opportunities.

Emissions associated with a piece of equipment or facility under normal operations (operating within design parameters). Includes vented emissions and emissions from incomplete combustion.

A determination by a method or device that methane levels are above ambient background concentration and that a source may be present. Typically requires an analysis of one or a series of measured anomalies. Detections are often defined in terms of magnitude and/or duration of elevated mixing ratio. For example, a detection event could be defined as an anomaly that reaches an estimated mixing ratio of 3 standard deviations above a 24-hour baseline.

The process of differentiating a product (typically natural gas) on the basis of some characteristic (typically a measure of carbon intensity or ESG performance).

The quantification of emissions by directly measuring at the source of release, using methods such as in-line flow meters or calibrated vent bags.

The act of releasing private information to a target audience.

A measure of disclosure for voluntary initiatives introduced in Highwood's Voluntary Initiatives report.

Mathematical simulations that predict how a pollutant will move through the atmosphere.

The segment of the natural gas value chain comprised of pipelines and metering and regulating equipment, used to deliver natural gas to end-use consumers.

A voluntary framework for measurement, monitoring, reporting, and verification of GHG emissions in the natural gas supply chain. Development, led by the US FECM, builds on the strengths of OGMP 2.0 and other reporting approaches.

The final stage in the oil and gas value chain. Activities include distribution, retail, marketing, product development, and consumption by the end user.

A flying vehicle with no human on board, either automated or remotely operated (i.e., UAV).

Environment and Climate Change Canada.

See: Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC)

The Energy Emissions. Modeling and Data Lab (EEMDL) is an initiative of the University of Texas at Austin, Colorado State University, and the Colorado School of Mines, developing transparent models and datasets for accurate greenhouse gas emissions accounting across global oil and gas supply chain.

A measure of how quickly a pollutant is being introduced to the atmosphere. Typically expressed in either mass per unit time (e.g., kg/hr) or volume per unit time (e.g., SCF/hr). Many units exist and are used. To easily convert among them, try out Highwood's conversion tool, How Much Gas is That?!

A measure of how quickly a pollutant is being introduced to the atmosphere. May be variable throughout an emission event. Typically expressed in either mass per unit time (e.g., kg/hr) or volume per unit time (e.g., SCF/hr) and may include statistical terms such as mean, median, minimum, and maximum. Many units exist and are used. To easily convert among them, try out Highwood's conversion tool 

Market-based instruments that create incentives to reduce emissions where these are most cost-effective. In most regulatory trading systems, the government sets an emissions cap in one or more sectors, and the entities that are covered are allowed to trade emissions permits. Rapid growth of voluntary ETSs is also underway. Source

A discrete time bounded occurrence where greenhouse gases and/or other pollutants are released into the atmosphere. This can result from both non-intentional (fugitive) and intentional (e.g., venting) emissions sources. 

A list of air pollutants discharged into the atmosphere over a period, typically a year. Inventories can exist for a variety of entities, including companies, industry groups (e.g., OGCI, ONE Future), basins, and countries. Inventories are often broken into source categories, which may be general (e.g., venting versus fugitives) or granular (e.g., high-bleed versus low-bleed pneumatics).

The combination of an emissions measurement technology, a work practice, and analytics, for use for detection, localization, quantification, and/or classification. Should clearly state any mandatory actions to be performed as part of the work practice, and suitable operating conditions.

A gas measuring instrument, optionally configured with a deployment platform (e.g., handheld, drone, ground vehicle, aircraft, satellite, or stationary),  that  can  be  used  to  gather  data  on emissions. These data can include binary detections, monitoring, and quantification.

A solution to a problem or difficult situation that relies on the application of math and science

Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) improves hydrocarbon recovery by injecting fluids into a hydrocarbon reservoir to increase or maintain reservoir pressure, displace hydrocarbons to production wells, or alter reservoir fluids to improve hydrocarbon flow.

Environment and Climate Change Canada is the department of the Government of Canada responsible for coordinating environmental policies and programs, as well as preserving and enhancing the natural environment and renewable resources, including greenhouse gas reporting.

A global non-profit organization dedicated to addressing environmental challenges through science-based solutions, policy advocacy, and partnerships. Founded in 1967, EDF focuses on critical issues such as climate change, ecosystem restoration, pollution reduction, and sustainable agriculture.

A United States government agency whose work it is to improve society’s understanding of climate change and its impacts on human health and the environment. The data, tools, and resources that EPA develops can also be used by other agencies, organizations, states, tribes, and communities to help tackle the climate crisis effectively, equitably, and sustainably. Source

Refers to a collection of corporate performance evaluation criteria that assess the robustness of a company’s governance mechanisms and its ability to effectively manage its environmental and social impacts. Examples of ESG data include the quantification of a company’s carbon emissions, water consumption or customer privacy breaches. Institutional investors, stock exchanges and boards increasingly use sustainability and social responsibility disclosure information to explore the relationship between a company’s management of ESG risk factors and its business performance. Source

A certification framework developed by Equitable Origin, providing a set of rigorous environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance criteria for energy companies, covering areas such as indigenous peoples' rights, human rights, fair labor practices, environmental impacts, climate change mitigation, and transparency.

See: enhanced oil recovery.

see: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Part of the EPA’s broader Natural Gas STAR Program, the 2016-2024 Methane Challenge Partnership is a platform for companies to make transparent commitments to reduce methane emissions. Participating companies can choose from two commitment options: the Best Management Practices (BMP) Commitment option and the ONE Future Emissions Intensity Commitment option.

In emissions attribution, equipment is the second most granular piece of oil and gas infrastructure. Examples include tanks and separators. See definition of component for more details.

The concept that two LDAR programs mitigate equal amounts of emissions. In the context of LDAR programs, alternative work practices and technologies are required to demonstrate that they meet or exceed mitigated emissions under regulatory frameworks and voluntary initiatives (e.g., MiQ).

Originating in thermodynamics, the ergodic hypothesis states that the average of a parameter over time and the average of the statistical ensemble are the same. Applied to emissions of oil and gas systems, if the ergodic hypothesis holds, although emissions at an individual site may change continuously, other sites are expected to change similarly, and any given snapshot is broadly representative.

see: Environmental, Social, and Governance.

see: emission trading system (ETS).

The European Union Methane Regulation mandates oil, gas, and coal importers and domestic operators to implement stringent MMRV procedures for methane emissions. It requires independent third-party verification of emissions data to ensure compliance and transparency. The regulation's goal is to significantly reduce methane emissions and enhance market competitiveness by setting high standards for emissions control.

The discrete period of time during which time the conditions that caused the emissions event are present.  An event’s emission rate may vary throughout the duration, even fluctuating between zero-and non-zero (see emission rate and event persistence).

How often a repeating emissions event happens within a specified time period. For example, liquid unloading events occur on a scheduled and/or planned basis and will have a certain frequency per month/quarter/year.

Event intermittency, quantified as the fraction of time that the event is emitting for . A persistence of 1 indicates the event is emitting for 100% of its duration, whereas a persistence of 0.1 indicates the event is emitting for 10% of the event duration.

Estimation beyond the original observation range of the value of a variable on the basis of known measurements.

In controlled release testing, this is a detection that cannot be attributed to a controlled release.

A permanently installed emissions monitoring system. See continuous measurement.

An intentional, controlled burning of natural gas. Gas is ignited at the top of a flare stack, creating a characteristic flame. Source

Venting that occurs in a storage tank when the pressure of liquid with entrained gas drops and lighter compounds dissolved in the liquid are released/vented off.

An inspection to confirm or deny potential leaks detected through a screening survey. Typically, screening technology will identify a potential leak at the site or equipment-scale. Follow-up surveys diagnose leaks at the component scale, typically with handheld detection methods.

Unintentional methane and/or other hydrocarbon emissions. Examples include leaks, process upsets, and emissions from human error, such as leaving a thief hatch open on a storage vessel. Source

A program that is intended to complement a duty holder’s overall emissions reduction strategy by establishing a plan and supporting systems to systematically detect and manage fugitive emissions. This plan includes the systematic detection and repair of leaks, malfunctioning equipment, and surface casing vent flows. Detection of these leaks relies on regular surveys or screenings of sites for fugitive emissions. The term FEMP is characteristic of Western Canada. In the U.S. and elsewhere, the term 'LDAR Program' is often used. Source  | Source 2

A review comparing a company's current status against its desired status to identify and characterize areas requiring further work.

Re-routing natural-gas which would otherwise be vented to the atmosphere.

The collection of petroleum products from their extraction point (wells), and their transport to a processing facility. A typical gathering system is highly branched, and consists of small-medium diameter pipelines with medium operating pressures.

The most commonly used dispersion model (see dispersion modeling). The Gaussian plume model is a relatively simple model (conceptually and computationally) that assumes the plume follows a normal (Gaussian) distribution in 3 dimensions.

see: greenhouse gas (GHG)

An emissions quantification framework that is widely used by businesses, industry associations, NGOs, and other organizations. Some initiatives use the GHG Protocol for their emissions quantification requirements. GHG Protocol has published several standards but is recognized for these two emission quantification guidelines: (1) Corporate Standard – for scope 1, 2, and energy-related scope 3, and (2) Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Standard – for life-cycle emissions, both upstream and downstream.

A set of guidelines developed by the International Group of Liquefied Natural Gas Importers (GIIGNL) to provide a standardized approach for measuring, reporting, and verifying (MRV) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with the liquefied natural gas (LNG) value chain. This framework also provides criteria for what can be labeled as "GHG neutral" LNG.

A voluntary international partnership that brings together national governments, private sector entities, development banks, NGOs, and other interested stakeholders in a collaborative effort to reduce methane emissions and advance methane recovery and use as a clean energy source.

An international initiative to reduce global methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030. Launched at COP26 in 2021, it encourages countries to implement policies and practices that significantly cut methane emissions across various sectors.

An international organization that provides a widely used framework for sustainability reporting. It offers guidelines for organizations to disclose their impacts, helping stakeholders understand their sustainability performance. GRI aims to enhance transparency and accountability in corporate sustainability practices.

GWP was developed to allow comparisons of the global warming impacts of different gases. Specifically, it is a measure of how much energy the emissions of 1 ton of a gas will absorb over a given period of time relative to the emissions of 1 ton of carbon dioxide (CO2). The larger the GWP, the more that a given gas warms the Earth compared to CO2 over that time period. Because different GHGs break down in the atmosphere at different rates, the time period frequently used to calculate GWPs is 100 years. GWPs provide a common unit of measure, which allows analysts to add up emissions(...)

see: Global Methane Initiative

A gas that traps heat in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases. Source

Mandatory government programs in the USA and Canada that collect greenhouse gas emissions data from facilities meeting certain criteria.

A US based non-profit research and development organization which develops, demonstrates, and licenses new energy technologies for private and public clients. With a focus on the natural gas industry, GTI is responsible for the development of the Veritas protocols.

A set of frameworks, standards, principles, and/or tools designed to assist participants in meeting their goals and reporting on their progress

see: global warming potential (GWP)

A small, portable methane detection instrument that is often used to detect and diagnose leaks at the component scale. Examples include optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras and handheld organic vapour analyzers (OVAs).

A highly skewed probability distribution. Most emissions distributions are heavy-tailed, with a small number of super-emitters accounting for the majority of emissions.

A portable backpack mounted unit with a probe that draws in air rapidly to sample and quantify methane emission rates. Hi flow samplers are commonly used in the oil and gas industry to quantify methane leaks and other greenhouse gas emissions at the source.

The ability to safely tie into a pressurized system (e.g., pipeline, process piping, pressure vessels, etc.) by drilling or cutting into it while it is on stream and under pressure

A naturally occurring organic compound comprising hydrogen and carbon. Hydrocarbons can be as simple as methane (CH4), but many are highly complex molecules, and can occur as gases, liquids or solids. The molecules can have the shape of chains, branching chains, rings or other structures. Petroleum is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons. The most common hydrocarbons are natural gas, oil, and coal. Source

Natural gas fuel not combusted by an engine or flare. Incomplete combustion increases carbon intensity because methane has a higher GWP than carbon dioxide.

Air that is used to supply pneumatic devices.

Natural gas that is used to supply pneumatic devices.

An intergovernmental body of the United Nations tasked with advancing scientific knowledge about climate change caused by human activities.

The petroleum industry's global forum in which members identify and share best practices to achieve improvements in health, safety, the environment, security, social responsibility, engineering, and operations.

An autonomous intergovernmental organization that provides policy advice, data, and analysis on global energy issues. Established in 1974, the IEA promotes energy security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. The IEA works with member and partner countries to coordinate energy policies, monitor global energy trends, and support the transition to clean energy.

A global trade association representing companies involved in the importation and distribution of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

An initiative of the United Nations Environment Programme aimed at addressing the issue of methane emissions. It collects, integrates, and reconciles methane data from various sources, including scientific measurement studies, satellites, industry reporting via the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0, and national inventories.

see: lifecycle analysis

see: leak detection and repair (LDAR), LDAR method, LDAR program.

See methane monitoring method. Source

The process for identifying leaking equipment and conducting repairs. Includes the systematic implementation of one or more methane detection methods across a collection of assets. The program includes the method, or combination of methods, to be used for each facility, along with survey frequency, repair response, and reporting requirements. Regulations often mandate LDAR, and components subject to LDAR must be monitored at specified, regular intervals. Source

An open-source modeling framework for exploring the effectiveness of methane leak detection programs. The purpose of LDAR-Sim is to enable transparent, collaborative, flexible, and intuitive investigation of emerging LDAR technologies, methods, work practices, regulations, and deployment strategies. Learn more here.

A gas sensing instrument, optionally configured with a deployment platform and/or  ancillary  instruments  (e.g.  anemometers, positioning),  that  can  be  used  to  gather  data  on emissions.  Source

A type of fugitive emission in which hydrocarbons are unintentionally released to the atmosphere due to equipment failure. Most leaks come from failed valves and connections. Source

Leak Detection and Repair is a work practice designed to identify leaking equipment so that emissions can be reduced through repairs. A component that is subject to LDAR requirements must be monitored at specified, regular intervals to determine whether or not it is leaking. Any leaking component must then be repaired or replaced within a specified time frame. Source

A distribution of leak rates for a group of sources. Leak-size distributions are often heavy-tailed, with a small number of large sources accounting for most emissions.

A technique for assessing the environmental aspects associated with a product over its life cycle. Source

Removal of accumulated fluids from well bore either by venting (“blowing down”) or using artificial lift techniques (e.g., plunger lifts).

Natural gas that has been cooled down to liquid form for ease and safety of non-pressurized storage or transport.

Natural gas that has been cooled to liquid form for non-pressurized storage or transport. LNG is approximately 1/600th the volume of natural gas at standard conditions.

see: liquified natural gas

Identifying the physical location of a leak source. Localization can be done at different scales (site-level, equipment-level and component-level).

A Marginal Abatement Cost Curve is a graphical representation of the emissions abatement potential of different mitigation options and their corresponding abatement costs.

A graphical tool used to illustrate the cost and effectiveness of various emissions abatement strategies. The chart shows the cost per unit of emissions reduction (typically expressed in dollars per ton of CO₂ equivalent) on the vertical axis and the potential emissions reduction from each measure on the horizontal axis. Each bar in the curve represents a specific abatement action, like upgrading equipment, improving efficiency, or deploying renewable energy, and its height indicates the cost-effectiveness of that action. Bars may extend above or below the x-axis, indicating,(...)

An indirect quantification technique where a target area's perimeter (or volume's surface) is surveyed with for point concentrations and combined with wind data to estimate emissions within the target area.

How significant the contribution is of something to the whole. For example, how significant the emissions are of a source category relative to the other source categories within the asset.

A general term for acquiring empirical emissions data from the environment.

An emissions inventory that incorporates company-specific measurements and that does not rely exclusively on generic assumptions. Various regulatory and non-regulatory approaches exist for developing MIIs that differ in their requirements. Examples include OGMP 2.0, Veritas Protocols, the MiQ Standard, and Colorado’s GHG Intensity Rule. Most MIIs do not require exclusive use of measurements but encourage operators to minimize user of generic inputs.

Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MMRV) is a multi-step process used to account for the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and emissions intensity across the supply chain.

The net effect of limitations in measurement, often expressed as a range of possible values. In methane quantification, measurement uncertainty can result from sensor errors, computer modeling errors, environmental conditions, and other associated variables.

The Methane Emissions Technology Evaluation Center (referred to as METEC) is a test and research facility for emissions leak detection and quantification (LDAQ) technology development, field demonstration, hands-on LDAQ equipment training, and protocol and best practices development. The METEC facility is operated by the Energy Institute at Colorado State University (CSU) and is located on CSU’s foothills campus.

A colorless, odorless gas that occurs abundantly in nature and as a product of certain human activities. Its chemical formula is CH4. Source

IMEO's global system using satellites to provide rapid, actionable, and transparent data on methane emissions. Initially focusing on the energy sector, MARS will expand to other sectors like waste and agriculture. It enables policy-makers, businesses, and the public to access this data for targeted action, connecting methane detection with on-the-ground mitigation efforts to reduce emissions.

A voluntary partnership between industry and non-industry organizations that produces free methane resources, including best practice guides.

The amount of methane emitted divided by some measure of productivity, such as methane produced, volume of gas sent to sales, or amount of produced energy.

The combination of a methane monitoring technology, a work practice, and analytics, for use in an LDAR program. A methane monitoring method must clearly state any mandatory actions to be performed as part of the work practice, along with suitable operating conditions for the technology. These can include environmental conditions, limitations on facility types, technology configurations, and survey procedure (i.e., LDAR method).

The process for identifying leaking equipment and conducting repairs. Includes the systematic implementation of one or more methane detection methods across a collection of assets. The program includes the method, or combination of methods, to be used for each facility, along with survey frequency, repair response, and reporting requirements. Regulations often mandate LDAR, and components subject to LDAR must be monitored at specified, regular intervals. Source

Uncombusted fuel that passes through an engine.

A US EPA defined procedure for detecting fugitive emissions from industrial equipment, especially in oil, gas, and chemical industries. An electrically driven pump draws in air from a handheld probe to a portable analyzer. If detected concentrations exceed a specified threshold, the component is flagged for repair. This method is also commonly prescribed in voluntary initiatives and jurisdictions other than the US.

The segment in the oil and gas value chain that falls between upstream and downstream. Activities include transmission and storage.

The smallest atmospheric concentration or emission rate that a measurement method is capable of discerning. Probability of detection is a preferred concept because sensitivity depends on context and detection is more likely under a range of favorable conditions.

See: Minimum Detection Limit (MDL).

An independent not-for-profit methane certification program established by RMI and SYSTEMIQ to facilitate a rapid reduction in methane emissions from the oil and gas sector.

The amount that emissions are reduced below a baseline.

The proportion of air that is methane, usually in parts per million (ppm) or billion (ppb). Can be for a point, a line (ppm-m), or a 3D area (e.g., column averages).

Measurement Reporting and Verification, or Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification. See Measurement Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MMRV).

At its eighth session, the Conference of the Parties (COP), the decision-making body responsible for monitoring and reviewing the implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, requested the secretariat to publish on its website the annual inventory submissions consisting of the national inventory report (NIR) and common reporting format (CRF) of all Parties included in Annex I to the Convention. The NIRs contain detailed descriptive and numerical information and the CRF tables contain all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals, implied emission(...)

Natural gas is a naturally occurring and flammable hydrocarbon gas that is used for fuel. Its primary component is methane, but it can also contain ethane, propane, butane, and pentanes. Impurities including oxygen, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitrogen, water, and carbon dioxide (CO2) are often also present.

Achieving a state where either (1) no greenhouse gases are emitted, or (2) remaining emissions are offset through other actions or technologies.

A methodology for companies to consistently calculate and report methane emissions intensity. The protocol is intended to support voluntary reporting by companies operating within the natural gas supply chain in the United States from onshore production through distribution.

An asset where the company holds an equity stake but does not have operational control.

Upset, emergency, or intermittent venting of hydrocarbon emissions. This could include emergency process evacuation events.

The Oil & Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0) is the flagship oil and gas reporting and mitigation programme of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It is the only comprehensive, methane measurement-based international reporting framework for the sector.

A CEO-led initiative that aims to accelerate the industry response to climate change. OGCI member companies explicitly support the Paris Agreement and its aims. Source

A global initiative launched at COP28, to drive accelerated climate action and emissions reductions across the oil and gas sector. It outlines a series of key ambitions for its signatories, which are supported by a sustained program of knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation. The OGDC is a key initiative under the Global Decarbonization Accelerator, a series of landmark initiatives launched at COP28.

A Climate and Clean Air Coalition initiative led by the UN Environment Programme, in partnership with the European Commission, the UK Government, the Environmental Defense Fund, and leading oil and gas companies. Source

An industry-led coalition focused on reducing methane emissions across the natural gas value chain in the United States. The coalition's goal is to lower methane emissions intensity to 1% or less by 2025.

US oil and gas operational and design requirements to limit VOC emissions. Applies to sources built, modified, or reconstructed after August 23, 2011, and on or before September 18, 2015. OOOO will be displaced by OOOOc when OOOOc takes effect.

US oil and gas operational and design requirements to limit methane and VOC emissions. Applies to sources built, modified, or reconstructed after September 18, 2015, and on or before December 6, 2022. OOOOa will be displaced by OOOOc when OOOOc takes effect.

US oil and gas operational and design requirements to limit methane and VOC emissions. Applies to sources built, modified, or reconstructed after December 6, 2022.

US oil and gas operational and design requirements to limit methane emissions. Applies to sources built, modified, or reconstructed on or before December 6, 2022. When OOOOc takes effect, it will displace OOOO and OOOOa.

An asset where the company has operational control

A common leak detection approach that uses infrared (thermal) cameras to visualize methane and various other organic gases. Common OGI cameras create images of a narrow range of the mid-IR spectrum (3.2− 3.4 μm wavelength) which methane and other light hydrocarbons actively absorb.

A regulatory reporting emissions source category within EPA’s Subpart-W: Abnormal methane emissions exceeding 100 kg/h, not fully accounted for using existing methods in Subpart-W. This source category, quantified based on measurement data, was added in the 2024 revisions to Subpart-W. This source aligns with the threshold for events under the Super Emitter Program in NSPS OOOOb and EG OOOOc.

EPA OTM 33A uses fast response instruments mounted on ground-based vehicles for the geospatial measurement of air pollution (GMAP) near the driving route. Typically, the vehicle remains stationary for an extended period of time as the methane plume washes over it. Location and source emission rate are estimated. Source

Chemicals that contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone (O₃, a key component of smog) in the presence of sunlight. Common examples include volatile organic compounds nitrogen oxides, and methane.

Operational data and characteristics utilized to inform inventories including production rates, equipment specifications, performance characteristics, gas composition, and process parameters.

Measures methane through absorption of electromagnetic energy (typically infrared) naturally emitted by the environment.

A device that detects chemicals by measuring differences in naturally occurring electromagnetic radiation that masses through a target species (e.g., light from the sun reflecting off the ground and passing through a methane plume). Common examples include OGI cameras and most satellite-based methane sensors.

A quantifiable metric describing an LDAR method's performance. Ideally, performance metrics are constrained with independent, single-blind controlled release testing. The most important performance metric is probability of detection (POD) which is commonly expressed as a probability curve or surface. Many other performance metrics exist, including localization and quantification uncertainty, false positive rate, and more.

The practice of using pipeline inspection gauges or gadgets, devices generally referred to as pigs or scrapers, to perform various maintenance operations. This is done without stopping the flow of the product in the pipeline.

A body of one fluid (natural gas/methane) moving through another (ambient air).

Pneumatic controllers are a type of pneumatic instrument used on oil and gas sites. They control conditions such as temperature, pressure, and fluid levels. Source

Components which vent pressurized gas (either air or natural gas) as part of their normal operations, which includes pneumatic instruments, pneumatic pumps, and pneumatic controllers.

Oilfield equipment powered through pressurized gas (either air or natural gas). They are frequently used when there is no electricity available on a site, and are a known source of methane emissions. Pneumatic instruments are often designed to vent gas with every cycle of their operation, referred to as "bleeding". Source

Pneumatic pumps are a type of pneumatic instrument. They are used to inject chemicals (such as methanol) into wells and pipelines, or circulate fluids. Source

Direct measurement of mixing ratios in the atmosphere by a sensor located within the measured point.

A device that detects chemical concentrations through direct contact. Point methane sensors must be positioned inside of a plume to detect methane. For continuous monitors, this means waiting for the plume to travel to the sensor.

A pressure relief valve (PRV) is a safety mechanism used to help regulate the pressure in a system. Pressure relief valves are a leading cause of emissions from hydrocarbon storage tanks. As the pressure in these tanks rises, the valve may open, releasing pressure, and in turn, releasing natural gas into the atmosphere. In this sense, PRVs are a source of venting.

see: pressure relief valve.

The probability that a measurement method will successfully detect the presence of a target species such as methane gas in the atmosphere. It is typically depicted as a sigmoid curve where PoD is a function of emission rate. More complex PoD functions may consider other variables relevant for the measurement method (e.g., wind speed).

A general term for quantifying emissions. It is often used interchangeably with emission rate estimation, but measuring mixing ratios of a pollutant is also a form of quantification.

Combines optical gas imaging (OGI) camera technology with cross-section pixel absorption algorithms to numerically estimate emissions rates. The brightness of each pixel seen through the OGI camera is proportional to the amount of infrared radiation incident on the camera along the corresponding line of sight through the plume. The brightness is converted to a concentration and combined with estimated velocities to obtain mass fluxes. Accuracy of quantification can be affected by wind, temperature, humidity, visibility, and daylight. Source

Greenhouse gas emissions can be estimated using emissions factors, measurements, or engineering equations at various spatial and temporal scales. Reconciliation explores whether and why different estimation approaches vary. In some cases, reconciliation can be defined as a methodology for combining multiple different estimates into a single stronger estimate.

The process by which soil contaminants are managed and removed, and the site is readied for reclamation. In Alberta, this is done following AER and AEP requirements. Contaminated soil may be hauled to a landfill and then replaced with clean soil, or may be treated onsite until it meets AEP guidelines. Source

A device or material designed to reflect light or other waves back to their source, regardless of the angle at which they arrive. Retroreflectors are commonly used in road signs, vehicle and clothing safety markers, surveying, and scientific applications involving laser measurements.

Routine venting refers to the intentional release of natural gas into the atmosphere from oil and natural gas equipment. This equipment includes (but is not limited to): pneumatic devices, glycol dehydrators, compressor seals, casing vents, and atmospheric tanks. Source

The measurement of a subset of a population, where representative samples should be chosen randomly to avoid bias. Sampling can occur at component, equipment, or site level, and can be necessary for generating company-specific emissions factors for select regulatory and voluntary emissions reporting requirements.

Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a global organization that guides companies and financial institutions in setting greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets to achieve net-zero by 2050. SBTi provides standards, tools, and guidance for setting science-based climate goals. It is a charitable organization partnered with CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, the We Mean Business Coalition, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Scope 1 or direct emissions are those emissions arising from sources owned or controlled by an organization within a defined boundary. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy, from a utility provider. Scope 3 emissions are all indirect emissions – not included in scope 2 – that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, including both upstream and downstream emissions.

Screening methods are used to rapidly flag high-emitting sites to direct close-range follow-up source diagnosis and root cause analysis. An example of a common screening method is an aerial monitoring campaign.

see: surface casing vent flow (SCVF).

The fundamental principle by which methane is detected by an instrument. This includes point measurement, passive remote imaging, and active remote imaging.

Vessel used for separating a well stream into gaseous and liquid components.

Collection of co-located equipment.

Measurements that are made at the site-level spatial scale (i.e., multiple sources are captured in a single estimate).

See: attribution

The collection of direct emissions data at the component spatial scale.

The size of a space or the extent at which emissions measurements are taken or data granularity is defined. Common spatial scales are: component, equipment, equipment group, site, region, and basin. Spatial scales of satellites are often characterized by pixel size.

Owners or operators of facilities that contain petroleum and natural gas systems and emit 25,000 metric tons or more of GHGs per year (expressed as carbon dioxide equivalents) must report GHG data to EPA as prescribed in Subpart W. Owners or operators must collect GHG data, calculate GHG emissions, and follow specified procedures for quality assurance, missing data, recordkeeping, and reporting. Subpart W consists of emission sources in ten segments of the petroleum and natural gas industry.

An uncharacteristically large point source of methane. Given that most methane emissions distributions are heavily skewed, a small number of super-emitters can account for the majority of aggregate emissions across the supply chain. Emissions distributions vary widely by basin and production type, so there is debate over what constitutes a super-emitter. Highwood defines a super-emitter as any emission with mass flux rate that exceeds 100 kg/h methane and an ultra-emitter as any source above 1000 kg/h.

Framework allowing accredited third parties to report leaks over 100 kg/h to the US EPA. Under the methane Super Emitter Program, third parties may apply to EPA to become certified to send data about large methane “events” to the Agency. The rule establishes requirements for the technology that can be used for methane detection, for owners and operators responsible for reported leaks to investigate, for reporting the results of the investigation back to EPA, and for the Agency to make the notifications public on its website. The Super Emitter Program is directed by OOOOb and OOOOc.

A condition where fluid or gas is flowing from the surface casing vent assembly. This term is typically used in conjunction with land wells. Source

The Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction Regulation requires regulated facilities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The regulation applies to facilities which emit more than 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. Facilities which emit less than the threshold may opt-in to the regulation, and conventional oil and gas facilities under the same ownership may be combined into a single aggregate facility. The regulation sets out high-performance benchmarks or enables the director to set facility-specific product benchmarks. To meet the emissions reduction(...)

An industry-led initiative to collaborate on reducing methane emissions and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from US operations. The partnership focuses on sharing best practices, implementing innovative technologies, and improving operational procedures to minimize the environmental impact of oil and gas production.

The United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. It was created to provide policymakers with regular scientific assessments on climate change, its implications and potential future risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation options. Source

A methodology to quantify the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with a delivered liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargo. It provides a measurement, reporting and verification methodology which compliments common GHG reporting processes to deliver a consistent, verified SGE for each delivered LNG cargo.

An aperture in a tank or vessel that may be open or closed. They are typically used on low pressure tanks. Thief hatches that have been left open can be a significant source of fugitive emissions. Source

see: Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) Regulation.

An emissions measurement that aggregates multiple potential sources into a single estimate. Top-down measurements may be equipment scale (consisting of multiple components), site level (consisting of all equipment groups on site), or regional (consisting of all sites in a measurement area). See bottom-up measurement.

An indirect quantification technique used in research where a known amount of a detectable tracer gas is released at the emission source and the dilution measured downstream.

Natural gas transmission systems move natural gas from upstream gathering, processing, or storage facilities to distribution systems, large-volume customers, or other storage/processing facilities.

The degree to which an initiative or producer discloses their internal operations and standards and allows for accessibility of information regarding an initiative.

The TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) is the gas-sensing instrument on the Copernicus Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite developed by the European Space Agency. TROPOMI has been used to identify methane ultra-emitters around the world.

see: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle.

 A large super-emitter that emits at least 100 kg/h methane.

The difference between gas receipts and gas deliveries, where gas receipts are volumes that enter a pipeline system and gas deliveries are volumes that exit the pipeline system.

Unconventional resources are hydrocarbon-bearing units where the permeability and porosity are so low that the resource cannot be extracted economically through a vertical well bore and instead required a horizontal well bore followed by multistage hydraulic fracturing to achieve economic production. Source

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is the UN process for negotiating an agreement to limit dangerous climate change. It is an international treaty signed by 154 nations in 1992, entering into force on 21 March, 1994.

Launched on February 16, 2012, by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) along with Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Sweden, and the United States, the CCAC aims to catalyze rapid reductions in short-lived climate pollutants to protect human health, agriculture, and the environment.

The authority responsible for coordinating responses to environmental issues within the United Nations.

A flying vehicle with no human on board, either automated or remotely operated (see drone).

The first segment in the oil and gas value chain, consisting of exploration and production processes. Activities include drilling, production, and processing.

A system composed of a scrubber, a compressor, and a switch. Its main purpose is to recover vapors formed inside completely sealed crude oil or condensate tanks. The switch detects pressure variations inside the tanks and turns the compressor on and off. The vapors are sucked through a scrubber, where the liquid trapped is returned to the liquid pipeline system or to the tanks, and the vapor recovered is pumped into gas lines. Source

The direct release of unburned natural gas or other hydrocarbon vapors into the atmosphere. Unlike fugitive emissions, vented emissions occur by design. Source

The intentional direct release of unburned natural gas or other hydrocarbon vapors into the atmosphere. Unlike fugitive emissions, vented emissions occur by design.

An open-source methodology designed to help industry combine measurement data with bottom-up inventories into a measurement-informed inventory that quantifies annual methane emissions over a group of sites.

A coordinated effort managed by an administering organization that enables participants to take standardized voluntary steps toward targeting, achieving, and/or taking credit for emissions reductions.

A fee assessed by the US EPA for reported methane emissions above an intensity threshold of 0.05 to 0.2%. The Waste Emissions Charge (WEC) for methane applies to petroleum and natural gas facilities that emit more than 25,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year as reported under Subpart W of the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, that exceed statutorily specified waste emissions thresholds set by Congress, and that are not otherwise exempt from the charge. The WEC starts at $900 per metric ton for 2024 reported methane emissions, increasing to $1,200 per metric ton for 2025 emissions,(...)

The process of performing major maintenance or remedial treatments on an oil or gas well. In many cases, workover implies the removal and replacement of the production tubing string after the well has been killed and a workover rig has been placed on location.