API Updates GHG Compendium to Improve Emissions Reporting

WASHINGTON, November 10, 2021 – The American Petroleum Institute (API) today updated its Compendium of GHG Emissions Methodologies for the Natural Gas and Oil Industry, the foundational reference used by companies and governments across the world as methodologies for reporting GHG emissions from natural gas and oil operations, including for API’s climate-related reporting template released earlier this year. The fourth edition of the compendium includes expanded methodologies for liquefied natural gas (LNG), as well as carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS).

“As COP26 discussions continue, America’s natural gas and oil industry remains focused on driving progress on climate solutions, including enhanced GHG emissions reporting, while meeting the world’s growing energy demand,” API Vice President of Corporate Policy Stephen Comstock said. “Many companies have reported on GHG indicators for over 20 years, and we are committed to continuous improvement, including this comprehensive update of methodologies in the API compendium. The updated compendium was developed in consultation with our members and stakeholders around the world and reflects the industry’s leadership on sustainability issues and efforts to drive consistency and transparency in climate reporting.” 

First published in 2001, the Compendium of GHG Emissions Methodologies for the Natural Gas and Oil Industry provides the methodology details for all natural gas and oil industry segments to consistently estimate direct emissions of greenhouse gases through the entire value-chain. The compendium has served as an essential resource for EPA’s National Inventory and Reporting Program in the U.S. and other government entities globally, such as Australia, Canada, Mexico and Singapore. API is the only industry association to publish such a resource. The compendium is one of the foundations of the natural gas and oil industry’s commitment to transparency and accuracy in reporting its efforts to further reduce GHG emissions.

As with past updates, this compendium recognizes the evolving nature of greenhouse gas estimation and measurement. This update includes revised emission factors based on field studies by API, its members, and academia, including the latest work to provide new average methane emission factors for pneumatic controllers. Additionally, for the first time, the compendium includes expanded methodologies and information specific to LNG and emission factors for combustion that include CCUS. 

API represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, which supports more than 11 million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our nearly 600 members produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy, and participate in API Energy Excellence®, which is accelerating environmental and safety progress by fostering new technologies and transparent reporting. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 700 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.

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