February 7, 2006

• GHG Home
• Canada's GHG Inventory
• Facility GHG Reporting
• GHG Quantification Guidance
  • Estimation Methods
    • Emissions Factors
    • Protocols, Guidance Manuals
  • Emissions Trading
• GHG Verification Guidance
• Site Map
• Contact Us
• About GHG Division

Home > Quantification Guidance > Estimation Methods

Estimation Methods

During Phase One of mandatory reporting, reporters can choose the emission calculation methodology that is most appropriate for their industry or application. Calculation methods that are consistent with the IPCC guidelines for the preparation of national inventories are encouraged.

Information on Emissions Factors and Protocols with Sector-specific Guidance Manuals are available here.

Emission Estimation for Facilities

There are several common methods for estimating GHG emissions at the facility:

Monitoring and direct measurement - This type of method may involve continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) (emissions recorded over an extended and uninterrupted period), predictive emission monitoring (correlations developed between measured emission rates and process parameters) or source testing (e.g. stack sampling).

Mass balance - This type of method involves the application of the law of conservation of mass to a facility, process or piece of equipment. Emissions are determined from the difference in the input and output of a unit operation where the accumulation and depletion of a substance are included in the calculations

Emission factors - This method uses emission factors (EF) to estimate the rate at which a pollutant is released into the atmosphere (or captured) as a result of some process activity or unit throughput. The EFs used may be average or general EFs, or technology-specific EFs.

Engineering estimates - This type of method may involve estimating emissions from engineering principles and judgement, using knowledge of the chemical and physical processes involved, the design features of the source, and an understanding of the applicable physical and chemical laws.