What is Process Emissions?
Greenhouse gas emissions released directly from industrial processes, separate from energy combustion. Examples include CO₂ from cement production and chemical reactions in steel manufacturing.
Why it matters
Process emissions are among the hardest to abate because they arise from chemical reactions rather than energy use. Understanding which processes generate direct emissions helps manufacturers prioritise innovation and alternative materials.
Example
A ceramics manufacturer identifies that 35% of its Scope 1 emissions come from the calcination of clay during firing, not from the gas used to heat the kiln. This insight shifts the focus from fuel switching to process innovation.
Related terms
Scope 1 Emissions
Direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources owned or controlled by an organisation. Examples include emissions from company vehicles, on-site fuel combustion in boilers and furnaces, and refrigerant leaks from air conditioning systems.
Industrial Decarbonisation
Strategies to reduce carbon emissions from manufacturing and heavy industry. Approaches include electrification, hydrogen fuel, carbon capture, and process innovation.
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