How are emissions data collected and quantified?
Rigorous monitoring guidelines form the foundation of the registry. Reported data should be accurate, complete, transparent, consistent, and verified. All sources and gases must be quantified either through direct measurement, such as continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS), or through calculations using emission factors and activity data such as fuel use or production data. To ensure that a cap-and-trade market functions properly, monitoring guidelines must ensure consistent measurement of emissions such that “a ton is a ton” throughout the program, whether it is emitted in Alaska or Florida and whether it is from a power plant, a manufacturing facility, or in the transportation sector. Consistency depends on uniform and rigorous monitoring procedures. How are emissions reported to a registry verified? Reported emissions data must also be verified to ensure that emissions data is accurate and complete. The EU Emission Trading Scheme and California’s mandatory reporting program
