Summary
To reduce methane emissions, you need a plan that goes beyond reactive, quick fixes. You need a strategic approach with an emissions performance benchmarking process that plays a central role. By establishing an accurate set of baseline measurements and comparing emissions across time, assets, or equipment types, operators can track what’s working, identify what isn’t, and continually improve. Emissions performance benchmarking can support emissions inventories and emissions intensity calculations, by benchmarking total emissions and tracking over time as emissions are reduced.
With high-quality data that includes emission rate quantification, pinpoint localization, equipment ID, and repeatability, benchmarking becomes a reliable tool for both regulatory compliance and internal strategy. At Bridger Photonics, we help operators conduct benchmarking in a way that establishes a baseline, validates progress, demonstrates ROI, and helps them plan the next phase of emissions reduction with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Emissions performance benchmarking helps operators track methane reduction over time
- Benchmarking supports both compliance and long-term emissions strategy
- To track emissions inventories and intensity, emissions performance benchmarking can be conducted initially to baseline emissions, and periodically thereafter to track emissions reduction
- Accurate detection and quantification are essential for effective emissions performance benchmarking
- Benchmarking enables better capital planning and prioritization
- Emissions performance benchmarking links methane data to measurable outcomes and program ROI
- Bridger’s full analytics packages support benchmarking across all site types
What Is Emissions Performance Benchmarking?
Emissions performance benchmarking is the practice of measuring, comparing, and tracking methane emissions over time. It helps operators compare against industry standards, other operators, or regulatory targets. Benchmarking across time allows operators to evaluate progress toward emissions reduction goals, and guide future action based on knowledge of where reductions are possible and where operations are most efficient. It allows operators to answer questions like:
- Are total emissions increasing or decreasing over time?
- Which regions, sites, or equipment types show the most improvement?
- How does this year’s data compare to last year or the quarter before?
For operators working under frameworks like OGMP 2.0 or working toward intensity-based reduction targets, emissions performance benchmarking provides the evidence needed to assess progress, demonstrate results, and steer continued investment.
What Data Is Needed for Benchmarking?
Effective emissions performance benchmarking depends on data that is:
- Accurate
- Repeatable
- Structured
- Attributable
Bridger delivers all of the above through integrated reports that include:
- Quantified emission rates down to the equipment level
- Georeferenced emission locations for repeatable site analysis
- Visual methane gas plume imagery and aerial photos for validation and documentation
- Historical comparisons to track progress at specific locations
This information enables operators to build a performance profile for each site or region, making emissions performance benchmarking both credible and actionable.
How Does Benchmarking Improve Compliance and Reporting?
Emissions performance benchmarking allows operators to document that repairs and other emissions management tools are making a measurable impact. When emissions reduction is tied to specific interventions, such as valve replacement, maintenance cycles, or equipment upgrades, benchmarking connects the action (and investment) to the result.
Emissions performance benchmarking provides a structured approach to tracking both emissions inventories and emissions intensity. By conducting an initial assessment, organizations can establish a clear baseline for their emissions. Repeating the benchmarking process periodically allows them to monitor reductions, evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation strategies, and make data-driven decisions to improve performance over time.
Because Bridger provides consistent scanning methodology throughout time, paired with advanced analytics for insights on specific emission sources, operators can submit data for compliance and reporting frameworks like OGMP 2.0 and U.S. EPA Subpart W that’s scientifically defensible and auditable.
How Does Benchmarking Support Strategy and ROI?
Emissions performance benchmarking isn’t just a compliance and reporting tool. It’s a significant strategic asset. It helps operators:
- Refine LDAR program specifics and scope based on actual performance improvements
- Identify high-performing vs. high-risk assets
- Monitor the long-term effects of repairs and upgrades
- Prioritize capital spending based on emissions trends
- Justify budgets with measurable outcomes
For example, operators using Bridger’s analytics have identified sites with consistently low emissions and adjusted planned upgrades accordingly, reallocating budget to higher-risk assets instead.
When combined with mitigation planning support and root cause identification, emissions performance benchmarking becomes a feedback loop for continuous improvement.
What Makes Benchmarking Reliable?
Reliable benchmarking depends on high-quality data. It starts with:
- Detection accuracy
- Emissions quantification
- Site-specific leak maps
- Rapid data turnaround to maximize relevance
At Bridger, we deliver complete analytics packages with every scan.
Comprehensive reports and datasets are delivered typically within five business days. That means benchmarking data arrives quickly, and in the formats you actually use, including seamless and direct data integration into operator workflows. Learn more in our blog on actionable emissions data.
From Tracking to Transformation
Emissions performance benchmarking uses accurate data for effective emissions management strategy. At Bridger, we help operators establish benchmarks you can trust and build programs that get better over time.
If your methane strategy needs measurable, trackable progress, we’re here to help. Request a demo to learn more.
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