EN ISO 6338-1:2026 PDF

Overview

EN ISO 6338-1:2026 - “Calculations of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout the liquefied natural gas (LNG) chain - Part 1: General” provides a standardized approach to quantifying and reporting GHG emissions along the operational phases of the LNG supply chain. Published by CEN, this standard establishes a consistent methodology for determining the carbon footprint of LNG operations, including emissions from start-up, maintenance, and restarts. Exclusions include the construction, commissioning, extension, and decommissioning phases, which can be assessed separately.

The standard covers direct (scope 1), indirect from purchased energy (scope 2), and all other indirect (scope 3) GHG emissions, accounting for sources like flaring, combustion, venting, fugitive leaks, and imported energy. Its comprehensive framework is designed for use across the global LNG industry, enabling greater transparency, accountability, and comparability of reported emissions.

Key Topics

1. GHG Emission Calculation Principles

• Emphasizes relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, accuracy, and conservativeness in GHG calculations.
• Defines organizational scope and reporting boundaries for each facility in the LNG chain.
• Distinguishes between primary data (directly measured or calculated from measurements) and secondary data (estimates or external sources).

2. Emissions Sources

• Covers emissions from fuel combustion, including turbines, boilers, diesel drivers, and fired heaters.
• Includes flaring and venting (routine or upset conditions), and fugitive emissions from materials, piping leaks, and equipment seals.
• Accounts for emissions associated with imported utilities and consumables (electricity, heat, steam, refrigerants).

3. Data Collection and Methodology

• Recommends prioritizing measured (primary) data for significant emission sources.
• Guides use of estimation and standard emission factors where direct measurement is not feasible.

4. Reporting and Inventory Management

• Outlines annual reporting requirements and maintenance of GHG inventory records.
• Describes clear base year definition for consistent emissions tracking.
• Mandates documentation and transparent reporting of methods, data sources, and boundaries.

5. Allocation of Emissions

• Provides guidance on allocating GHG emissions between LNG and other hydrocarbon products when multiple products are derived from the same process.

Applications

EN ISO 6338-1:2026 is particularly valuable to:

• LNG Plant Operators: Ensuring regulatory compliance, transparency, and stakeholder confidence through robust GHG reporting.
• GHG Auditors and Environmental Professionals: Supporting clear verification and validation of reported GHG emissions.
• Investors and Supply Chain Partners: Enabling comparability of emissions data for purchasing, portfolio management, and sustainability disclosures.
• Policy Makers and Regulators: Establishing a harmonized baseline for carbon regulation and industry benchmarking.

By applying this standard, organizations improve the accuracy and credibility of GHG emission calculations, support carbon footprint reduction strategies, and align with global climate reporting initiatives.

Related Standards

The following standards provide complementary guidance for GHG accounting, environmental management, and best practices in the LNG and broader energy sectors:

• ISO 14044: Environmental management - Life cycle assessment - Requirements and guidelines
• ISO 14064-1: Greenhouse gases - Specification with guidance at the organization level for quantification and reporting of GHG emissions and removals
• CEN/TS 17874: Material and non-material methane emissions quantification
• API Consistent Methodology for Estimating GHG Emissions from LNG Operations

Conclusion

EN ISO 6338-1:2026 offers a unified framework for the calculation and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions across the operational stages of the LNG chain. Its adoption supports climate ambition, improves environmental performance reporting, and strengthens the LNG sector’s contribution to the global energy transition. For practitioners needing robust and comparable GHG metrics, this standard is an essential reference.