Fugitive Emissions describe the direct emissions released to the environment from various types of cooling equipment (e.g. refrigerators, air-conditioning) and processes. Cooling equipment uses many different gases/substances. In the scope of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs), hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and perfluorocarbon (PFC) are commonly in use and leaked out into the atmosphere during the installation, operation and disposal of cooling equipment.
HFCs and PFCs have 1,000 times higher Global Warming Potential than CO2 emissions, which is why you should make sure to properly include them in your Carbon Accounting and emissions reduction exercises. Even if you don’t have an air conditioning system installed in your facility, chances are high that you’re at least operating one or multiple fridges, which leak HFCs and PFCs and therefore cause Fugitive Emissions.
Fugitive Emissions are Scope 1 emissions.