How to eliminate emissions in the oil and gas industry: now you know

In the oil and gas industry, leaking valves are a major and growing challenge. The University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, discovered that – the unintended release of gases like methane and carbon dioxide – are valve-related. This statistic echoes results from our own leak detection and repair (LDAR) surveys, where approximately 75% of leaks are found to be related to valves. Additionally, about 20% of isolating valves could be leaking at any given time.

From pipeline construction projects to processing gas and oil, leaking valves are the overwhelming cause of fugitive emissions. They significantly increase flare and vent losses, impacting the environment, operational efficiency, and asset expenditure. Every medium-sized asset in any industry sector typically has thousands of valves, each with multiple leak points where gas can escape into the atmosphere.

Overcoming emissions challenges from valves is complex because of the many factors to consider. In oil and gas, for example, this includes regulatory or framework compliance to meet standards and guidelines such as OGMP2.0 from the international Oil and Gas Methane Partnership, new EU methane regulations and EPA standards in the USA. For companies, mitigation to reduce their emissions footprint is critical. Maximising the potential of data and leveraging analytics to support emissions elimination is essential.

Score: leading oil and gas emissions elimination for over 40 years

Since 1982, Score has led the way in valve management and emissions elimination, pioneering solutions to help the oil and gas industry reduce its environmental footprint. In a world increasingly focused on decarbonisation, Score’s expertise and legacy experience make us a trusted partner for operators tackling the dual challenge of emissions reduction and operational efficiency.

Our holistic approach to emissions elimination starts with assessment and detection but doesn’t stop there. Using advanced leak detection tools, data analytics, and decades of hands-on field expertise, we go beyond identifying leaks to devising and delivering tailored repair or replacement solutions that eliminate emissions at the source.

Eliminating environmental emissions in the oil and gas industry

At Score, we have many examples that highlight our ability to combine technical know-how in engineering with cutting-edge technology to deliver results that benefit both the environment and the bottom line.

• A valve inspection at a Middle East gas plant identified leaks costing the operator $1.4 million annually. Repairs not only eliminated the emissions but also restored operational efficiency.
• By reducing CO2 leaks by 66 kilotonnes—a mass equivalent to a large cruise ship— at a European facility, we saved a customer $5 million annually​.
• At a facility in the UK, we eliminated 15 kilotonnes of CO2e, leading to savings of $800,000 per year.

Emissions elimination through innovation and expertise

Innovation at Score isn’t just about new technologies—it’s about integrating them with a foundation of over 40 years of experience. Our support to our customers includes:

• Tailored solutions: in a recent project, we designed, manufactured, and installed a temporary clamp solution for a seized valve in just seven days. This minimised downtime, prevented further emissions, and saved the client over $5 million in lost production.
• Global reach: With hands-on expertise available in all major oil and gas regions, we provide consistent service standards wherever our clients operate.
• Digital transformation: We leverage data analytics and unique software developed with our digital partner asset55 to monitor environmental performance, enhance maintenance planning, and optimise emissions management.

Trusted by oil and gas industry leaders

Score is the trusted valve management partner for 85% of UK oil and gas operators. Our combination of technical expertise, global hands-on support, and commitment to sustainability makes us a key partner in enabling the development of oil industry products alongside advancing the energy transition. Aside from helping asset operators meet increasingly stringent regulatory requirements, our practical solutions support emerging technologies. Our global valve-testing facilities are equipped to support the acceleration of the hydrogen industry, ensuring infrastructure integrity as customers expand into new markets.

Building on 40 years of excellence

As oil and gas asset operators strive for net-zero emissions, Score remains at the forefront of innovation. Our focus on emissions elimination today lays the groundwork for a more sustainable tomorrow. That includes everything from improving leak detection to repurposing rather than replacing valves where possible to avoid carbon emissions. We believe sustainability and operational excellence go hand in hand.

A legacy of leadership for a safer future

 For Score, the past 40 years have been about more than valve emissions mitigation—they’ve been about driving emissions elimination. This will continue to be our focus as we advance the oil and gas industry’s decarbonisation journey.

For oil and gas asset operators and pipeline companies facing increasing pressure to reduce their emissions, if you’re wondering who can support your emissions elimination, now you know.

Co-authored by Trevor Fleming and Scott Wallis.