The MIQ Standard

The MiQ Standard is an independent framework for assessing methane emissions from the production of natural gas, along with the policies and practices of the producers making it.

It is used by our independent auditors as a ‘rulebook’ for assessing how well a producer or facility is doing in terms of managing methane emissions from its operations.

A rigorous technical standard – finally providing transparency on methane emissions

Independent highly qualified third party auditors use the MiQ Standard to provide an A to F grade for methane emissions to the facility they are certifying. This is then reviewed regularly – all taking place within the framework of the MiQ Standard.

MiQ certificates for the gas produced are issued monthly, which can then be viewed in the MiQ registry.
 
These certificates can be relied upon to credibly prove the methane emissions of gas traded between the sellers (operators), traders and buyers (utilities/corporates).

MIQ Standard Documents

Unique A-F grades

Methane emissions vary enormously across facilities worldwide, from well managed facilities to the other end of the scale. 

We want to certify 100% of the global gas market, from those just beginning to audit and mitigate methane emissions, to those using the latest production equipment and methane monitoring technologies.

This is why we developed our unique A-F grading system.

We believe this model will drive progress on climate change, as methane emissions abatement increases and operators are encouraged to improve.

The Standard requirements are inclusive, so a facility must meet or exceed the minimum requirements in all three categories to receive a given grade.

1. Methane Intensity

In general terms, methane intensity is a ratio of methane emissions relative to natural gas production, which is a baseline indicator of methane emissions performance. The methane intensity is indicative of whether a facility’s design will achieve minimal inherent methane emissions and eliminates, to the greatest degree possible, the potential for fugitive emissions.

2. Monitoring Technology Deployment

The MiQ Standard requires operators to deploy monitoring technology to detect unintended methane emissions for timely repair or replacement. This is a vital element, as systematic regular surveys are critical to ensure that methane emissions are effectively managed in practice. 
 
The MiQ Standard outlines and requires two levels of monitoring technology deployment – source-level and facility-level surveys. These two levels of deployment intend to capture and provide assurance that smaller component level leaks as well as large (super-emitter) emissions events are detected and remedied. Deployment at both of these scales is scored based on the frequency and spatial coverage of surveys. 
 
As technologies and associated deployment and quantification methods improve over time, the Standard will be updated to reflect recommended best practices. Equally, as reporting standards such as OGMP are upgraded, MiQ will incorporate findings and align.

3. Company Practices

The MiQ Standard outlines a list of mandatory company practices that an operator must have in place to be eligible for MiQ Certification. Additionally, it lists several improved policies and procedures which are optional, but necessary in order to qualify for higher MiQ Certification grades. 
 
A producer should be able to provide documentation of their company practices, and be able to demonstrate understanding and effective implementation of these practices by their teams. 
 
The company practices performance criteria have been adapted from voluntary global industry and regulated best practices, as identified in legislation, voluntary programmes, and other technical guidance documents. Where possible, the MiQ Standard aims to align with other existing industry and national initiatives to streamline reporting. These organisations and initiatives include but are not limited to:

MiQ Standard documents