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Scope 1  ·  2.2.4

Renewable / Biogas

Substituting fossil natural gas used in industrial processes, heating, and power generation with renewable natural gas (RNG) or biomethane derived from organic waste streams such as landfill gas, agricultural waste, wastewater treatment, or food waste. RNG is pipeline-compatible and can be a near-term bridge fuel for processes not yet ready for electrification.

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Self-Assessment

Select where your organization currently operates and where you want to get to. There is no obligation to reach "Leading Org." — choose the target that is right for your business context and investment capacity.

📍 Current Level
🎯 Target Level
Select your current and target levels above to map your assessment on this initiative.
Fundamental
Market Standard
Above Average
Leading Org.

Technology

  • Existing natural gas infrastructure with no fuel switching
  • Assessment of RNG availability and pipeline injection points in supply region
  • Basic review of biogas or landfill gas opportunities on or near owned sites

Process

  • Conducting a natural gas consumption audit by process and facility
  • Evaluating RNG supplier market and available contract structures
  • Reviewing RNG certification standards (SCS, Green-e, ISCC) and biomethane guarantees of origin

Financing

  • Natural gas purchased at commodity rates with no sustainability premium
  • Internal budget for feasibility and market assessment

Technology

  • Fundamental Technologies +
  • Certified RNG procurement via utility green gas tariff or direct supply contract
  • On-site biogas collection from owned waste stream (e.g., wastewater treatment, food waste digester)
  • Biogas upgrading to pipeline-quality biomethane (pressure swing adsorption or membrane separation)

Process

  • Establishing RNG procurement targets as percentage of total gas consumption
  • Verifying RNG attributes via book-and-claim or physical delivery with chain-of-custody certification
  • Evaluating anaerobic digestion feasibility for on-site organic waste streams

Financing

  • RNG supply contracts at negotiated premium over commodity gas
  • D3 RIN (Renewable Identification Number) revenue from biogas production evaluated where applicable

Technology

  • Market Standard Technologies +
  • On-site anaerobic digestion system producing biomethane from industrial organic waste
  • Combined heat and power (CHP) fueled by on-site biogas for thermal and electrical load
  • 100% RNG supply for all pipeline gas consumption via certified long-term contracts

Process

  • Integrating biogas production with waste management strategy to maximize feedstock utilization
  • Aligning RNG procurement with Scope 1 accounting methodology (market-based vs. location-based)
  • Third-party verification of RNG volumes and lifecycle emissions factor (gCO₂e/MJ)

Financing

  • On-site biogas project financed via third-party ownership or green bond issuance
  • D3 RINs and low-carbon fuel standard (LCFS) credits monetized as primary revenue streams

Technology

  • Above Average Technologies +
  • Closed-loop biogas ecosystem: on-site waste-to-energy producing RNG for industrial process use
  • Digestate from AD system used as agricultural amendment, closing the nutrient loop
  • Integration of biogas production with hydrogen production (biogas reforming + CCS for bio-H₂)

Process

  • Publishing lifecycle-verified near-zero or net-negative Scope 1 emissions from RNG use with certified accounting
  • Engaging suppliers and customers on shared biogas infrastructure and circular economy models
  • Advocating for strong RNG certification standards in industry coalitions

Financing

  • Monetizing full suite of incentives: D3 RINs, LCFS credits, 45V (bio-H₂), and voluntary carbon credits
  • Project financing structured around stacked revenue streams for maximum capital efficiency

Related Pathways

← All Pathways 1.2.6 CHP / Cogen 1.2.1 Hydrogen