Taking action to measure, report and mitigate methane emissions

Achieving meaningful reductions in methane emissions is a central component of Devon’s broader emissions reduction strategy. We are taking action to measure, report and mitigate methane emissions in a trusted and transparent way.

We are undergoing independent third-party verification of our Scope 1 and Scope 2 location-based GHG emissions data, including methane emissions. We are evaluating, testing and deploying innovative methane detection technologies, as well as participating in industry-leading methane measurement and reporting initiatives.

Independently verifying our reported GHG emissions data

To bolster the credibility of Devon’s emissions reporting which informs the basis of our emissions reduction targets, Devon engaged ERM CVS to conduct independent third-party limited assurance of our Scope 1 and Scope 2 location-based GHG emissions data, which includes methane, for the reporting year (RY) 2022. In RY2022, we expanded the scope of the limited assurance to include individual GHG constituents (i.e., carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide), GHG emissions intensity, methane emissions intensity and flaring intensity.

Evaluating, testing and deploying advanced methane monitoring technologies

Advanced methane detection and quantification technologies are evolving rapidly. Devon has a cross-functional team that evaluates emerging technologies that have the potential to be more effective at finding leaks over broader areas, allowing for faster detection and mitigation. The team is investigating advanced optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras, sensor-, camera- and laser-based continuous and near-continuous monitoring, and fixed-wing aircraft flyovers.

Devon’s emissions monitoring test facility in the Anadarko Basin, near our corporate headquarters, plays an important role in identifying which innovative technologies are viable candidates to incorporate more broadly across Devon’s various operating areas.



In 2022, we enhanced our leak detection and repair program by:

  • Surveying 93% of production facilities with OGI cameras at least once during the year (with some facilities surveyed more than once)
  • Surveying 100% of production facilities with aircraft flyovers at least twice during the year, and
  • Installing continuous emissions monitoring on 31% of our production

We are committed to continued development and refinement of our LDAR program. In 2023, we aim to achieve a reduction in our methane emission detection rate across our operations.

Building on our progress

As Devon continues to evaluate, test and deploy innovative methane detection technologies, we are developing best practices to operationalize the new data derived from these technologies and integrate the data and lessons learned into our business.

For example, our semi-annual flyover campaign detects, locates and quantifies methane emissions throughout our operations. Devon analyzes the data generated by the campaign to determine whether the identified emission event occurred on a Devon location, the duration of the emission event and whether it is still occurring, and the type of response and repair necessary to mitigate the emission event. We’ve automated the process to manage the response and maintenance process in our enterprise software from the time we receive the data until the repairs are confirmed and the issue is resolved.

For continuous and near-continuous monitoring deployment, we developed a standard operating procedure (SOP) to drive efficient, effective deployment and response across our operations. The SOP guides Devon facilities in completing a leak survey prior to installing methane monitors, placing and installing monitors, establishing a methane baseline rate and handling monitor alerts and alarms.

Collaborating with industry to develop methane measurement and reporting methodologies

Working with leading companies that share our commitment to reducing methane emissions is critical for Devon and the broader industry as we seek to develop trusted methodologies for reporting methane emissions, incorporating the types of technologies that Devon and others in the industry are evaluating, testing and deploying.

GTI Veritas

Devon is a founding sponsor of Veritas, a GTI Energy Methane Emissions Measurement and Verification Initiative. Veritas is the firstever standardized, science-based, technology neutral, measurementinformed approach to calculating and reporting methane emissions along the natural gas supply chain from production all the way to distribution.

As a founding sponsor, we are working with GTI Energy to develop and test the protocols in a transparent process together with technical experts, leading academics, environmental NGOs and companies. Once completed, the widespread adoption of the Veritas protocols across industry ensures that there is a consistent and transparent methodology for companies to calculate and report methane emissions. It also provides a standardized way of evaluating methane emissions monitoring and mitigation technologies.

Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0

In 2022, Devon joined the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0 (OGMP 2.0), a multistakeholder partnership to improve the accuracy and transparency of methane emissions reporting in the oil and gas sector. OGMP 2.0 is a voluntary, public-private partnership between the United Nations Environment Programme, the European Commission, the Environmental Defense Fund and over 80 oil and gas companies aimed at minimizing methane emissions from global oil and gas operations. Its work has helped to raise awareness of methane emissions and contributed to the growing priority of mitigation activities.

OGMP 2.0 is the only comprehensive measurement-based reporting framework covering all material sources of methane emissions from both operated and non-operated assets across all segments of the value chain.