Our natural gas-based nitrogen production process is more energy-efficient and results in lower emissions than the coal-based processes used in other parts of the world. However, the Haber-Bosch process, which converts natural gas and atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, is inherently energy-intensive. We continually invest in our manufacturing and distribution facilities to improve energy efficiency and reliability.
1 Less efficient production due to plant turnaround and maintenance activity. Source: Internal CF Data
Emissions are closely related to our energy use, which itself is largely a function of our production volumes. More efficient processes and equipment allowed us to reduce our emissions intensity in 2018.
2 CF over-reported its Scope 2 emissions in the 2016 and 2017 GRI Content Indices due to an accounting error that has now been corrected.
Source: Internal CF Data
| NOX, SOX and Other Emissions (metric tonnes) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
| PM10 | 744 | 820 | 807 |
| PM2.5 | 692 | 747 | 734 |
| NOx | 8,329 | 9,995 | 9,684 |
| SO2 | 32 | 29 | 30 |
| VOCs | 3,356 | 2,320 | 1,835 |
| NH3 | 8,083 | 8,723 | 9,203 |
Source: Internal CF Data
CF uses water for many purposes at our manufacturing sites, including steam generation, cooling water that keeps equipment at necessary temperatures, and as a raw material additive for products such as aqua ammonia and diesel exhaust fluid (DEF). We are committed to being good stewards of this essential resource, both in our operations and near farmland where our products are applied. Each gallon of water we extract for manufacturing is used approximately 29 times.
Source: Internal CF Data
CF’s manufacturing processes are not waste-intensive compared to other industrial processes. The majority of our raw materials and our products are received/shipped in bulk. This results in less packaging waste for us and our value chain. In addition, we have active waste management programs at each of our manufacturing and distribution facilities. We track the waste we do produce and work to minimize our impact where possible.
Source: Internal CF Data
All data on these pages can also be viewed in our 2018 GRI Report.
