What is the Advanced Life Cycle Assessment of Clean Gaseous Fuels Micro-Certificate?
The Advanced Life Cycle Assessment of Clean Gaseous Fuels Micro-Certificate is an 8-week online training program focused on providing professionals with practical, hands-on experience in life cycle assessment (LCA) modeling clean gaseous fuels such as renewable natural gas and hydrogen. This certificate program offers in-depth instruction on three essential LCA tools—GHGenius, the Fuel LCA Model, and CA-GREET and Tier 1 CI Calculators—equipping participants with the skills needed to evaluate greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impacts across the life cycle of gaseous fuels. Through interactive modules, learners will gain firsthand experience selecting, applying, and using these models to support regulatory compliance and strategic decision-making in the clean fuels sector.
Why choose the Advanced Life Cycle Assessment of Clean Liquid Fuels Micro-Certificate?
Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard LCA tools
This program offers a rare opportunity to train directly with GHGenius, Fuel LCA, and CA-GREET and Tier 1 CI Calculators—the three most widely used life cycle assessment (LCA) models in Canada and the United States for evaluating the carbon intensity of gaseous fuels. Through guided exercises, modelling demonstrations, and case studies, you’ll build applied skills to confidently conduct LCAs for renewable natural gas from landfill gas, manure, and organic food waste, as well as grey, green, and blue hydrogen.
Learn from experts in LCA and clean fuels
Delivered by professionals with deep expertise in life cycle assessment and low-carbon fuel policy, this program offers practical instruction rooted in real-world applications. You’ll explore how to interpret model outputs, prepare regulatory submissions, and navigate the compliance requirements of frameworks such as the BC Low Carbon Fuel Standard, Canada’s Clean Fuel Regulations, and the California LCFS.
Prepare for regulatory and sustainability leadership
With clean fuel regulations becoming increasingly data-driven, professionals need the ability to work with technical tools and provide defensible LCA results. This micro-certificate equips you to support emissions reporting, prepare carbon intensity applications, and contribute to organizational decision-making related to clean fuel strategies, sustainability initiatives, or compliance planning.
Advance or pivot your career in the clean energy economy
Whether you work in energy, transportation, government, or sustainability, or are transitioning into the clean fuels sector, this program will strengthen your qualifications. You’ll finish with a practical toolkit of applied modelling experience, helping you stand out in a growing field focused on decarbonization and clean fuel innovation.
Flexible learning that fits your schedule
The program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals. Offered fully online over 8 weeks, it features self-paced modules and interactive learning activities that allow you to engage with the material on your own time while connecting with peers and instructors in a supportive online environment.
What will you learn?
Course 1: An Introduction to Life Cycle Assessment of Clean Gaseous Fuels
- Understand the basics of clean gaseous fuels, how they are produced, and their market outlook.
- Learn foundational principles of LCA for environmental impact analysis, with a focus on elements specific to gaseous fuels, such as avoided emissions and book and claim accounting.
- Discuss clean fuel policy and regulatory landscape for gaseous fuels, including an overview of the models used within each regulation
- Learn how to acquire and prepare the facility and supply data needed for life cycle assessment modelling.
Course 2: Practical Applications of GHGenius in Life Cycle Assessment of Clean Gaseous Fuels
- Gain proficiency in the GHGenius LCA model specific to gaseous fuels.
- Calculate the carbon intensity of hydrogen and RNG from a variety of feedstocks, including avoided emissions.
- Compare emissions across different gaseous fuel types and pathways.
- Prepare a carbon intensity application under the BC-LCFS.
Course 3: Life Cycle Assessment of Clean Gaseous Fuels using the Fuel LCA Model
- Navigate the Fuel LCA Model interface, input data, and calculate carbon intensities for gaseous fuels.
- Understand modelling nuances and regulatory challenges specific to gaseous fuels
- Compare Fuel LCA findings with other models (e.g., GHGenius, GREET) to understand their relative strengths and use cases.
Course 4: Life Cycle Assessment with CA-GREET for Clean Gaseous Fuels
- Master the application of CA-GREET Tier 1 Calculators of clean gaseous fuels.
- Conduct comparative assessments of gaseous fuel pathways using CA-GREET Calculators.
- Understand how to calculate avoided emissions and apply for a Tier 2 pathway.
Who should enroll?
This advanced program is designed for professionals working in the clean fuels, environmental analysis, or regulatory compliance sectors who are looking to deepen their expertise in life cycle assessment (LCA) modelling for clean gaseous fuels. It is best suited for individuals who already have experience using LCA models—such as GHGenius, Fuel LCA, and CA-GREET and Tier 1 CI Calculators—and are seeking to apply these tools in regulatory and industry-specific contexts.
Ideal participants include:
- Professionals in the clean fuels or low carbon energy industry who want to enhance their ability to evaluate carbon intensities and environmental impacts using GHGenius, Fuel LCA, and the CA-GREET Model.
- Environmental consultants and analysts with prior LCA experience seeking to improve their proficiency in tools used in Canadian and U.S. regulatory frameworks.
- Regulatory specialists and policy advisors involved in Clean Fuel Regulations, Low Carbon Fuel Standards, or similar compliance programs who require a stronger command of technical modelling.
- Engineers, scientists, and technical staff responsible for generating or verifying LCA data and preparing carbon intensity applications for clean liquid fuel pathways.
- Academic researchers or applied scientists who use or interpret LCA data in their work and want to build a stronger practical foundation in regulatory-relevant modelling platforms.
Participants should already be familiar with the fundamentals of LCA and have prior exposure to one or more of the featured tools (GHGenius, Fuel LCA, CA-GREET and Tier 1 CI Calculators). The program focuses on practical, hands-on learning through model-based exercises and case studies aligned with real-world applications.
Employment Opportunities
This practical, tool-based training supports roles that involve technical modelling, environmental impact evaluation, and sustainability reporting. Potential employment or consulting opportunities include:
- Clean Energy and Fuel Sector
Particularly the transportation fuels industry who are required under the BC-LCFS and Federal CFR to reduce the carbon intensity of the fuels they sell —including biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) suppliers. - Environmental Consulting Firms
Specialized consultants who perform LCAs, carbon intensity modelling, and regulatory reporting for clients in transportation, agriculture, forestry, and energy sectors. - Natural Resource and Industrial Sectors
Forestry, agricultural, and industrial operations seeking to model and reduce the life cycle emissions of bio-based feedstocks or fuel products, or aiming to qualify for low carbon fuel credits. - Government Agencies
Regulatory analysts, policy advisors, or technical specialists in ministries or agencies responsible for energy, environment, or transportation planning and climate policy development. - Non-Governmental and Industry Organizations
Analysts and program managers in environmental NGOs, industry associations, or non-profits focused on clean energy, emissions reduction, and sustainable resource management. - Academic, Research, and Technical Institutions
Applied researchers or program coordinators supporting LCA-based policy research, model development, or sustainability curriculum in higher education or technical organizations.
