Introduction to the Advanced Life Cycle Assessment of Clean Liquid Fuels Micro-Certificate

The Advanced Life Cycle Assessment of Clean Liquid Fuels Micro-Certificate is an 8-week online program designed to provide professionals with hands-on training in life cycle assessment (LCA) modelling, focusing on liquid fuels such as biodiesel, renewable diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This certificate program immerses participants in the application of three key LCA tools—GHGenius, Fuel LCA, and the CA-GREET Model—allowing them to confidently calculate carbon intensities and greenhouse gas emissions across the life cycle of liquid fuels.

Program Overview

Duration and Location

• Duration: 8 weeks of learning
• Location: Online

Commitment and Completion Requirements

• Commitment: 7-8 hours per week
• Completion Requirements: View full requirements

Start Dates and Price

• Start date:
  • 2025 Fall: October 6, 2025
  • 2026 Spring: February 2, 2026
• Price:
  • $2400 (Full Certificate)
  • $650 (Individual Courses)

What Will You Learn?

Course 1: Life Cycle Assessment and Data Preparation for Clean Liquid Fuels

• Understand the basics of clean liquid fuels, their types, and their role in emission reduction.
• Learn foundational principles of life cycle assessment (LCA) for environmental impact analysis, with a focus on concepts relevant to liquid fuels.
• Learn how to acquire and prepare the facility and supply data needed for LCA modelling.

Course 2: Practical Applications of GHGenius in LCA of Clean Liquid Fuels

• Gain proficiency in using GHGenius to analyze liquid fuel life cycles.
• Evaluate the carbon intensity of liquid fuels from the GHGenius model.
• Apply GHGenius results for compliance reporting and industry decision-making.

Course 3: Life Cycle Assessment of Clean Liquid Fuels using the Fuel LCA Model

• Understand the purpose and structure of the Fuel LCA model for liquid fuels.
• Input data, navigate the model, and calculate carbon intensities for several liquid fuel pathways.
• Use the Fuel LCA Model results to meet Canadian regulatory requirements.
• Compare the Fuel LCA Model results with other models (GHGenius and CA-GREET) to support policy and industry decisions.

Course 4: Life Cycle Assessment of Clean Liquid Fuels using CA-GREET

• Navigate the GREET model suite and understand their applications.
• Conduct comparative assessments of liquid fuel pathways using CA-GREET Tier 1 Calculators.
• Prepare a carbon intensity application under the California LCFS.

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 liquid fuels. It is best suited for individuals who already have experience using LCA models—such as GHGenius, Fuel LCA, and CA-GREET—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.

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.

University of British Columbia

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Overview:

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a public research university with two main campuses: one in Vancouver and one in Kelowna. UBC is renowned for its academic excellence, research, and commitment to innovation. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in Canada and globally.

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Services Offered:

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

UBC offers a vibrant and diverse campus experience with a wide range of student clubs, organizations, and activities. Students can participate in sports, arts, cultural events, and community service initiatives. The university also provides various resources and support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and health and wellness programs.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Academic Excellence:

UBC is known for its high-quality academic programs and world-class faculty.

Research Opportunities:

The university is a leading research institution with a strong focus on innovation and discovery.

Global Perspective:

UBC attracts students and faculty from around the world, fostering a diverse and international learning environment.

Beautiful Campuses:

Both the Vancouver and Kelowna campuses are located in stunning natural settings, offering a unique and inspiring learning experience.

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Academic Programs:

UBC offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines, including:

• Arts
• Science
• Engineering
• Medicine
• Business
• Law
• Education

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Other:

UBC acknowledges the traditional territories of the Musqueam people in Vancouver and the Syilx Okanagan Nation in Kelowna. The university is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students, faculty, and staff.