Carbon intensities

The carbon intensity (CI) of a fuel is the measure of greenhouse gas emissions produced during the entire life cycle of the fuel, relative to the useful energy provided by the fuel. Learn more about life cycle assessment and calculating carbon intensity.

On this page

• About carbon intensities
• How to submit a Carbon Intensity Approval Application
• Approved applications
• Relevant information bulletins

About carbon intensities

A carbon intensity (CI) is used to compare the environmental impact of various fuels based on the quantity of greenhouse gases emitted per unit of energy that is useful for a specific purpose, such as for transportation.

The CI is calculated using a life cycle assessment. A life cycle assessment is an approach that evaluates the emissions produced over the entire fuel life cycle.

The fuel life cycle includes:

​How CI is measured

CI is expressed as grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule of energy in the fuel (gCO₂e/MJ).

Most fuel lifecycles emit several greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxides. Carbon dioxide equivalent, or CO₂e, is a standard measurement unit that considers the global warming potential of different greenhouse gases and combines them into one unit.

Fuels can be a solid, liquid, gas or electron (for electricity), so CI is measured per unit of energy rather than per volume. This makes it easier to compare the emissions impact of different fuel types. Megajoule or MJ is a metric measurement unit for energy.

How to submit a Carbon Intensity Approval Application

Low carbon fuel producers can propose a carbon intensity (CI) for a fuel they produce. To do this you must submit a Carbon Intensity Approval Application form.

1. Calculate the proposed CI with an approved method
2. Download and complete the ​​Carbon Intensity Approval Application (DOCX, 76.6KB)
3. Submit the application form, including any supporting documentation or reports to LCFS@gov.bc.ca
4. The application will be reviewed for accuracy and completeness
   • Staff will contact you with any questions during the review process

For further details, see RLCF-008 Carbon Intensity Approvals

Methods to calculate a proposed CI

Applicants can use:

• The approved version of GHGenius, a life cycle assessment modelling tool
• An alternative method to calculate the proposed CI of all or some of the life cycle components
  • You need approval to use an alternative method prior to submitting a CI application. Submit a request to the director and include supporting documentation to show the proposed method is more accurate than the approved version of GHGenius
  • Reviews of alternative methods generally take longer than reviews based on GHGenius

Find more information about requirements for proposing the use of an alternative method in information bulletin RLCF-025 Use of Alternative Methods of Determining Carbon Intensities.

Approved applications

If a CI application is approved, that fuel will be assigned a unique fuel code. The unique fuel code can then be used within a CI record for the sale of that fuel and for compliance reporting.

Carbon Intensity Records

A CI Record is a document containing identifying information for the fuel and is used to confirm the CI of the fuel. It may be required for some types of fuels. Information bulletin RLCF-006 Carbon Intensity Records defines when a CI Record is required.

Relevant information bulletins

• RLCF-006: Carbon Intensity Records
• RLCF-008: Carbon Intensity Approvals
• RLCF-012: Current Approved Carbon Intensities
• RLCF-012a: Archived Approved Carbon Intensities

This information is for your convenience and guidance only. It does not replace or constitute a legal interpretation of the Act and Regulations.