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. Read Below to learn more about life cycle assessment and calculating a carbon intensity.

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 the CI is measured

The 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 oxide. 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, or gas, or made of electrons (for electricity), so the 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 Apply for an Approved Carbon Intensity 

1. Request a preliminary meeting (optional)

Applicants who have not previously applied for a CI in B.C. or those that are seeking a fuel code for a new or novel fuel pathway, production process, feedstock or methodology, and those who anticipate a complex application, are strongly encouraged to contact the Low Carbon Fuels Branch at lcfs@gov.bc.ca to arrange a preliminary meeting before submitting a Carbon Intensity  Application.  Other applicants may contact the Branch to arrange a preliminary meeting if they have questions about forms, guidance, supporting documentation, or process requirements.

2. Calculate the proposed CI of your fuel pathways (mandatory)

After meeting with the program staff for preliminary guidance, applicants should determine proposed Carbon Intensities for each of their proposed fuel pathways. Refer to the userguides and any other resources discussed in the preliminary meeting. 

Applicants can use:

• The approved version of GHGenius, a life cycle assessment modelling tool. The approved version can be found in information bulletin RLCF-011 - Approved Version of GHGenius and Global Warming Potentials
   
• An alternative method to calculate the proposed CI of all of the life cycle components.
  
  Please Note: It is recommended to get approval to use an alternative method prior to submitting a CI application. Submit an alternative method 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 standard reviews.

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

3. Submit a CI application package (mandatory)

Once applicants have determined proposed Carbon Intensities for each of their pathways (as described above), they can submit their formal CI application.

To do this, submit a Carbon Intensity Approval Application form and supporting documentation.

1. Download and complete the ​​Carbon Intensity Approval Application (DOCX, 67KB). Ensure the application and supporting documentation align with information bulletin RLCF-008 How to complete a Carbon Intensity Application and any other documentation or requirements discussed in the preliminary meeting.
2. Submit the application form and supporting documentation to LCFS@gov.bc.ca
3. 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 How to complete a Carbon Intensity Application

Methods to calculate a proposed CI

Applicants can use:

• The approved version of GHGenius, a life cycle assessment modelling tool. The approved version can be found in information bulletin RLCF-011 - Approved Version of GHGenius and Global Warming Potentials
• An alternative method to calculate the proposed CI of all or some of the life cycle components
  • It is recommended to get approval to use an alternative method prior to submitting a CI application. Submit an alternative method 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 standard reviews 

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 and the applicant will receive an approval letter. The unique fuel code will be published in information bulletin RLCF-012 - Approved Carbon Intensities. 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.

Coprocessing

Coprocessed fuels have additional requirements when submitting a carbon intensity application. More information can be found in information bulletin RCLF-019: Coprocessing Methodology

Proxy Carbon Intensities

Proxy Carbon Intensities are available for propane suppliers that have limited fuel lifecycle information. For more information, see RCLF-024: Proxy Carbon Intensities.

Relevant information bulletins

• RLCF-006: Carbon Intensity Records
• RLCF-008: How to Complete a Carbon Intensity Application
• RLCF-011: Approved Version of GhGenius and Global Warming Potentials
• RLCF-012: Current Approved Carbon Intensities
• RLCF-012a: Archived Approved Carbon Intensities
• RLCF-019:Coprocessing  Methodology
• RLCF-024: Proxy Carbon Intensities
• RLCF-025: Use of Alternative Methods of Determining Carbon Intensities 

Relevant Userguides

Userguides can be found below and on the Renewable and Low Carbon Fuels Resources webpage.

• Ethanol: GhGenius 5.02b User Guide: Carbon Intensity of Ethanol (PDF, 1.5MB)
• Hydrogenation-derived Renewable Diesel: GhGenius 5.02b User Guide: Hydrogenation-Derived Renewable Diesel (HDRD (PDF, 2.6MB)
• Biodiesel: User Guide: Determining the carbon intensity of biodiesel using GhGenius 5.02b and 5.02c (PDF, 956KB)
• Natural Gas: GhGenius 5.02b User Guide: Carbon Intensity of Natural Gas (CRNG, LRNG, LNG) and Avoided Emissions (PDF, 1.5MB)
• Hydrogen: GHGenius 5.02b User Guide:  Carbon Intensity of Hydrogen (PDF, 901KB)

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