The environmental sector is evolving, and with it, the need for qualified professionals in greenhouse gas (GHG) management. To meet this growing demand, ECO Canada and the Greenhouse Gas Management Institute (GHG MI) are collaborating to introduce the Environmental Professional for Greenhouse Gas, or EP®(GHG), designation, a groundbreaking credential that globally recognizes verified expertise, integrity, and leadership in GHG accounting, reporting, and verification.
A Milestone for Climate Workforce
The EP®(GHG) designation will serve as a recognized professional benchmark for GHG management, ensuring consistency, credibility, and trust across environmental reporting and climate action initiatives.
This initiative was not developed in isolation. It’s the product of a collaborative effort by a Technical Working Group (TWG) developed by ECO Canada and GHGMI. This team of experienced environmental and climate professionals helped shape the standards, competencies, and ethical framework of the new designation.
“Thrilled to help shape the EP®(GHG) Designation with a team of highly esteemed professionals. This work will improve qualifications and ethical practice in GHG management — laying the groundwork for credible and effective climate action.”
— Bryce Edwards, a Technical Working Group (TWG) Member
Why the EP®(GHG) Designation Matters
The global climate community has long recognized the need for qualified, accountable professionals to support transparent and accurate GHG data reporting. While organizations have advanced training, there’s been a missing link that ECO Canada and GHGMI have been willing to fill: a formal professional credential that validates both technical skills and ethical practice.
In a recent webinar, Kevin Nilsen (President & CEO, ECO Canada) and Michael Gillenwater (Executive Director & Dean, GHGMI) provided high-level overviews of their organizations and discussed the industry challenges that the EP®(GHG) designation is uniquely positioned to solve. To watch the webinar, click here: https://youtu.be/CuNSeQG4278
“Transparency is the backbone of the Paris Agreement, made possible by the dedicated professionals who collect, analyze, report, and review climate data and information,” explains Lisa Hanle, a TWG member.
“The climate field has lacked a formal, recognized credential to validate practitioner expertise. The new EP®(GHG) certification can fill this gap by setting a standardized professional benchmark for GHG management and accounting… boosting the credibility, consistency, and trustworthiness of international climate reporting and review, while giving well-deserved recognition to the experts driving these vital processes.”
The EP®(GHG) designation will bridge this gap, providing a trusted and globally recognized credential for professionals working across government, industry, and consulting to manage and report emissions with accuracy and accountability.
Built by Experts, for Professionals
Members of the Technical Working Group have brought decades of experience in carbon management, verification, and sustainability strategy to the development of this designation. Their goal: to ensure that EP®(GHG) reflects real-world skills and supports professionals across diverse roles and educational backgrounds.
“I’ve been working in this space professionally since 2007 and am very pleased to have been able to contribute to the development of this professional designation,” says Graham Harris, a TWG member.
“Having accredited professionals working on all aspects of climate change is critical to ensuring that the work is completed with integrity and to a high standard. Gaining EP®(GHG) designation will help individuals, regardless of their educational background or job function, to gain the recognition that their unique skillset deserves.”
By establishing a shared benchmark for excellence, the EP®(GHG) designation will also build public and industry confidence in the professionals driving climate accountability.
What’s Next for EP®(GHG)
ECO Canada will host an information webinar on November 20th to introduce the process of application to the designation, outline eligibility criteria, and share how professionals can apply.
To learn more, register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5207309509750951774
This is more than a credential; it’s a commitment to advancing credible and ethical climate action across the environmental sector.
Stay tuned for more updates and join the growing network of professionals helping reach net-zero goals with integrity and transparency.
Find more details on the designation here: EP® (GHG) Designation | ECO Canada
Sign up to receive regular updates about the designation from GHGMI here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/iYnLx94/epghg
