Greenhouse Gas Management Institute (GHGMI) and ECO Canada Convene Expert Working Group to Develop New Greenhouse Gas Professional Certification
Seattle, WA & Calgary, AB — GHGMI and ECO Canada have officially launched a technical working group to support the creation of a professional certification. The Environmental Professional in Greenhouse Gas—EP(GHG)—is a professional designation for individuals working in GHG accounting, reporting, and verification set to launch in late 2025.
This collaborative initiative addresses a clear global need: a trusted, individual-level certification for professionals whose work underpins climate data, emissions inventories, and verification efforts across various sectors.
“EP(GHG) will establish a rigorous standard of technical excellence and ethics for practitioners,” said Liz Getty, Director, Certification, Eco Canada. “With this designation, we’re strengthening the professional backbone of climate action.”
The working group brings together leaders from industry, government, academia, and civil society. Over the next several months, members will help ensure the EP(GHG) program is grounded in sector realities and international best practices.
The Role of the Technical Working Group
Working group members have been invited to:
● Review core elements of the certification program, including eligibility requirements, the occupational standard, and the assessment process
● Provide both verbal and written feedback to GHGMI and ECO Canada
● Advise on complementary elements such as key knowledge domains for the exam and criteria for identifying quality training
“Professional certification must be meaningful and robust,” said Michael Gillenwater, Executive Director, GHGMI. “With input from this diverse group of experts, EP(GHG) will become the benchmark for individual competency in GHG management – upholding a standard of excellence within the job market and ultimately strengthening the quality of GHG management within the profession.”
Working group members represent the following groups:
● Current and former Environmental Professionals (EPs) with GHG experience
● Distinguished GHGMI alumni
● Environmental consultants and auditors
● Academics and researchers in GHG management
● Non-profit, private sector, and government entities engaged in GHG reporting, regulation, and standard-setting
We’d like to acknowledge and thank the following working group members:
- Cynthia Cummis
- Bryce Edwards
- Lauren Franceschini, Google
- Justin Goodwin
- Lisa Hanle
- Graham Harris
- Joby Moffat
- William Paddock
- Rich Pandullo, Director – EHS & Energy Management, Trinity Consultants
- Paul Reid, Principal Consultant/Managing Director (En-Vision)
- Jo Richmond, Group Head of Sustainability – Europe and Telecoms, CK Hutchison
- Bodo von Schilling, von Schilling Forest Management Ltd
- Jonathan Shopley
- McKenna Smith, Head of Validation, SBTi
- Joycelyn Swamidoss
- Shannon Turnbull
What Is EP(GHG)?
EP(GHG) is not a training certificate—it’s a full professional certification that validates a person’s education, experience, and demonstrated competencies. The program will be based on an internationally recognized occupational standard for GHG management professionals, developed by GHGMI and ECO Canada in collaboration with and validated by practitioners across various sectors. This standard will define the competencies required for effective and ethical practice in GHG management, forming the foundation for candidate evaluation and exam design.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Ash Merscher
Communications Officer
Greenhouse Gas Management Institute (GHGMI)
ash.merscher@ghginstitute.org
www.ghginstiture.org
For more information about ECO Canada, contact:
Aaron Wilson
VP, Marketing & Sales
ECO Canada
media@eco.ca
