On September 15, 2026, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) published version 5.0 of the Specifications for Fuel LCA Model CI Calculations and the CFR Data Workbook, updating the methodology and CFR Data Workbook used to calculate carbon intensity (CI) under the Clean Fuel Regulations (CFR).
The new version introduces a broad set of updates, but the most impactful are the changes to modelling assumptions, data inputs and calculation methodologies that can directly affect a project’s CI and, in turn, the number of CFR credits it generates.
Mangrove is already measuring the impact to customers within a few days: For two RNG sites we recently re-ran using v5.0, CI decreased by approximately 25 gCO₂e/MJ compared with v4.0. Based on these projections, the lower CI could significantly increase the number of CFR credits the projects are eligible to generate.
Changes to timelines and reporting requirements
Producers can continue using the current version through December 31, 2026. Any CI application, new pathway application, or CI pathway report submitted after that date must use the latest Fuel LCA Model, Specifications, and CFR Data Workbook.
ECCC is also providing clearer guidance on CI Pathway Reports. Producers need to update their approved application materials (e.g., OpenLCA model) to reflect any changes in operating data, processes, inputs, feedstock sources, or modelling.
Changes for RNG & biogas
What changed:
- Digestate storage emissions: Direct emissions from digestate storage must be included even where digestate is stored off-site. Additional instructions now address digestate stored across multiple locations and digestate sent to covered storage or treatment systems.
- Methane calculations: The Van’t Hoff–Arrhenius reference temperature and manure/digestate temperature calculations used to estimate methane emissions have been updated. This can change both digestate storage emissions and avoided manure methane.
- Digester leakage calculation: Calculation guidance has been added for facilities using both enclosed-vessel and covered-lagoon digesters, as well as for cases where captured gas sent to destruction equipment is not directly measured.
- Livestock categorization: New livestock categories have been added: “Dairy Heifers” and “Dairy Farm”.
- Weighted-average CI: The CI weighted-average approach can now be applied to livestock manure feedstocks using avoided-emissions calculations.
- Moisture data: Additional limitations and documentation requirements apply when predefined moisture content assumptions are used for biogenic waste.
Why it matters: For RNG projects, methane accounting can be one of the largest drivers of CI and therefore of CFR credit generation. These updates affect both sides of the calculation: digestate storage and leakage emissions can increase CI and reduce the number of credits generated, while avoided manure methane can lower CI and increase credit generation.
Changes for CNG & C-RNG
What changed:
- Lower fixed default CI: The fixed default CI applicable to CNG and compressed RNG supplied to vehicles decreases from 72 to 67 gCO₂e/MJ. Registered creators may continue to use an applicable fixed default CI instead of a fuelling-station-specific CI.
- Combustion modelling: The combustion flows used for CNG and LNG were updated to reflect fuel-specific combustion emission factors.
Why it matters: A lower fixed default CI could impact potential credit generation. Producers using a default CI should revisit the economics under v5.0 rather than assuming their existing approach remains the best option.
Changes for biodiesel, bioethanol, renewable diesel, SAF and other fuels
What changed:
- Yellow grease: V5.0 distinguishes between traditional- and settling-rendering pathways for yellow grease and introduces corresponding supporting-documentation requirements.
- Processed feedstock electricity: A new worksheet supports calculation of weighted-average grid electricity CI for processed feedstocks.
- Updated emissions factors: Updated fuel combustion and electricity emissions factors.
- Feedstock aggregation: The methodology expands on aggregation of distinct feedstocks and the use of weighted-average CI values within permitted geographic boundaries.
- Single average CI for bioethanol: Facilities producing conventional ethanol and ethanol from crop fibre now calculate a single average CI for the total quantity of bioethanol produced.
- New feedstocks for bioethanol: Rye and triticale have been added as available feedstocks.
The takeaway
For producers with an upcoming CI application or pathway reports:
- Run your pathway in both v4.0 and v5.0 and understand changes. Understand whether the new methodology materially changes your CI. Knowing whether the CI shift comes from updated methodology, new default assumptions, or actual operating data is critical for verification, accurate credit forecasting, and identifying further opportunities to improve project performance.
- Make sure your documentation can withstand verification. Supporting documentation is generally required when an input changes CI by 1 gCO₂e/MJ or more, and verifiers may still request it below that threshold.
Mangrove is working closely with customers to assess what v5.0 means for their existing pathways, quantify potential CI impacts, and adapt reporting approaches where needed. Our platform supports rapid side-by-side modelling of v4.0 and v5.0 pathways, helping producers understand changes in a matter of days while maintaining a clear, auditable compliance record.
If you’re looking to better understand how the recent changes will impact your compliance, reach out to our team. Fill out the form at the top of the page to get in contact with us.