The Great Plains Institute (GPI), in partnership with Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne) and with support from the US Department of Energy (DOE), just launched the newly developed R&D GREET Train-the-Trainer program. GREET, which stands for Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Technologies, is a life cycle analysis tool, and R&D GREET is a specific model.
As described by DOE, the “Argonne R&D GREET Model is used to evaluate energy use and emissions output of transportation and energy sector technologies to assess research and development progress and inform RD&D [research, development, and deployment] direction.”
The primary goal of the Train-the-Trainer program is to expand the accessibility of research and development in transportation and energy by making it easier for users to harness the R&D GREET model. Through the Train-the-Trainer program, organizations can understand how to navigate the increasing number of performance-based state and federal policies that rely on life cycle assessment. In particular, the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act use LCA results for different provisions.
Who should apply?
The R&D GREET Train-the-Trainer program is aimed at public interest organizations focused on transportation and energy interested in hosting an R&D GREET trainer. Anyone associated with a public interest organization (state or local government, nonprofit organization, trade organization, or university) who wants to increase access to the R&D GREET model within the community they serve should apply. Those who plan to address environmental justice by using the R&D GREET model are particularly encouraged to apply! For example, we are seeking individuals from organizations interested in analyzing the effects of air pollution in the transportation sector.
What is the R&D GREET Train-the-Trainer program?
In the past, Argonne—the developer of the R&D GREET model—held an annual training workshop to broaden the model’s user base. To accommodate the growing demand for training workshops, Argonne and GPI created the Train-the-Trainer program.
The R&D GREET Train-the-Trainer program aims to make it easier for users to learn how to use the model. Argonne and GPI will select and train a small, specialized cohort of trainers. These trainers will then educate more new users on the model through their own workshops.
The selected trainers will come from public interest organizations focused on transportation or energy. Trainers will include individuals from organizations with expertise in, ability to connect with, or interest in analyzing the primary transportation fuel and energy systems covered by the R&D GREET model:
- bioenergy
- ethanol
- renewable natural gas
- biodiesel and renewable diesel
- maritime energy
- sustainable aviation fuel
- hydrogen
- carbon capture
- battery electric vehicles
- Biochemicals
Why should I apply?
Apply to support your community enhance environmental stewardship, improve operational efficiency, and establish industry leadership in research and development!
Benefits to participating organizations
- Strengthen a current employee’s potential to become an in-house R&D GREET expert
- Gain experience with stakeholder engagement in life cycle analysis
Benefits to participating trainers
- Receive general training in the R&D GREET model and recognition as an Argonne R&D GREET trainer
- Become part of the extensive network of expert R&D GREET users
- Receive a potential stipend, or cost-recovery registration fee, to cover regional workshop training time and expenses
- Maintain full autonomy over your training schedule using premade training materials
Organization expectations
- Have expertise in, the ability to connect with, or interest in analyzing, the primary transportation fuel and energy systems covered by the R&D GREET model
- Support the R&D GREET trainer(s) participating in the train-the-trainer program from your organization
- Demonstrate a vested interest in enhancing public knowledge of the R&D GREET model
Trainer expectations
- Host in-person workshops (totaling at least 16 hours in length) throughout the year
How can you get involved?
Learn more about the program by watching an informational webinar. Update: the application deadline has been extended to October 7, 2024, and the required workshop length has been reduced to 16 hours!
Apply by October 7, 2024, for the chance to be part of this impactful program! Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the deadline on October 7, 2024.
