As more businesses, governments, and professionals take action on climate change, the need for experts in carbon accounting is growing fast. Whether you’re just getting started or want to improve your skills, these 10 highly rated courses will help you learn how to track, manage, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions the right way.
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1. GHG Management Institute (GHGMI) – Organizational & Project‑Level GHG Accounting
Overview: These are online courses you can take at your own pace. They teach the basic principles of greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting.
Why it stands out: The program offers beginner-friendly courses like the Basics of Organizational GHG Accounting, Project-level Accounting, and how to use the IPCC method. You can also work toward a full Diploma in GHG Accounting, Carbon Management, or MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification).
Ideal for: People who are new to this field or professionals who want official, recognized certifications by passing exams.
Highlights: The courses cover Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, MRV systems, and important global standards and protocols.
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2. Carbon Training International (Australia) – Carbon Accounting Course
Overview:
This is an intensive training program you can join either in person for 2 days or online in 4 sessions, all led by a live instructor.
Why it’s special:
The training is very practical. It follows the rules of ISO 14064.1‑2018 and the GHG Protocol and teaches useful ways to collect carbon data.
Best for:
People working in sustainability who want hands-on experience and tools they can use in real-world projects.
Key benefits:
You’ll get a certificate after finishing the course, and you’ll also get a trial version of professional carbon accounting software to practice with.
Also Read: How Much Is 1 Carbon Credit Worth in India?
3. Persefoni Academy – Carbon Accounting Essentials + Climate Disclosure
Overview: Persefoni, a top company in carbon technology, offers a platform with multiple courses.
Why it’s special: It teaches both the basics of carbon accounting and important rules like California’s SB 253 and SB 261.
Best for: People who manage sustainability or handle compliance in companies.
Key courses: “Carbon Accounting Essentials” and “Decarbonization 101.”
4. Harvard Extension School – GHG Emissions Accounting Micro‑certificate
Overview: This is a strong and focused certificate program made up of two graduate-level courses.
Why it’s special: It gives you a well-respected certificate and is known for its high academic standards. Each course costs $3,440.
Offered by: Harvard Continuing Education.
Best for: Professionals at the mid-career level or anyone who wants a certificate from a top university.
Key points: It focuses on real business examples for reducing carbon emissions and planning for climate-related risks.
Also Read: How to Calculate the Carbon Footprint of a Company: A Comprehensive Guide
5. Northern Arizona University – Certificate in GHG Accounting
Overview: This program includes four online courses you can take at your own pace. It takes about 4 to 8 months to finish.
Why it’s special: It’s affordable (costs $1,996), offers solid academic knowledge, and gives you digital badges after completing each course.
Best for: People who are working full-time but still want to study and learn new skills.
What you’ll learn: Taught by Professor Deborah Huntzinger, the program starts with basic topics and slowly moves to more advanced ones, helping you learn deeply at every step.
6. University of New Hampshire – Carbon Footprinting Certificate
Overview: A series of live workshops that you can join online or in person, using the SIMAP tool.
Why it stands out: It’s specially designed for schools, colleges, and other educational organizations that need detailed carbon tracking.
Ideal for: People working on sustainability in universities, colleges, or non-profit groups.
Highlights: You can earn a certificate by completing 3 required workshops and 1 elective of your choice.
Also Read: What Is the Effect of Carbon-13 on Global Warming?
7. Terra.do – Carbon Accounting & Reduction for B‑Corps
Overview: A five-week online course done in a group setting, designed to meet B‑Corp climate standards.
Why it’s special: It follows the latest B‑Corp certification rules and includes live classes and personal guidance.
Best for: People in charge of sustainability in purpose-driven companies.
What you’ll learn: Key topics like the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, Science-Based Targets (SBTi), and fair transition practices focused on climate justice.
8. University of Wisconsin – Carbon Accounting & Business Climate Strategy
Overview: This is a live online course that runs for 5 weeks. It includes 10 sessions, each lasting 1.5 hours.
Why it’s special: The course focuses on how to include carbon accounting in your company’s business plans and reporting systems like CDP and TCFD.
Best for: This course is great for engineers, operations managers, and people working in sustainability roles at companies.
What you’ll learn: You’ll study real-life business examples and learn how to set clear carbon reduction goals.
Also Read: Unveiling GHG Protocol & ISO 14064 for Carbon Accounting: A Practical Guide
9. Astutis – Certified Carbon Accounting (UK)
Overview: This is a one-day certified training course that you can take online, in a virtual class, or in person.
Why it stands out: It’s approved by top organizations like NEBOSH, IOSH, and IEMA, making it a great choice for professionals in the UK and EU.
Best for: People working in compliance or corporate social responsibility (CSR) who need a quick certification.
Highlights: The course teaches how to measure carbon footprints and covers important standards like ISO 14064-1.
10. Udemy – Fundamentals of Carbon Accounting
Overview: A short recorded course that takes just 3 hours to complete, with a strong rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 175 reviews.
Why it stands out: It’s the easiest and most affordable course for beginners to get started.
Best for: People who want to understand carbon accounting basics before spending money on more advanced courses.
What it covers: Explains the basic ideas and teaches how to start tracking carbon emissions in a company.
Also Read: Is Carbon Accounting Beneficial for MSMEs?
How We Picked These Courses (User Intent & Search Needs)
To make sure this list matches what people are really searching for on Google, we focused on:
Trusted standards – Every course follows well-known guidelines like the GHG Protocol, ISO rules, or IPCC recommendations.
Different types of learners – These courses are made for everyone, from total beginners (like on Udemy) to business leaders (like at Harvard or Persefoni).
Flexible learning styles – You can choose between self-paced courses, group learning (cohort-based), live online classes, or even a mix of in-person and online.
Certificates and credentials – Some courses give you small certificates, while others offer full diploma programs.
Hands-on learning – Many of these courses focus on real-world practice, using tools like SIMAP, the Persefoni platform, or even trial versions of carbon tracking software (like CTI).
Which Course Should You Choose?
Your Goal | Best Course to Choose
Want a quick intro (under 5 hours)?
Take the “Fundamentals of Carbon Accounting” course on Udemy.
Want to boost your resume with a recognized course?
Go for the Harvard GHG Micro‑certificate or the NAU Certificate.
Need a solid professional base with certification?
Choose the GHGMI Diploma.
Need to meet legal rules like SB 253 or SB 261?
Check out Persefoni Academy.
Working on B Corp climate strategies?
Go for the Terra.do course for B Corps.
Working in large institutions and want to reduce carbon footprint?
Pick the UNH Certificate.
Based in the UK or EU and need compliance training?
Astutis Certified Carbon Accounting is the right one.
Want to include carbon reporting in your business?
Take the course from UW–Madison.
Want practical training with ISO standards?
Carbon Training International is your best choice.
Looking for a deep and flexible course at a good price?
The NAU Certificate is a great pick.
Also Read: Carbon Accounting: A Smart Business Move for a Sustainable Future
Key Common Themes Across All Courses
Covers Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions – This means it includes all types of emissions: direct emissions, energy-related emissions, and emissions from the entire value chain. This is important for complete and accurate reporting.
Offered by Harvard Continuing Education – The course is provided through Harvard’s online learning platform.
Follows global standards – It matches worldwide rules and frameworks like the GHG Protocol, ISO 14064-1, ISO 14067, CDP, and TCFD.
Hands-on learning – You’ll learn how to collect data, do the right calculations, and create proper emissions reports.
Earn a recognized certificate or diploma – After completing the course, you get a credential that is respected by employers.
Easy to access from anywhere – The course is online, so it’s perfect for people working remotely or those with a busy schedule.
Also Read: What Are GHG and Carbon Accounting?
How to Make the Most of a Carbon Accounting Course
Be clear about your goal:
Do you want to learn the basics, make sure your company follows the rules, or become a leader in carbon management?
Think about your budget and time:
Do you prefer free or low-cost courses on platforms like Udemy, or are you ready to invest in expensive courses from top places like Harvard?
Choose your learning style:
Do you like learning on your own, being part of a group, or attending live classes with a teacher?
Get to know the tools:
Learn how to use platforms like SIMAP or Persefoni, which help track carbon emissions.
Use what you learn:
Try starting a greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory at your job, or create a sample project to practice your skills.
Also Read: Can Carbon Credits Effectively Reduce CO₂ Emissions?
Final Thoughts
Carbon accounting is growing fast in 2025, and these courses are a great way to learn how to measure, report, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
If you’re a beginner, you can start with short and simple courses on Udemy.
If you already have some experience, you might want to go for more advanced programs from Harvard or GHGMI.
For companies that need to follow rules and build climate strategies, courses from Persefoni, the University of New Hampshire (UNH), or the University of Wisconsin–Madison (UW–Madison) are a good fit.
And if you’re a B Corp, don’t miss the special program from Terra.do it’s made just for you.