[en] A life cycle analysis (LCA) model has been developed for the Canadian natural gas industry using Battelle's Life-Cycle Advantage^TM model which was developed on behalf of the Canadian Gas Association and the Gas Research Institute of Canada. The model makes it possible to determine cradle to grave emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxides gases through each segment of the Canadian natural gas industry, including upstream, transmission, storage, distribution and end-use. Another advantage of the model is that it allows for a full fuel cycle comparison of natural gas with other fossil fuels on an equivalent end-use energy basis. This information is helpful when dealing with national climate change issues and for determining the role of natural gas in reducing Canada's greenhouse gas emissions as outlined in the Kyoto Protocol. The model was developed to address the need to have a defensible answer to future regulatory requirements regarding the full impact of natural gas systems and end use. This need became apparent with the sharp increase in new natural gas projects throughout Canada. 4 refs., 5 tabs., 2 figs