Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions and Offsets

GHG emissions are a global issue that recognizes no state, national or continental boundaries. As such, protocols for voluntary and mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG)  exchanges and registries have been forming since the ratification of the Kyoto Protocol 1997. GHG's are natural and artificially occurring trace gases that influence how energy flows in the Earth’s atmosphere by absorbing infrared radiation. There are six primary GHGs covered under the Kyoto and voluntary protocols: methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), perfluorocarbons ( PFCs), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydroflourocarbons ( HFCs), and sulfur hexaflouride (SF6).

Reducing Your Carbon Footprint

The world has moved closer to sustainable growth in spite of less than desirable economic conditions.  The negotiations at the COP 15 in Copenhagen to establish a new climate treaty along with the pending cap and trade legislation domestically (American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 and the draft American Power Act May 2010) have demonstrated that sustainable growth and GHG emission reductions are now the standard.  

GHG Offsets (removals / avoided emissions)

Carbon offsets are a credit, usually one metric ton of CO2, created through emission reduction or carbon sequestration activities.  Offsets can be utilized to further reduce a company’s carbon footprint when it has exhausted its ability to reduce internal emissions.  These activities can include energy efficiency measures, afforestation/ reforestation, no-till farming, flaring of landfill gasses and biodigestion of animal by products.

Experience Counts

ESI and its strategic partners are recognized leaders in the GHG and sustainability markets both domestically and internationally, providing our clients with the most comprehensive GHG related services.  Our knowledge and experience in the developing carbon market enables us to provide our clients the most up-to-date and relevant information, assuring timely and accurate guidance.  

Our services include:

• GHG inventory design, development, and footprint reduction
• Carbon market guidance and offset project development
• Ecosystem services assessment
• Air, water, waste footprint analysis and reduction
• Governance structure review and enhancement
• Benchmarking and gap analysis
• Vision, policy, strategy, and performance framework development
• Sustainability reporting
• Stakeholder mapping and planning
• Capacity building through training