What’s News at First Environment
FIRST ENVIRONMENT WINS PROJECT TO AUDIT NEW YORK CITY’S WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES
Boonton, NJ - December 4, 2012: First Environment has been selected to perform an independent third party environmental compliance audit at facilities owned and operated by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection's (NYCDEP) Bureau of Wastewater Treatment. NYCDEP operates one of the most extensive wastewater treatment systems in the world that maintains the ecological and environmental integrity of New York City's waterways including New York Harbor, the Hudson, Harlem and East Rivers, Long Island Sound and the Atlantic Ocean.
The audit will satisfy a requirement set up in a 2009 Consent Judgment and Environmental Audit Agreement between the City and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) regarding the operation and performance of all of the City's water pollution control plants and combined sewer overflow facilities. The audit will commence in later this year and be completed by June 2014.
The scope of the audit program includes assuring the City's compliance with the Federal Clean Water Act, Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Program, and Clean Air Act as well as New York State's SPDES Permit Program, Petroleum and Chemical Bulk Storage Program, and Navigation Law.
The Bureau of Wastewater Treatment treats an average of 1.3 billion gallons of wastewater each day through a network of 14 water pollution control plants, 94 pumping stations, 4 combined sewer overflow retention facilities, 8 dewatering facilities, 490 sewer regulators and 150 miles of intercepting sewers. "We are extremely pleased to be working with the DEP and supporting the Department's mission to protect the quality of New York City's waterways - a vital resource for 9 million people in New York City and millions more in the surrounding area," said Betsy Delaney, VP at First Environment.
First Environment brings a wealth of wastewater management experience to the project having previously worked with Westchester County, New York to implement an environmental management system that included compliance auditing at 7 of its wastewater treatment plants. With the help of First Environment's team, that project won the prestigious EPA Quality Award. First Environment's experience includes the performance of third-party multi-media environmental compliance audits and management system reviews at facilities owned by both public and private sectors including correctional facilities, solid waste facilities, transportation systems, and manufacturing facilities. The Company's auditing staff includes Certified Hazardous Materials Managers (CHMM), Certified Professional Environmental Auditors (CPEA), Professional Engineers, and ISO 14001 auditors.
Press contact: Barbara Thomson, 917-687-5298 or btp@firstenvironment.com
Project contact: Devin DeMarco, 973-334-0003 or dpd@firstenvironment.comĀ
FIRST ENVIRONMENT’S TOD DELANEY SPEAKS AT UNITED NATIONS COP18 IN DOHA, QATAR
Boonton, NJ – November 30, 2012: Dr. Tod Delaney, PE, President of First Environment will be speaking at a side event at the United Nations 18th Annual climate change conference in Doha, Qatar this week discussing Hurricane Sandy and the need for the public and private sectors to prepare for the impacts of a changing climate.
The event, sponsored by the Business Council for Sustainable Energy, is focused on finding practical approaches to climate change impacts that are already being felt with stronger and more frequent weather events.
Dr. Delaney’s presentation focuses on efforts by New Jersey Transit to assess its vulnerability to climate change. He said, “Recent hurricanes including Irene (2011) and Sandy (2012) have caused extensive damage to the infrastructure. NJ Transit has begun a process that can be copied by all government and private sector businesses as they prepare to protect their infrastructure from extreme weather impacts.” Read the full report here: “Resilience of NJ TRANSIT Assets to Climate Impacts”
For more information email Barbara Thomson at BTP@firstenvironment.com.
FLEX-FUEL VEHICLES NOW ELIGIBLE FOR CARBON CREDITS – WEBINAR JULY 11TH 12:00 NOON
Boonton, NJ – July 10, 2012: First Environment was hired by the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) to complete an approval process for a new fuel switch methodology designed for commercial flex-fuel fleets that substitute ethanol for gasoline. This new methodology (VM0019) was developed by Keyassociados and Ecofrotas of Brazil as a means to obtain carbon credits by choosing to use ethanol instead of gasoline in commercial fleets.
This new methodology will be presented by Keyassociados and Iris Caldwell from First Environment in a Webinar, hosted by the VCS this Wednesday, July 11th, 2012 at 12:00 Eastern Time. To register for the Webinar, click here.
Dr. Tod Delaney, PE, President of First Environment said, “We are proud to be part of the emerging methodologies for VCS. Companies that want to reduce carbon emissions by switching from gasoline to ethanol are now eligible for carbon credits.”
First Environment is a full service environmental engineering firm established in 1977 that specializes in climate change planning and greenhouse gas reduction. We are accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a validation and/or verification body (VVB) and to verify emission reduction projects under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS). For more information contact Bob Previdi at rwp@firstenvironment.com or 267-235-8523.
Of Interest: Study Determines Unequivocal Evidence Ocean Warming is Human Induced
Boonton, NJ – July 10, 2012: In the most comprehensive study ever performed on ocean temperature, a team of international scientists concluded with 99% certainty that no more than 10% of the observed increase in ocean temperatures over the past 50 years could be accounted for by natural variation.
Professor Nathan Bindorff, Oceanographer, lead author of past reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said, "Ninety percent of the temperature change stored in the whole of the Earth's system is stored in the ocean, so global warming is really an ocean warming problem." He concluded by saying, "This paper is important because, for the first time, we can actually say that we're virtually certain that the oceans have warmed, and that warming is caused not by natural processes, but by rising greenhouse gases primarily."
The ocean, which covers 70% of the planet, stores about 90% of the Earth's heat. This heat is moved about by ocean currents which act to moderate the climate globally. The warming of the oceans that is now occurring at a rate of 0.20°F per decade affects global weather patterns leading to, for example, increased heat waves, storms, and storm intensity. In addition, warming of the oceans affects the ocean ecology itself; plankton reduction, melting sea ice and coral die-off being just a few of the demonstrated effects.
An excellent summary of the report was provided on June 10, 2012 by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-11/research-taps-into-ocean-temperatures/4063886
The full study can be seen at this link:
http://www.nature.com/nclimate/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nclimate1553.html
To get on the mailing list for First Environment's news-blasts, please email climatechange@firstenvironment.com
FIRST ENVIRONMENT VOTED BEST VERIFICATION COMPANY IN VOLUNTARY CARBON MARKETS – 2ND YEAR
Boonton, NJ – April 23, 2012: Environmental Finance's annual survey of the voluntary carbon markets announces First Environment as the Best Verification Company in Voluntary Carbon Markets. Environmental Finance is the only global publication dedicated to covering the impact of environmental issues on the lending, insurance, investment and trading decisions affecting industry.
“This past year, First Environment verified the first-ever projects achieving GHG emission reductions for aviation and public transit sectors under the Verified Carbon Standard and Pacific Carbon Trust programmes, respectively. We are excited to see the aviation and public transit industries taking advantage of these markets, and to once again be recognized by our clients and partners for the work we do,” says Tod Delaney, President of First Environment.
In issuing the award, Environmental Finance Editor Mark Nicholls noted, “Sentiment is more positive in the voluntary carbon markets than in their larger, mandatory equivalents according to the winners of the annual survey of the voluntary carbon markets.” As defined by Environmental Finance, voluntary carbon includes “carbon credits bought or sold to help organizations or individuals offset carbon emissions where they are not required by regulation to do so.” This may be to meet voluntarily assumed targets or to prepare themselves for mandatory reporting.
The survey was completed by Environmental Finance in March of 2012, with over 600 responses collected. In the survey, they asked companies to nominate leading firms working in the voluntary carbon markets via an online survey. Voters were asked to make their judgments on the basis of efficiency and speed of transaction; reliability; innovation; quality of service provided; and integrity of, not just the volume of, transactions handled.
The firm credits its success to its staff of highly competent verifiers and data management specialists, whose diligence in maintaining high quality service has kept the firm earning top marks for the past five years. First Environment was voted Best Verifier in Voluntary Carbon Markets in 2011, and was also voted Best Verifier in North American Mandatory Markets from 2008-2011.
First Environment is a full service environmental engineering firm established in 1977 that specializes in greenhouse gas management and the verification of GHG emission reduction projects and GHG inventories. We are accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a Validation and/or Verification Body (VVB). For more information email Barbara Thomson at BTP@firstenvironment.com.
FIRST ENVIRONMENT OPENS VANCOUVER OFFICE
Focus is on 3rd Party Validation & Verification Projects
Vancouver, BC, March 13, 2012: First Environment - a full-service environmental firm certified to perform independent 3rd party greenhouse gas validations and verifications for carbon offset projects - is announcing the opening of its new Vancouver office at GLOBE 2012 - 12th Biennial Conference & Trade Fair on Business and the Environment.
Please visit us at GLOBE 2012 Booth #1407 and at:
First Environment
#720-999 West Broadway
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1K5
Phone: (778) 374-3496 Fax: (778) 374-3498
First Environment is not new to Vancouver; the firm has already provided greenhouse gas (GHG) verification services to TransLink, Metro Vancouver's regional transportation authority, and BC Transit. First Environment verified GHG reductions from a fuel switch project implemented on BC Transit and TransLink's bus fleets.
Dr. Tod Delaney, PE, President of First Environment said, "We are excited to help validate and verify projects aimed at reducing GHG emissions released into the environment, projects that supply Pacific Carbon Trust and other carbon offsetters with superior, made-in-BC offsets."
Pacific Carbon Trust is a provincial Crown corporation established in 2008 to deliver quality BC-based offsets to help clients meet their carbon reduction goals and to support the growth of the low-carbon economy in BC. The offsets represent emission reductions or removals through fuel switching, energy efficiency initiatives or carbon sequestration (forestry) projects. Pacific Carbon Trust, acting on behalf of the Province, only acquires offsets from projects located in B.C. and that meet provincial eligibility criteria as defined by the Emission Offsets Regulation.
"The creation of BC's carbon market has provided the province with a tremendous opportunity to develop North America-leading carbon management expertise and create jobs," said Scott MacDonald, CEO of Pacific Carbon Trust. "First Environment's arrival to BC indicates that the province's carbon market is now mature enough to attract expert partners with internationally-certified credentials."
First Environment is a full service environmental engineering firm established in 1977 that specializes in climate change planning and greenhouse gas reduction. We are accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a Validation and/or Verification Body (VVB), and to verify emission reduction projects under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS). For more information email Barbara Thomson at BTP@firstenvironment.com.
FIRST ENVIRONMENT VERIFIES FIRST EVER AVIATION-BASED CARBON CREDITS
Boonton, NJ, February 14, 2012: First Environment worked with Pratt & Whitney as one of two independent third parties to validate the methodology used to calculate the CO2 savings that Hawaiian Airlines achieved as a result of using EcoPower® engine wash. First Environment used the guidelines of the Verified Carbon Standard (www.v-c-s.org) to ensure the methodology was sound and would result in quality-assured Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reductions – which paved the way for the first aviation-based carbon credits.
Speaking about First Environment’s role in reviewing the project, president, Dr. Tod Delaney said, “Many industries are looking into ways to reduce GHG emissions. Pratt & Whitney and Hawaiian Airlines have taken a significant step that demonstrates to all industries that reducing GHG and fuel consumption is possible and practical.”
“We are proud to be the first airline to receive verified carbon credits for reducing emissions,” said Mark Dunkerley, president and CEO of Hawaiian. “Importantly, engine washing with EcoPower is helping us mitigate rising fuel costs and significantly reduce Hawaiian’s carbon footprint at the same time.”
Since 2005, Hawaiian Airlines has saved more than 2.5 million gallons of fuel and 26,000 gallons of water, eliminated potential soil and groundwater contamination, and reduced its CO2 emissions by 22,000 metric tons as a result of its continued use of the environmentally-friendly EcoPower engine wash.
Rick Deurloo, vice president, Pratt & Whitney Sales, Americas said, “It is appropriate that our first EcoPower customer, Hawaiian Airlines, is also the first customer to be awarded Verified Carbon Units as a result.”
Delaney continued, “Every step taken to decrease greenhouse gases today will have a cumulative impact in the future. We are impressed with the leadership and commitment of Hawaiian Airlines and Pratt & Whitney who are having a positive impact on the environment.”
Established in 1977, First Environment is a full service environmental engineering firm. As an accredited Validation and Verification Body (VVB) by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the firm helps companies and governments develop strategic responses to adapt to climate change, as well as manage sustainability and reduce GHG. For more information contact Barbara Thomson at btp@firstenvironment.com or (917) 687-5298.
Now in its 83rd year of continuous service in Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ) and the largest provider of passenger air service to Hawaii from the state’s primary visitor markets. Learn more at http://www.hawaiianair.com/.
Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, space propulsion systems and industrial gas turbines. United Technologies (NYSE:UTX), based in Hartford, Conn., is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the global aerospace and commercial building industries.
For complete coverage of the event, see http://www.kitv.com/news/30449344/detail.html
VOTED BEST VERIFIER IN NORTH AMERICA FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR
Boonton, NJ, December 14, 2011 For the fourth consecutive year - Environmental Finance and Carbon Finance Annual Market Survey has ranked First Environment as the Best Verification Company in the North American Mandatory markets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This survey continues to be the most closely watched survey of leading participants in the carbon, US emission, weather risk management, and US emissions markets. This year, over 1000 readers participated and First Environment came out on top again.
“We are very grateful to our customers for recognizing our efforts,” said Tod Delaney, President of First Environment, “and we are very excited about the carbon market California is building. We understand the importance of integrity and consistency when measuring GHG emissions and are pleased to be a part of what California is doing.”
“The findings come as the successful outcome of the Durban climate talks has provided a much-needed shot in the arm for carbon trading,” said Mark Nicholls, editor of Environmental Finance. “With California and Australia both passing regulations to establish carbon markets, the concept is once more on the march.”
First Environment is an accredited third party greenhouse gas emissions Validator and Verification Body for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the California Air Resources Board. First Environment is also accredited by ANSI to provide verification services for fuel switching, renewable energy, energy efficiency, ozone depleting substances, livestock, and solid waste management projects. For more information contact Barbara Thomson at BTP@Firstenvironment.com or 917.687.5298.
SOLUTIONS TO TACKLE CONSEQUENCES OF CLIMATE CHANGE ARE POSSIBLE
Durban, South Africa - November 30, 2011 Dr. Tod Delaney, P.E., President of First Environment and Chairman Emeritus of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy (BCSE) in Washington, D.C. is participating with business leaders urging the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to move forward with market based and regulatory policies to reduce carbon emissions. Dr. Delaney’s message is that carbon markets are already moving forward and countries are facing imminent and costly adaptation needs – adapting infrastructure for extreme weather conditions – that are now commonplace.
“Water levels and temperatures are rising and there are huge costs associated with the devastating storms that are happening every year instead of every twenty. The business community is advising governments to work in Durban to harness the innovation, investment, and drive of the private sector to meet these urgent adaptation needs,” said Dr. Delaney.
While the world watches the conference in Durban, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has already adopted a Cap-and-Trade system to limit greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This market-based solution will take effect in 2013 and will be the second largest carbon market in the world. First Environment is a Verification Body for CARB – measuring the accuracy of GHG emissions based on the world’s best practices – making sure there is consistency and integrity in the market.
First Environment is also providing adaptation solutions to New Jersey Transit – the largest State-wide public transit provider in the United States. First Environment is assessing the potential impacts of climate change on vulnerable, at-risk infrastructure and is developing cost-effective strategies for adapting to climate change. This past summer, Hurricane Irene exemplified the need to re-think planning for major infrastructure investments, as flooding from Irene washed out railway lines and roadways, crippling the state.
About First Environment
Established in 1977, First Environment is an international leader in emerging environmental and climate change issues. We help companies and governments develop strategic responses to adapt and mitigate climate change as well as manage sustainability and GHG projects. We also perform third party GHG validation and verification services. For more information contact Barbara Thomson at btp@firstenvironment.com or (917) 687-5298.
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH (NIH) PRESENTS LESSONS LEARNED FROM 13514 IMPLEMENTATION AT THE GREENGOV SYMPOSIUM IN WASHINGTON, DC
Washington DC - October 31, 2011 Leo Gumapas, P.E., Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Manager at NIH will be presenting the lessons learned from NIH’s experiences in their first year of reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions at the GreenGov Symposium Panel 5 Session: Implementing Agency Wide Sustainability Plans on Tuesday, November 1st from 1 to 3 PM.
Last year NIH commissioned First Environment to support the agency’s efforts to implement Executive Order (EO) 13514 by developing a GHG emissions inventory and reporting system. The undertaking was a complex and a challenge. NIH is the nation’s medical research agency – supporting scientific studies that turn discovery into health with 27 individual medical research institutes and centers, and employing 36,000+ employees at its seven campuses and other locations around the United States. The agency has many different types of facilities, including offices, laboratories, hospital/clinic facilities, a vivarium, and an electricity generation plant. It also own and operates 740 vehicles – all of which generate GHG emissions. This past year, the question for NIH was: what is the amount of GHG emissions each year from its buildings, facilities, vehicles and employee activities?
The First Environment team, working directly with NIH, used the Council on Environment Quality’s (CEQ) categorization of sources and methodologies from the Technical Support Document (TSD) to help find the answer by establishing the base year for fiscal year (FY) 2008 and complete the FY10 inventory. NIH and the First Environment team identified the GHG boundary for each campus, interviewed data stewards for each source, and interviewed facility managers to determining reporting needs. The result: NIH knows the contours of its big picture GHG landscape, i.e., its GHG sources, locations, and amounts in absolute and comparative terms. The outcome: the agency’s GHG source data collection, analysis, management, and reporting efforts met EO 13514 reporting requirements, helping to position the agency to reduce its GHG emissions.
With the big picture in mind, the question for NIH becomes: what is the best strategy to realize GHG reductions in the coming? The next step for NIH is to deconstruct each major source category, such as electricity consumption, to determine how much different usage segments, such as servers, heating-ventilation-air-conditioning systems, and plug load from equipment, contribute to aggregate electricity consumption. The anticipated result is that NIH will know qualitatively and quantitatively the precise elements that drive energy consumption and GHG emissions. These data elements will empower NIH to develop insightful GHG reduction strategies and implement cost-effective measures that have measurable and verifiable impacts on costs, energy savings, and GHG reductions.
Organized by the White House Council on Environmental Quality, the 2011 GreenGov Symposium brings together leaders from the Federal, state, local and tribal governments, nonprofit and academic communities, and the private sector for this 3-day conference with the goal of educating participants on best practices as they reflect on this past year of EO 13514 implementation and strive to reduce GHG emissions 28% compared to 2008 by the year 2020.
First Environment is a full service environmental engineering firm established in 1977 and is an accredited Validation and/or Verification Body (VVB) by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as well as The Climate Registry, the Climate Action Reserve, and the Voluntary Carbon Standard. The firm is ANSI-accredited to validate/verify emissions from fuel combustion projects for Renewable Energy Combustion, Energy Efficiency Improvements, Transportation, Land Use and Forestry, Livestock, and Waste Handling and Disposal.
For more information contact Barbara Thomson at btp@firstenvironment.com
U.S. DELEGATE SPEAKS ON ISO REPORTING STANDARDS FOR FUTURE LOW CARBON ECONOMY
Boonton, NJ - October 20, 2011 Dr. Tod Delaney, President of First Environment is speaking today to a conference of environmental scientists and businessmen on the benefits of using the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) - carbon emission reporting standards - as a building block for the future world low carbon economy.
The conference, sponsored by Low Carbon Earth Summit (LCES) and titled "Leading the Green Economy, Returning to Harmony with Nature," is taking place in Dalian, China - a city that has dedicated itself to implementing best practices for a Low Carbon in every industrial sector.
The first of its kind conference has over 2,000 scientists and businessmen registered from nearly every nation on the globe and some of the largest US businesses, such as Citibank and General Motors are keynote speakers. Forums include topics such as: World Low Carbon Economy, Low Carbon Nations in Action, Emission Trade Toward Green Economy, and Low Carbon Finance and Global Strategic Alliances. The purpose of LCES-2011 is to provide a world-class meeting place for information exchanges and trade fair for promoting Low Carbon Economy.
Dr. Delaney's speech focuses on the benefits of using the existing and internationally accepted ISO standards (14064, 14065 and 14066) to ensure consistency in reporting carbon emissions and to ensure the value of emission credits for financial trading worldwide in these emerging markets.
Dr. Delaney said, "The ISO 14000 series of standards were created by business for business. No matter what economic model is chosen, we must start with reporting standards that are clear, transparent and verifiable. We must have confidence in the reporting of carbon emissions data to ensure our responses are appropriate."
Dr. Delaney provides strategic direction and management oversight at First Environment, an environmental engineering and consulting firm that delivers greenhouse gas management, environmental management system, and corporate sustainability services. Dr. Delaney is also a chemical and environmental health engineer with over 30 years of industry experience. Dr. Delaney also participates in the development of the ISO 14000 Series of Standards, including standards for life cycle assessment and greenhouse gas management. He currently serves as the International Convener for the new ISO 14066 standard involving competency requirements for validators and verifiers.
FIRST ENVIRONMENT VOTED BEST VERIFICATION COMPANY IN VOLUNTARY CARBON MARKETS
Boonton, NJ - February 17, 2011 Environmental Finance’s annual survey of the voluntary carbon markets declares First Environment voted as the Best Verification Company in Voluntary Carbon Markets. Environmental Finance is the only global publication dedicated to covering the impact of environmental issues on the lending, insurance, investment and trading decisions affecting industry.
“By engaging in the voluntary carbon market, our clients are, by definition, progressive and forward looking. We are delighted that our commitment to integrity in verification has been recognized by our clients and partners,” says Tod Delaney, President of First Environment.
Environmental Finance defines voluntary carbon as “carbon credits bought or sold to help organizations or individuals offset carbon emissions where they are not required by regulation to do so.” This may be to meet voluntarily assumed targets or to prepare themselves for mandatory reporting.
According to Environmental Finance, companies were contacted in December 2010 and asked to nominate leading firms working in the voluntary carbon markets via an online survey. Voters were asked to make their judgments on the basis of: efficiency and speed of transaction; reliability; innovation; quality of service provided and influence on the market, not just the volume of transactions handled. Around 500 completed responses were received.
The firm credits its success to its staff of highly competent verifiers and data management specialists, whose diligence in maintaining high quality service has kept the firm earning top marks for the past four years. First Environment was also voted Best Verifier in North American Mandatory Markets from 2008-2010.
First Environment is a full service environmental engineering firm established in 1977 and is an accredited Validation and/or Verification Body (VVB) by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as well as The Climate Registry, the Climate Action Reserve, and the Voluntary Carbon Standard. The firm is ANSI-accredited to validate/verify emissions from fuel combustion projects for Renewable Energy Combustion, Energy Efficiency Improvements, Transportation, Land Use and Forestry, Livestock, and Waste Handling and Disposal.
VOTED BEST VERIFIER IN NORTH AMERICA FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR
Boonton, NJ - December 16, 2010 Third consecutive year – Environmental Finance and Carbon Finance 11th Annual Market Survey ranks First Environment as the Best Verification Company in the North American Mandatory markets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This survey continues to be the most closely watched survey of leading participants in the carbon, US emission, weather risk management, and renewable energy markets. This year, over 1,200 readers participated.
“The winners of this year’s survey are those that have stayed the course through the tough times – they are well-positioned to grow their environmental markets businesses as conditions improve,” said Mark Nicholls, editor of Environmental Finance. “Time and again, survey respondents voted for those firms with a long heritage in what are still youthful markets, and rewarded commitment to helping their clients navigate often complex and fast-moving regulatory environments.”
“We, of course, thank everyone for this recognition,” said Tod Delaney, President of First Environment. “We continually strive to be ahead of the curve when it comes to verifying greenhouse gas emissions. We understand the importance of integrity and consistency when measuring GHG emissions and are pleased to be a part of the process.
First Environment is an accredited third party greenhouse gas emissions Validator and Verification Body for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). This year First Environment expanded its accreditation for fuel combustion projects for Renewable Energy Combustion, Energy Efficiency Improvements, and Transportation. First Environment is also ANSI-accredited for Livestock and Waste Handling and Disposal. For more information contact Barbara Thomson at BTP@Firstenvironment.com or 917.687.5298.
INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE CAPTURED IN AN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Boonton, NJ - December 16, 2010 The July 2010 edition of “Water Environment & Technology (WE&T) Magazine,” – a publication of the Water Environment Federation features the benefits and workings of the EPA award-winning Environmental Management System (EMS) First Environment developed with the Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant in Westchester, NY. Charles Beckett, the Superintendent at the facility, provides insight to the development and implementation of their EMS and acknowledges operational benefits beyond those originally anticipated. Read full article.
Superintendent Charles Beckett said, “We were able to capture decades of institutional knowledge in this EMS. The operations of wastewater treatment plants, water districts, and solid waste facilities are inherently environmental and encompassed our entire operation.”
As the first wastewater treatment plant in New York State to be certified to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001 EMS standard, Yonkers documented its best practices in a structured process that:
- prepared for transitions within the organization and integrated Standard Operating Procedures,
- standardized their Electronic Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Manual,
- anticipated change and provided guidance for it, and
- provided a corrective action process.
“The process began when Westchester County made a commitment to the environment. As Yonkers developed and implemented its EMS, they discovered that this tool helped to improve everything they do,” stated Betsy Delaney, VP First Environment.
To learn more about creating an Environmental Management System for your organization please contact Barbara Thomson at btp@firstenvironment.com or call 917.687.5298.
FIRST ENVIRONMENT ANNOUNCES ARTHUR J. CLARKE, J.D.
Boonton, NJ - November 3, 2010 First Environment proudly announces that Arthur J. Clarke, J.D. has joined the firm as a Senior Associate in its Boonton, New Jersey offices directing First Environment's Litigation Support and Regulatory Services markets, including testifying and consulting expert witnessing services, due diligence, regulatory auditing and environmental permitting.
Mr. Clarke has 28 years of legal and environmental consulting experience. He has worked at several distinguished law firms in New Jersey representing a broad range of clients on environmental litigation, regulatory compliance and transactional matters including mergers and acquisitions, land use and insurance coverage practice areas. Mr. Clarke also has ten years of environmental consulting experience working as an environmental chemist, project manager and manager of corporate regulatory affairs. He has assisted in the development and implementation of corporate regulatory compliance programs, analytical quality assurance programs and risk management programs. He has also worked in rehabilitating and redeveloping distressed properties and Brownfields sites in New Jersey and New York.
Before coming to First Environment, Mr. Clarke was Counsel to the law firm of Herold Law, P.A. in Warren, New Jersey where he worked extensively with expert witnesses developing technical arguments and supporting materials for the defense of clients at several large Superfund sites. He also worked on defending clients before the New Jersey Office of Administrative Law, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and regulatory agencies in New York and New Jersey.
Mr. Clarke has conducted corporate due diligence investigations at home and abroad including the support of corporate acquisitions in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia. He also worked on environmental site assessments in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
Mr. Clarke is admitted to practice law in New Jersey, New York and the District of Columbia. He is also admitted in Federal District Courts in New York and New Jersey. He is a member of the American Bar Association, New Jersey State Bar Association, the Stewart G. Pollack Environmental Inn of Court and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. He is co-chair of the Morristown Environmental Commission where he directs sustainability, open space and land use initiatives and he is a member of the Atlantic Health System's Bio-Safety Review Board.
Mr. Clarke holds a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law and a B.A. in Chemistry from Binghamton University. If you have any questions, you can contact Mr. Clarke at First Environment's Boonton, New Jersey office, 973-334-0003.
About First Environment
First Environment is a full service environmental engineering firm established in 1977. First Environment's litigation support services are renowned throughout the country for providing expert witnessing services to law firms and clients concerning the manufacture, use, fate and transport of industrial chemicals from prior to World War II to the present. First Environment's extensive historic database and expertise concerning the industrial uses and processes of chemicals such as trichloroethylene, perchloroethylene and other solvents has led to the successful defense of lawsuits at former Defense and Energy sites owned and operated by the United States government. It also has led to accurate quantitative allocations at numerous governmental and industrial sites in cases involving environmental cleanups, insurance litigation and toxic torts.
First Environment is also an international leader in emerging environmental and climate change standards and helps companies develop strategic responses to climate change, and manage sustainability and greenhouse gas projects.
FIRST ENVIRONMENT EXPANDS ITS ANSI ACCREDITATION
Boonton, NJ - October 25, 2010: - First Environment continues to bring order to the carbon markets in the United States by expanding its accreditations with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). First Environment has recently been accredited to perform validations and verifications of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions from fuel combustion projects for all of the following areas:
- Renewable Energy Production
- Energy Efficiency Improvements
- Transportation
Additionally, the scope of our accreditation was further expanded to include validation of GHG projects in the following sectors:
- Livestock:
- Methane collection and destruction
- Livestock and other anaerobic digester operations
- Agricultural methane emission reduction
- Agricultural carbon emission reduction
- Waste Handling and Disposal:
- Capture and destruction of Landfill gas
- Capture and use of Landfill gas (biodigestion, aerobic treatment)
- Methane recovery in wastewater treatment
- Avoidance of methane production in wastewater treatment
- Coal mine methane
First Environment was previously accredited to perform verifications in the following project sectors: Land Use and Forestry, Livestock, and Waste Handling and Disposal.
This accreditation provides confidence to firms seeking technically qualified Verifiers and Validators to perform audits on GHG reduction projects. ANSI and First Environment understand the value of providing an independent assessment of projects aimed at reducing GHG emissions.
First Environment has been an ANSI-accredited 3rd Party Greenhouse Gas Verifier and Validator since 2008, and recently expanded its accreditation through a rigorous application: assessment, including four project level witness assessments, and a committee review process. To maintain the accreditation, First Environment complies with annual surveillance that monitors its continued fulfillment of ISO 14065 - Greenhouse gases - Requirements for greenhouse gas validation and verification bodies for use in accreditation and other forms of recognition.
ANSI coordinates the development and use of voluntary consensus standards among industry within the United States, and represents US industry stakeholders' needs and views around the globe.
About First Environment
First Environment offers engineering design and implementation services to meet your company's environmental, sustainability and climate change needs. Established in 1977, we are an international leader in emerging environmental and climate change standards and we help companies develop strategic responses to climate change and manage your sustainability and greenhouse gas projects. We also perform third party validation and verification services to meet your climate change goals. For more information contact Barbara Thomson at btp@firstenvironment.com or (917) 687-5298 or visit www.ansi.org.
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH PREPARES TO COMPLY WITH EXECUTIVE ORDER TO STRENGTHEN ENVIRONMENTAL, ENERGY, AND TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
Washington, DC - October 4, 2010 The US Department of Health and Human Services and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have committed to comply with Executive Orders 13423 and 13514 to strengthen environmental, energy, and transportation management practices for federal agencies as they relate to the recording and monitoring of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions beginning 2011. The federal government has set the goal of reducing GHG emissions of its agencies by 28% in 2020 compared to 2008.
The Executive Orders provide regulatory deadlines for federal agencies starting in January 2011 when they must establish and report to the CEQ Chair and OMB Director a comprehensive inventory of absolute GHG emissions, including scope 1, scope 2, and specified scope 3 emissions for 2010. In March 2011, they must start reporting emissions from all covered facilities with absolute emissions of more than 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent GHG in calendar year 2010 using EPA’s Electronic Greenhouse Gas Reporting Tool (e-GGRT). This includes scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions that are from sources owned or controlled by a federal agency, also emissions resulting from generation of electricity, heat, or steam purchased by a federal agency, and sources not owned or directly controlled by a federal agency but related to agency activities such as employee commuting.
NIH, an agency under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is primarily responsible for the US government’s biomedical and health-related research. NIH will lead the development and maintenance of a comprehensive GHG inventory for the department so that they achieve reductions in GHG emissions.
Kenneth Floyd, Director of the Division of Environmental Protection within NIH’s Office of Research Facilities stated, “Reductions in GHG emissions are imperative to our ultimate mission to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce the burdens of illness and disability for all Americans.”
First Environment was hired by NIH to provide expertise in the area of GHG accounting and reporting, guiding the creation of an emissions inventory and tracking its progress, and making sure NIH is meeting the established GHG reduction goals in the schedule set by the Executive Orders. The firm will also evaluate the potential impacts on emissions by implementing various monitoring and control strategies and prepare training and public outreach materials relating to these initiatives.
Dr. B. Tod Delaney, President of First Environment said, “The first step to reducing GHG is to put in place the measuring and monitoring capabilities that will allow for proper documentation of GHG inventories. Accomplishing this requires educating everyone on the process and finding out who needs to be involved. Once we are able to consistently monitor emissions, it will be easier to see what areas need improving.”
First Environment, a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, is a full service Environmental Engineering firm that provides services throughout the country and the world.
FIRST ENVIRONMENT VOTED BEST VERIFICATION COMPANY FOR SECOND YEAR
Boonton, NJ - January 15, 2010 The Environmental Finance and Carbon Finance 10th Annual Market Survey – the oldest and best-established in the environmental markets - announced First Environment as the Best Verification Company in North American Mandatory Markets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for the second consecutive year.
“It’s been a tough year in environmental markets, as in finance and commodity markets more broadly,” said Mark Nicholls, editor of Environmental Finance Magazine. “However, those taking top positions expressed optimism that 2010 should see their fortunes improve.”
Environmental Finance and Carbon Finance is the most closely watched survey of leading participants in the carbon, US emission, weather risk management, and renewable energy certificate markets, according to Valerie Jones of Environmental Finance Publications. Over 1,500 readers participated in the survey.
“We are delighted to receive this award for a second year” says Tod Delaney, President of First Environment. “We have committed to assuring integrity and consistency in emissions reporting as this industry moves forward.”
First Environment is a full service environmental engineering firm established in 1977 and is an accredited Validation and/or Verification Body (VVB) for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as well as The Climate Registry, and the California Climate Action Registry. First Environment is also one of two verification bodies in the United States to receive accreditation from ANSI to validate and verify emission reduction projects under the Voluntary Carbon Standard and the only body to receive accreditation to verify projects listed with the Chicago Climate Exchange.
FIRST ENVIRONMENT COMPLETES CARBON NEUTRALITY GOALS
Boonton, NJ - December 3, 2009 First Environment - a Charter member of United States Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Leaders - has raised the bar and achieved zero emissions in 2007 and 2008 – and has been recognized by the US EPA as one of the first firm in the United States to reach this goal. First Environment will be recognized at the Climate Leaders Partners Meeting on December 2, 2009 for this accomplishment. By recording all their emissions – including travel – and hitting their offset targets, First Environment is on track to continue this position through 2012.
In a statement issued on December 2, Climate Leaders says, "First Environment's absolute emissions decreased by 100% from 2000 to 2008 as a result of their purchases of green power and offsets and have therefore met their Climate Leaders target to achieve net zero emissions by 2008. In addition, First Environment added business travel to their GHG inventory for both the 2007 and 2008 reporting years and offset those as well. First Environment has been carbon neutral since 2006, but 2008 represents net zero emissions using an approved Climate Leaders offset project."
“What First Environment has done can serve as a model for what other small businesses in the US can do to reduce or offset greenhouse gases (GHG). After all, 52% of the US workforce is small business and it is the fastest growing sector in creating new jobs,” says Tod Delaney, the president of First Environment. Even small businesses can achieve carbon neutrality and reduce global warming – without large capital investments.
First Environment is a full service environmental engineering firm that specializes in preparing organizations for climate change. Email Bob Previdi at rwp@firstenvironment.com for more information.
CCX APPROVES FIRST ENVIRONMENT AS VERIFIER FOR COAL MINE METHANE AND OZONE DEPLETING SUBSTANCE DESTRUCTION PROJECTS
Boonton, NJ - August 18, 2009 On August 18, 2009, the Chicago Carbon Exchange (CCX) approved First Environment for a verification scope extension for Coal Mine Methane and Ozone Depleting Substance Destruction projects. This recent announcement adds to the already impressive list of CCX offset project types for which First Environment has been approved.
First Environment has been approved to perform verification services for the following CCX offset project scopes:
- Coal Mine Methane Capture and Destruction
- Ozone Depleting Substance Destruction
- Energy Efficiency
- Landfill Methane Combustion and Destruction
- Agricultural Methane and Combustion
- Forestry
For more information email Bob Previdi at rwp@firstenvironment.com.
FIRST ENVIRONMENT - BEST VERIFICATION COMPANY IN NORTH AMERICAN MANDATORY MARKETS
Boonton, NJ - January 15, 2009 The Environmental Finance and Carbon Finance 9th Annual Market Survey - the oldest and best-established in environmental markets announced First Environment as the Best Verification Company in North American Mandatory Markets for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. "Environmental Finance and Carbon Finance is the most closely watched survey of the leading participants in the carbon, US emissions, weather risk management, and renewable energy certificate markets," according to Valerie Jones of Environmental Finance Publications. Over 1,600 readers participated in this survey.
"We are honored to receive this award and thank Environmental Finance and Carbon Finance for the fine service they provide to the industry," says Tod Delaney, President of First Environment. "We have been in the industry from its inception and are pleased to be recognized for our commitment to assuring integrity and consistency in emission reporting."
First Environment is full service environmental engineering firm established in 1977 and is an accredited Validation and/or Verification Body (VVB) for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as well as The Climate Registry, and the California Climate Action Registry. First Environment is the one of two verification bodies in the United States to receive accreditation from ANSI to validate and verify emission reduction projects under the Voluntary Carbon Standard and the only body to receive accreditation to verify projects listed with the Chicago Climate Exchange.
BRINGING ORDER TO U.S. CARBON MARKETS
Boonton, NJ - January 8, 2009 With so much confusion regarding the validity of carbon credits here in the United States, First Environment recently completed a program to standardize the process for documenting and verifying greenhouse gas emissions. Working with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), First Environment has been accredited as a Validation and/or Verification Body (VVB). This program will facilitate the true reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the environment.
ANSI coordinates development and use of voluntary consensus standards in the United States, and represents the needs and views of U.S. stakeholders around the globe. ANSI launched this pilot accreditation program in early 2008. Lane Hallenback, ANSI Vice President of Accreditation Services said, “This program marks a significant step forward in assuring integrity and consistency in emission reporting and reduction projects across industry sectors and geographical borders. The institute is pleased to join in strengthening consumer confidence and promoting best practices for the validation and verification of GHG emissions.”
As a result of ANSI’s accreditation, The Climate Registry and the California Climate Action Registry recognize First Environment as an accredited 3rd party verifier. In addition, First Environment is accredited for emission reduction projects under the Voluntary Carbon Standard and is the only verification body in the United States accredited for Chicago Climate Exchange.
The benefit of this program is that buyers and sellers of carbon credits can be sure that firms verifying emission reductions possess the technical qualifications to perform such an audit. This will bring order to the marketplace of companies who are claiming to offer the technical expertise to document and reduce the six greenhouse gases that are the primary cause of climate change.
Tod Delaney, President of First Environment says, “We have been working in the industry for 30 years and are pleased to be recognized for our commitment to assuring the integrity and consistency in emission reporting. Standardizing this process and making sure it is transparent is critical to the success of any government regulatory scheme or marketplace driven solution that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
First Environment offers engineering design and implementation services to meet your company’s environmental and sustainability goals. Established in 1977 we are an international leader in emerging environmental standards and have built award-winning Environmental Management Systems for the Westchester County Airport as well. Email Bob Previdi at rwp@firstenvironment.com and for more information about ANSI go to www.ansi.org.
WESTCHESTER COUNTY NY RECOGNIZED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DESIGNED BY FIRST ENVIRONMENT
Boonton, NJ - December 18, 2008 First Environment proudly announces that they helped to craft the first Environmental Management System (EMS) for wastewater treatment plants in the state of New York for the seven Westchester Wastewater Treatment Plants. Westchester County’s work on the EMS has met the prestigious ISO 14001 certification standards according to an independent 3rd Party verifier TUV SUD, America, Inc.
These seven facilities operated by Westchester County have successfully met all the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 14001) requirements – that are very stringent in 17 specific areas including identification of all environmental impacts, setting targeted reduction goals, training, monitoring and emergency preparedness requirements. Independent 3rd Party verification is part of the 14001 certification process and ensures the integrity of the data and information reported.
ISO – or the International Organization for Standardization is a non-governmental organization, with representation in 157 nations and develops industry standards for both quality and environmental management. Working with public and private entities First Environment designs and assists in implementation of environmental, health and safety, and integrated management systems.
Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano said, “This important recognition means we have in place the system to make sure that we do everything possible to continually improve plant management to protect the environment.”
Betsy Delaney, Vice President of First Environment said, “Westchester County is clearly setting the standard in New York for the development and implementation of Environmental Management Systems. The Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant leadership and staff have shown dedication to getting the job done right and maintaining the goals as part of their daily work routines. Their demonstrated commitment to the environment is why they were so deserving of the 2008 U.S. EPA Environmental Quality Award.”
First Environment offers engineering design and implementation services to meet our clients’ environmental goals. Established in 1977 we are an international leader in emerging environmental standards and have built award-winning Environmental Management Systems for the Westchester County Airport as well. For more information email Bob Previdi at rwp@firstenvironment.com.
CALIFORNIA CLIMATE ACTION REGISTRY APPROVES FIRST ENVIRONMENT AS LANDFILL & LIVESTOCK PROJECT VERIFIER
Sacramento, CA - May 19, 2008 The California Climate Action Registry (California Registry) recently approved First Environment as a Landfill Project Verifier and Livestock Project Verifier. The Evaluation Committee has qualified First Environment to provide verification services under their reporting and verification protocols for landfill gas collection and combustion projects as well as livestock manure management methane capture and combustion projects registered with the Climate Action Reserve. The Climate Action Reserve is a new division of the California Climate Action Registry created to provide a high, accurate and measurable standard for the national voluntary carbon reduction market.
Verification is an integral part of climate change. “Verification supports the voluntary carbon market and has the potential to contribute greatly to the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere and to help curb climate change. Verification ensures environmental integrity, transparency, rigor and accuracy in this market. The Climate Action Reserve meets this need by setting a high measurable standard and by bringing more certainty about the carbon reduction projects for investors in this emerging market, project developers, the environmental community, and the public.” (http://www.climateregistry.org/offsets.html April 30, 2008)
Tod Delaney, President of First Environment said, “California is leading the environmental movement in the United States with their verifier requirements. We are proud of our strong history with the California Registry. We were the first firm to become an approved 3rd party GHG verifier and are pleased to provide verification services to their landfill and livestock projects.”
First Environment is a Strategic Environmental Management Consulting firm established in 1977 with headquarters in New Jersey and offices throughout the United States. We are a leader in emerging environmental standards. Our firm is carbon neutral. We participated in the development of the ISO 14040 series of standards for life cycle assessment and ISO 14064 series of standards for GHG inventories, projects and verification. First Environment participates in two voluntary GHG reporting programs: as a Charter Partner of the US EPA's Climate Leaders program and as a Founding Reporter to The Climate Registry. We are an approved verifier of emission reduction projects for the Chicago Climate Exchange. Visit us as www.firstenvironment.com or email Barbara Thomson at btp@firstenvironment.com.
FIRST ENVIRONMENT JOINED FORCES ON WESTCHESTER’S GLOBAL WARMING ACTION PLAN
Boonton, NJ - May 1, 2008 First Environment announces Westchester County Executive Andy Spano unveiled the Westchester Global Warming Action Plan and is calling you to action. He invites you to take the challenge to sign up to do your part in reversing global warming. Upon the Action Plan’s unveiling, he proclaimed, “every resident, business, government and school in Westchester should strive to reduce its ‘carbon footprint’ by 20 percent by 2015. This is an important interim goal of an ambitious, but doable, countywide action plan to help combat global warming.”
http://climatechange.westchestergov.com/global-warming-action-plan
To make this happen, First Environment, an international leader in emerging environmental issues, worked with the Global Warming Task Force to put together the Action Plan for short-term and long-term steps for every sector: individuals, businesses, schools, and governments. The Plan acts as a guide for the entire county from individual households to multi-million dollar businesses to catalyze change and help achieve sensible goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Recognizing the urgency and threat that global warming presents, Andy Spano, Westchester County Executive, convened the Global Warming Task Force in 2006. “Collectively… we can make a difference,” he said and brought together the formidable talent of public officials, subject experts, educators, and business leaders in the county. The 34-member Task Force identified countywide strategies for energy, transportation, land use, water resources, and waste and green purchasing. This has been a two and a half year collaborative effort that helps everyone understand the environmental impact of the choices they make every day; and when knowing the facts they can make choices that make Westchester a better place for our children and grandchildren.
Betsy Delaney, Vice President, First Environment worked with the Task Force to complete the final report and is very proud of the results. “This plan pulls together all sectors and provides answers for everybody who wants to do the right thing and remain prosperous in business,” said Betsy. “We focused on sensible and achievable tasks, such as using tap water instead of bottled water and businesses voluntarily joining and reporting their GHG levels to the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) where they can make reductions and trade carbon credits. I believe that most people want to do the right thing but they don’t always know what it is. Furthermore, being green and prosperous are not incompatible.”
First Environment leads by example. It is a Founding Reporter of The Climate Registry and a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange. First Environment was the first firm to be certified as a verifier for the California Climate Action Registry, the first consulting & engineering firm to become certified to ISO 14001, and as a member of the U.S. EPA's Climate Leaders, recently achieved its goal to become carbon neutral.
For more information, e-mail Bob Previdi at btp@firstenvironment.com.
FIRST ENVIRONMENT DESIGNS YONKERS US EPA AWARD WINNING ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Boonton, NJ - April 24, 2008 First Environment proudly announces that EPA Region 2 has selected the Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant to receive the Environmental Quality Award for its Environmental Management System (EnvMS). First Environment worked with the Westchester Department of Environmental Facilities (DEF) and its Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant to design and implement the award winning EnvMS that supports the facility’s mission to protect the Hudson River and the communities of Westchester.
Operated by Westchester County, they successfully met all the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 14001) requirements for their EnvMS. ISO is very stringent in 17 specific areas including identification of all environmental impacts, setting targeted reduction goals, training, monitoring and emergency preparedness. Working with public and private entities First Environment uses only the latest international standards to design and implement environmental management systems.
Betsy Delaney of First Environment said, “Designing an environmental system is one thing – acting on it is another. The DEF and the Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant leadership and staff have shown unfettered dedication to this certification by getting the job done right. All along they took each step very seriously and have demonstrated their commitment to the environment which is why they are so deserving of the 2008 U.S. EPA Environmental Quality Award.”
The Environmental Quality Award is the highest recognition presented by the U.S. EPA Region 2. To be selected, nominees must have significantly contributed to improving environmental quality and demonstrated results that are sustainable, reproducible and use established standards that can be verified. For more information, e-mail Bob Previdi at btp@firstenvironment.com.
