First Environment, an environmental engineering and consulting firm headquartered in New Jersey, has been confirmed by the Climate Bonds Standards Board as an Approved Verifier.
Todd Delaney, President of First Environment said:
“We have been providing cutting edge environmental solutions since 1987 and we are very proud of being out in front of the US environmental markets over the last three decades. That’s why we are so keen to be part of a fast growing green bond market in the US and the impact it can have on the greening of America’s infrastructure. We look forward to playing our role in developing fixed income funding of climate change solutions.”
Climate Bonds CEO Sean Kidney said:
“We need to green bond market to scale up quickly if it’s to properly contribute to addressing climate change and related environmental challenges, like clean air. For that to happen there needs to be depth and breadth in the market for independent reviewers who can step in and work with prospective issuers.
“First Environment has a long and illustrious history in providing verification services. Their strength and reach in the US market will help US investors with improved assurance of environmental credentials. We’re honoured to have First Environment join the global family of Approved Verifiers.”
First Environment has been active in the field of climate change and GHG management since the 1990s. The firm has completed more than 500 verification and validation projects across the US and internationally for a variety of climate change programs, including the California Air Resources Board, American Climate Registry, Climate Action Reserve, Verified Carbon Standard, Chicago Climate Exchange and The Climate Registry.
First Environment has also established a significant practice area in emerging environmental issues including sustainability and adaptation. They have worked with organizations on defining sustainability and climate adaptation goals; providing environmental management support; and developing GHG emission inventories.
The Climate Bonds Standard sets out clear criteria to verify certain green credentials of a bond. It allows investors and governments to easily prioritise green bonds with confidence that proceeds are being used to deliver environmental benefits. Development of the Standard is overseen by the Climate Bonds Standard Board representing $34 trillion of assets under management.
