Since January 1, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has required large emitters of heat-trapping emissions to collect greenhouse gas (GHG) data under a new reporting system. This new program covers approximately 85 percent of the nation’s GHG emissions and applies to roughly 10,000 facilities. Are you compliant?

As a leading U.S. expert on greenhouse gas management for ISO Technical Committee 207, Subcommittee 7, Futurepast’s John Shideler is uniquely qualified for verifying your organization’s standards compliance, preparing your reporting, and implementing integrated GHG management systems. In short: We count carbon.

March 7th, 2010, by John Shideler

Approach to Climate Change Makes British Columbia a Gold Medal Contender

Winter Olympic Games in British Columbia focused the attention of the world recently on Canada’s Pacific Coast province. The gold, silver and bronze medals earned by athletes from around the world celebrated achievement in demanding individual and team competitions and showcased the province’s world class communities and sporting event venues.

British Columbia also stands out in ways not related to the Olympic Games. It is a North American leader in its commitment to addressing climate change. Through acts of parliament and regulation, British Columbia has directed the provincial government and public sector organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, directed consideration of environmentally sustainable planning and development at the local level, begun preparations to adapt to climate change, and implemented mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting for regulated industry.

As a member of the Western Climate Initiative, British Columbia, along with the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and Manitoba and six western US states, is prepar…

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February 28th, 2010, by John Shideler

The US Federal Trade Commission is expected to extend the reach of its “Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims” when it updates the regulation codified at 16 CFR Part 260. Although FTC’s “Green Guides,” as they are commonly called, are provided only as guidance, organizations that make environmental marketing claims ignore them at their peril. The Federal Trade Commission Act grants the Commission the authority to file complaints against firms that engage in misleading or deceptive business practices. Under the law, the FTC can seek injunctions, issue cease-and-desist orders, and impose civil penalties. In practice, the majority of cases is settled without the imposition of sanctions.

The Green Guides help businesses make environmental claims that are truthful and verifiable. In the parlance of the FTC, companies making environmental claims should have a “reasonable basis” for doing so. FTC oversight extends to claims that are made both by businesses to consumers as well as to other businesses.

The Green Guides caution companies agai…

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