Archive for the 'GHGm' Category

LCA model development for Manitoba

Recently GHGm was awarded a contract to develop and implement a life cycle analysis (LCA) model for the primary agriculture sectors in Manitoba, work done in cooperation with Farms.com.

This project offers GHGm an opportunity to demonstrate its extensive knowledge in agriculture, life cycle analysis, and environmental management, which the firm holds. Expert knowledge in production agriculture, agronomy, soils, atmospheric sciences, environmental standards (e.g. ISO 14040), and life cycle analysis software (SimaPro) are but few of the expertise and tools applied in the work.

The Manitoba agriculture LCA project aims to enhance the value and sustainability of the local agriculture industry, through the systemic analysis and assessment of the production systems using a comprehensive life-cycle approach.

Electronic industry metal supply-chain report released

A GHGm report, “Social and Environmental Responsibility in Metals Supply to the Electronic Industry,” has been published by two electronic industry associations.

The study considers the supply and use of metals by the electronics industry, looking at understanding of the sources, the
supply chain and the social and environmental circumstances around how metals are mined, processed and recycled. Tin, cobalt, palladium, gold, copper and aluminum are specifically considered.

The research was commissioned by the EICC and the GeSI supply chain working group, which is looking at improving working conditions in the global electronics supply chain.

Copies of the report are available through both:

- the Global e-Sustainability Initiative,  on the GeSI website under supply chain and

- the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition on the EICC website under resources

Biodiesel facility emissions quantification


GHGm and BBI Biofuels Canada collaborated and successfully completed a key contract with Environment Canada on the “Quantification of Environmental Emissions from Conventional Biodiesel Production.” Working with an operating biodiesel facility, and using firsthand  knowledge of the industry, GHGm and BBI provided a framework for emissions quantification to be used to improve Environment Canada’s capacity to predict, identify, and assess a range of environmental, regulatory, technical, and scientific issues. The final report provided a modeled quantification of emissions, addressed best practices in the biodiesel industry, and discussed issues of concern that would likely to be raised by an anticipated and dramatic increase in use of biomass for production of industrial chemicals and transportation fuels in Canada.

 

SDTC qualifies GHGm as expert

Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) has awarded GHGm a position on its roster of Environmental Impact Quantification Experts. SDTC stated that it “believes your firm will be a valuable addition to our team of experts and is pleased to add you to the roster of Environmental Impact Quantification Experts.”

GHGm is experienced with industrial products, agricultural systems, renewable energy solutions, materials and recycling, energy efficiency, transport and biofuels. Our tools include Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and greenhouse gas measurement approaches.

We support SDTC project consortia across a spectrum of environmental benefit areas:

- Clean Air

- Climate Change

- Clean water

- Clean soil

GHGm assesses the environmental performance of products and services – creating value for our clients. We provide greenhouse gas project measurement, validation, verification and reporting. GHGm has pioneered the use of the ISO 14064 standards for GHG project measurement, and supports the technical basis of carbon credits as market mechanisms continues to evolve. We help clients realize the opportunity of carbon credits.

Our internationally-experienced team combines exceptional project management and technical practice to serve private, public and not-for-profit organizations

Agriculture and soils expert hired

With over 25 years of experience in agriculture, Gudmundur Johannesson has comprehensive and applied experiences from all levels of agricultural operations; from the farm level, through to government, academia, and private consulting. He has applied knowledge and experiences in organic waste management and environmental management. He has held positions in program management, research and development, teaching and lecturing, business management, and technical assistance. Mr. Johannesson has 8 years of consulting experience, with projects focusing on agronomy, soil, air and water management in agriculture. Clients have included industry, government and academia. Mr. Johannesson is educated in Agricultural Sciences (B.Sc) from the Agricultural University of Iceland, and organic waste and nutrient management (M.Sc.) from the University of Guelph, Canada.

Adding political science to the GHGm mix

In an exciting expansion of service and capacity, GHGm is delighted to announce a new associate on our team: Meghan Spilka O’Keefe is a political scientist and geographer (yes, a true social scientist!). With keen research, analytical and writing skills, Meghan makes an excellent complementary addition to the natural scientists and engineers we already have.

After all, sustainable development is fundamentally about people, their motivations and organisation.

Read more about Meghan in her biographical sketch.

GHGm becomes Bullfrog Powered

Today we a pleased to announce that we are, this hour, 100% Bullfrog Powered.

(we know this is not a bullfrog …)

Since our inception, GHGm has walked-the-talk. However, we can always do more!

In our purchase of electric power, we sought and sourced local green energy from SelectPower of Guelph Hydro, our city power provider — until it “pulled the plug” on its wind program in 2006. In 2004, we supported Pembina’s “wind powered PC” initiative, allowing for renewable energy credits for all our associates’ PC’s and laptops.

After analysis and scrutiny, Bullfrog was selected in 2007 as our future preferred power supplier.

From Bullfrog’s welcome email: “By switching to Bullfrog Power, you are supporting the development of green electricity in Ontario and helping to create a healthy environment for our communities and our children.”

Committed to sustainability

Clean technologies and innovative projects are pushing into new territory. Our business it to help your business get there.

GHGm :: assessing impacts :: building value

GHG printing footprint

In a recent client engagement, GHGm and partner organizations developed a desktop greenhouse gas benchmarking tool to assess office printing performance using metrics of carbon emissions, energy and resource use, and financial cost. It was exciting to work closely with the client, under severe time constraints. In line with our mission, activity levels and environmental information were compiled into an assessment tool in order to meet very specific needs, building business value.

Air criteria for energy technologies

In support of Canadian government technology funding programs, Dr. Steven Young, GHGm President, spoke today at an NRCan, OCETA, ETV Canada workshop in Ottawa. His presentation addressed “Air Pollutants: Methods, Data Availability and Priorities for Transportation Biofuels Technologies,” and included direct reference to a biodiesel-fuel transit project in Montreal.

Continue reading ‘Air criteria for energy technologies’