As the international debate on climate change continues, most companies are beginning to accept the new reality that they can no longer choose to do nothing—they must take action now. Global drivers (e.g., ratification of the Kyoto Protocol, roll-out of the European Trading System, U.S. state-level regulations, U.S. voluntary initiatives, shareholder discontent, potential litigation, and corporate social responsibility) are compelling companies to move forward in developing effective programs to manage their response to the growing number of GHG-related issues.

Prior to the first Kyoto compliance period (2008–2012), GHG activities are progressing in primarily four major areas as shown in the above chart. At the meeting of the Conference of Parties in Kyoto, Japan in 1997, countries assigned reduction targets were designated as Annex I. The Annex I countries that have ratified the Kyoto Protocol have been further designated as Annex B. These countries are in the process of developing compliance plans for the first compliance period. Non-Annex I countries (developing countries) are allowed to pursue development of GHG reduction projects for potential sale to Annex B countries in the form of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects. The European Trading System (made up of European Annex B countries) has rolled out its own pre-Kyoto trading system in preparation for the first Kyoto compliance period. The U.S., though not ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, has launched a number of voluntary initiatives nationally, with some states progressing legislation for regional cap-and-trade systems to regulate GHG emissions.

Solomon’s global presence, extensive proprietary databases, and patent-pending methodologies and metrics uniquely position us within the energy industry. As a result, we can assist you in developing a comprehensive, company-wide GHG strategic plan that will outline appropriate responses to all aspects of GHG issues. The following chart provides a road map for developing and implementing an effective GHG management program for your company.

We possess the expertise to guide your company through each critical step to achieve your ultimate GHG goals:

• We can work with your company and plant-level management in establishing appropriate GHG emission reduction targets.
• Our experts can assist in measuring your absolute GHG emissions by using industry-endorsed reporting protocols or provide more in-depth, individualized, and custom assessments of GHG intensity using our proprietary Carbon Emission Intensity (CEI) metrics, which were patterned from our patent-pending methodologies.
• We can help you equitably allocate allowances across your company’s portfolio of assets.
• Applying our unique gap analysis methodologies, problem-solving techniques, technical expertise, and extensive knowledge of industry best practices allows our experts to assist in developing definitive GHG action plans. Whether you are in need of identifying emission reduction steps or an assessment of emission impacts, cost, and timing, we offer a unique, well thought-out perspective.
• Using our energy expertise in benchmarking methodologies, on-site audits, technical evaluations, and industry best practices, we can identify energy conservation steps to improve the efficiency of your facilities and reduce your GHG emissions.
• Our experts can assist you in implementing the identified emissions reduction steps and projects. Some of these projects may qualify for carbon credits via Kyoto Flexible Mechanisms, such as Joint Implementation projects in Annex B countries and Clean Development Mechanism projects in developing countries. During implementation we will work with you to ensure your GHG goals are achieved on a cost-effective, timely basis and that any resulting carbon credits are annually sustained.
• We are committed to working with you in establishing appropriate emissions monitoring protocols and methodologies to permit tracking your progress in meeting your GHG emission targets.

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