Climate Change: Case Study

CLIENT: Georgia Pacific Corporation

TASK: Environmental Program Management: Validation and Verification of a GHG Protocol and Inventory

LOCATION: Atlanta, GA

• Performed a technical analysis to validate greenhouse gas (GHG) protocol
• Verification of the methodological approach, data findings and calculations for the client’s global operations GHG inventory

Georgia-Pacific Corporation, one of the world’s largest forestry products companies, developed its own customized Protocol guidance document, which addresses the unique characteristics of the forest products industry. Georgia-Pacific then conducted a GHG baseline inventory study of its facilities in North America, South America and Europe.

We were commissioned to validate the design and implementation of the company’s GHG inventory protocol and verify its 2000 GHG Inventory Report. We worked directly with Georgia-Pacific employees to ensure reporting systems were followed and all emissions were being tracked consistently and thoroughly, by reviewing supplied documents, spreadsheets, and correspondence between the members of the Climate Change Working Group.

First Environment’s assessment did not identify any materially significant issues with the company’s protocol or inventory, and therefore was able to issue a one page unqualified opinion statement. The verification team also provided Georgia Pacific with a detailed report offering a list of immaterial findings and actionable recommendations as to how it can improve its Protocol and the quality of its GHG emissions data. The suggested improvements will better position the organization, if in the future it seeks to pursue emission trading or other GHG opportunities.