Vision and Policies

To work towards a sustainable future by supporting clients to proactively manage environmental matters, while integrating these issues into the organization’s larger business structure.

Our Vision

Our Sustainability Policy

As the first strategic management and environmental engineering organization in the United States to earn ISO 14001 certification, First Environment’s business activities are guided by its sustainability policy and environmental management system.

To download our sustainability policy, click here

Confidentiality Policy Statement

Except as may be required by Law, First Environment treats as strictly confidential all information obtained or produced in 3rd party assessments. Except as required by witness audits and accreditation assessments by accreditation bodies or oversight authorities of GHG regimes and sector schemes, First Environment will not disclose to a third party, without a client’s prior written consent, any information that comes into its possession, the possession of its employees, agents or others in the course of client engagements.  Where disclosure is required by a relevant reporting programme, First Environment will give timely notification to its clients prior to any release of information to the public domain.

 

First Environment uses a Verification Team Member Declaration to safeguard confidential information. All staff involved in assessment activities sign the Declaration prior to their involvement. This form requires, inter alia, personnel to attest that they will protect the confidentiality of information obtained during 3rd party assessment activities in accordance with this policy.

 

 

Impartiality Statement

First Environment understands that impartiality is critical to the credibility of the work that it performs and the need to ensure that decisions are made based on objective criteria. To safeguard impartiality in its client engagements, including its 3rd party assessment activities and litigation support work, First Environment has established a procedure to evaluate risks to impartiality and potential conflicts of interest (11.14 Management of Impartiality).

 

Prior to responding to requests for proposals, First Environment conducts a thorough review to identify risks to impartiality and potential conflicts of interest. If risks are identified, First Environment assesses the level of risk associated with the potential threat. Risks are classified as high or medium. High-risk engagements are not pursued. Medium risk engagements are further evaluated to determine if First Environment is able to effectively mitigate or avoid the risk through a resolution appropriate to the situation prior to initiating the client engagement.

 

In addition to protecting impartiality, First Environment ensures the objectivity of its verification activities through adherence to principles and the application of auditing and verification best practices, including reliance upon evidence in the development of statements regarding GHG assertions. 

 

First Environment does not recommend, specify or otherwise endorse any providers of technical assistance.

 

First Environment’s Management of Impartiality procedure is available upon request.

 

 

Appeals Resolution and Complaints Handling Statement

First Environment has an established process to resolve appeals and handle complaints that arise during the provision of 3rd party assessment services, including disagreements with a validation or verification statement. This process is administered by the Lead Appeals Reviewer, who is independent from the assessment process.

 

If you would like to file an appeal or submit a complaint related to First Environment’s 3rd party assessment services, please contact the Project Manager responsible for the disputed assessment services. Please include in your submission:

1. The client’s name and contact information,
2. The nature of the dispute (i.e. appeal on grounds of X, complaint regarding Y, etc.), and
3. The resolution sought. 

Your submission will be reviewed by an independent review committee, which includes First Environment personnel knowledgeable in the relevant service area. A copy of First Environment’s Appeals Resolution and Complains Handling Procedure is available upon request.