greenhouse gas services:
Greenhouse Gas is emitted in almost every human activity from agriculture to manufacturing. We produce it with our cars and with our power plants. Due to its massive reach across our economy, a recent EPA order, which will require a wide variety of businesses to report their greenhouse gas emissions, will surely make some waves.
The EPA estimates that 30,000 facilities will have to examine their operations, and of that group, 10,000 must begin tracking their emissions so that they can submit their first report in 2011. This order goes into effect on January 1, 2010.
Who must report?
The EPA is requiring that all emitters in certain fields begin reporting. This includes:
- Landfills, businesses that use chemicals in their business process, suppliers of chemicals, as well as all producers of motor vehicles.
- Most facilities that emit over 25,000 metric tons per year of 4 Greenhouse Gases.
If you fall into a covered category, you must take steps to determine if you fall under the 25,000 ton reporting threshold. Each covered entity is required by law to be in compliance with the EPA’s 40 CFR Part 98 Rule.
How can Trinity Green help?
Trinity Green Services can help you discover if your facility is a covered entity. If this is brand new to you, as it is to most, we can provide training to your Facility’s Engineering staff to help them make several critical choices.
- We can help you choose a course of action in regards to this new rule.
- We can help you perform a GHG emissions inventory.
- We can help obtain competitive bids to choose an independent auditor (verifier) of your emissions. This is not a requirement, but may be helpful for your first report.
- Finally, we can help you prepare your Emissions Report Certification statement that must be signed by an officer of your company under penalty of law.
Who has compliance experience with the new EPA Rule?
In short, no one. This is a brand new rule. There are emerging companies who can validate your greenhouse gas calculations, but they are required to remain independent of your own inventory process. While there are voluntary programs in place, no on has experience with this new rule.
- Trinity Green has had GHG Specialists following this order through the approval process, and believe that the EPA rule has different requirements than older existing programs, including the Department of Energy Voluntary Program. Trinity Green has Professional Environmental Engineers, LEED, Energy Star and Storm Water Compliance Specialists who have been helping businesses stay in compliance with EPA rules since 1994.
What about Greenhouse Gas Cap and Trade legislation?
Cap and Trade is a related but separate issue. Currently, unless legislation passes establishing a Greenhouse Gas Cap on emissions, the EPA rule only requires reporting, it does not place limits on how much Greenhouse Gas your facility may emit.
What do I do next?
You can go to this EPA Site and download the new 286 page rule. If you need assistance call us and ask our GHG specialists about your company. Our objective is to help you keep your company running with as little disruption as possible, while getting in compliance with this new mandatory rule from the EPA.
Our Services
- Online Introductory Training for people in your company studying or taking on the responsibility of Greenhouse Gas emission reporting.
- Consultation regarding the alignment of your organization to reporting requirements, presenting course of action options to your decision making team.
- GHG Reporting Threshold Assessment Report. This will determine if you meet the reporting threshold, and will include supporting documentation.
- Consulting and coaching those you choose to conduct your Greenhouse Gas inventory.
- Assisting your team to set up a Greenhouse Gas accounting system so that you will have the 2010 data you need to complete your 2011 report.
Conclusion
The 40 Congressional Federal Register Part 98 Rule is a Federal EPA Requirement. It is the responsibility of the covered entity to comply with the rule, and Trinity Green will assist as you discover how this new rule impacts you. Trinity Green intends to continue our tradition of helping companies maintain their compliance integrity with as little disruption as possible.
- Email a no-obligation request for information, and one of our consultants will call you within 24 hours to help you determine the next steps, or call 214-446-9500 and ask for help with Greenhouse Gas Services.
Leed for Homes
Trinity Green can help create strategies to achieve LEED status, manage the project certification process, conduct a home energy rating, as well as train and work with each applicable subcontractor to ensure that all of the materials used on site are appropriate. Trinity can also take care of the storm water requirements that are mandated at the city and state level, and are also required for LEED certification.
We do all of this while watching your bottom line to make sure that you come in right on budget. Call us early because many points are easier to achieve and more cost effective in the horizontal phase of construction.
NAHB Green
The NAHB has come out with its own green building standards in response to the LEED for Homes program. At Trinity we are very familiar with this program and can walk you through each step of the certification process. We can help with credit consultation, project management, documentation, and communication with the subcontractors so that you can focus on building quality homes.
Home Energy Ratings
In a recent NAHB survey, 64% of those polled said that “reduced energy costs” would be the most important factor in their decision to purchase a new green home. Trinity Green is here to serve you as a builder, recognizing the energy challenges you face in today’s building standards. Home energy ratings are available to assist you in qualifying your home as Energy Star efficient, which ensures lower utility bills for the homeowner. Through a short process of two different inspections (rough-in and final), our certified technicians run a battery of tests evaluating the home’s tightness, insulation, appliances, heating/cooling and water heating systems. Our goal is to partner with you in securing the Energy Star mark of approval, which adds considerable value to every home that you build.
Storm Water Management
Storm water management is one of the first steps in making your project environmentally compliant. In fact, it is required by the EPA and by a majority of state and local authorities to have these measures in place before you even begin construction. Trinity Green professionals have over 14 years of experience in developing storm water programs that exceed federal, state, and local guidelines. As a board member of IECA and with several CPESC/CPSWQ professionals on staff, we are committed to providing you a comprehensive suite of compliance solutions.
Engineering Services
Our professional engineers are dedicated to researching and developing environmental solutions that work to meet every challenge your project presents . We are committed to helping our clients navigate through current environmental trends and products to help reduce the risk, cost and headaches of meeting all federal, state, and local regulations.
Energy Solutions
Renewable energy production has become much more profitable in recent years, and Trinity Green is perfectly positioned to bring your home buyers energy savings, without a huge up front cost. We like seeing the big picture, and your clients will be thankful that we did.
Project Management
In any of the current Green Rating Systems, you have to do more than just plan for a green building. There is a great deal of documentation, 3rd party verification, and communications with subcontractors that must take place. Trinity specializes in removing hassles from you’re your green project so that you can focus on building again. We have the experience and expertise to handle any challenges that arise so that your project remains on time and within your budget.
Consultant
From storm water to gray water, we have the resources to create green strategies for your project. We understand local, state, and federal pressures that are placed on today’s builders. That’s why we try so hard to alleviate your risk and help you create a storm water management plan that fits into a green building strategy. Our proven track record shows our ability to negotiate regulatory fines as well as creating sustainable plans for our clients. Use Trinity Green to restore your peace of mind.
Sustainability
Homes and residential communities impact our environment by utilizing energy, water and other materials. The indoor air quality associated with these impacts are classified as one of the top health concerns by the United States Surgeon General. Trinity Green addresses these issues through our Sustainability Services.
Sustainable construction practices increase the efficiency of homes. Sustainability programs use less energy, encourage water conservation, utilize rapidly renewable materials, encourage recycling and reduce impacts on human health and the environment. Sustainable methodologies, including better sitting, design, construction, inspections, operation, maintenance and storm water management, are sound construction practices even if you are not seeking green program certification. Trinity Green’s sustainability services help to increase profitability and reduce the environmental impacts of residential programs.
Training
Trinity Green places great emphasis on training our clients so that our partnership can prosper. In the LEED and NAHB Green Rating Systems, we also offer training to General Contractors and subcontractors to make sure that everyone is on the same page. With everyone working together, we can accomplish great things.
Leed New Construction
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Certification has become the standard for green construction with commercial structures. Trinity Green acts as a representative for our clients. If you are an owner we ensure that you are on track to meet your green goals, and can aid in choosing the proper construction crew for your project. We help General Contractors by ensuring that they can meet the green demands of their clients including material tracking and documentation. For architectural firms, we offer to manage the things they would rather not worry about on the site and materials portion of the project. Trinity Green is poised to help you build whatever green dreams you have on time, and within your budget.
Storm Water Management
Storm water management is one of the first steps in making your project environmentally compliant. In fact, it is required by the EPA and by a majority of state and local authorities to have these measures in place before you even begin construction. Trinity Green professionals have over 14 years of experience in developing storm water programs that exceed federal, state, and local guidelines. As a board member of IECA and with several CPESC/CPSWQ professionals on staff, we are committed to providing you a comprehensive suite of compliance solutions.
Engineering Services
Our professional engineers are dedicated to researching and developing environmental solutions that work to meet every challenge your project presents . We are committed to helping our clients navigate through current environmental trends and products to help reduce the risk, cost and headaches of meeting all federal, state, and local regulations.
Sustainability
Commercial buildings impact our environment by utilizing energy, water and other materials. The indoor air quality associated with these impacts are classified as one of the top health concerns by the United States Surgeon General. Trinity Green addresses these issues through our Sustainability Services.
Sustainable construction practices increase the efficiency of commercial buildings. Sustainability programs use less energy, encourage water conservation, utilize rapidly renewable materials, encourage recycling and reduce impacts on human health and the environment. Sustainable methodologies, including better sitting, design, construction, inspections, operation, maintenance and storm water management, are sound construction practices even if you are not seeking green program certification. Trinity Green’s sustainability services help to increase profitability and reduce the environmental impacts of commercial building programs.
Project Management
In LEED Green Rating System, you have to do more than just plan for a green building. There is a great deal of documentation, 3rd party verification, and communications with subcontractors that must take place. Trinity specializes in removing hassles from you’re your green project so that you can focus on building again. We have the experience and expertise to handle any challenges that arise so that your project remains on time and within your budget.
Consultant
From storm water to gray water, we have the resources to create green strategies for your project. We understand local, state, and federal pressures that are placed on today’s builders. That’s why we try so hard to alleviate your risk and help you create a storm water management plan that fits into your building strategy. Our proven track record shows our ability to negotiate regulatory fines as well as creating sustainable plans for our clients. Use Trinity Green to restore your peace of mind.
Energy Solutions
Renewable energy production has become much more profitable in recent years, and Trinity Green is perfectly positioned to bring your commercial project energy savings, without a huge up front cost. We like seeing the big picture, and your clients will be thankful that we did.
Training
Trinity Green places great emphasis on training our clients so that our partnership can prosper. In storm water and the LEED Green Rating Systems, we also offer training to General Contractors and subcontractors to make sure that everyone is on the same page. With everyone working together, we can accomplish great things.
