EMERYVILLE, Calif., Dec. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- SCS Global Services (SCS) has announced that is has officially earned accreditation from the California Air Resources Board (ARB) to provide verification services for carbon offset projects under the new Cap-and-Trade Program. SCS has already contracted to conduct several "compliance grade" forest offset project verifications in 2013 and is now ready to commence the verification process on these projects. SCS and its cadre of staff and contract auditors have completed the necessary training and passed the required examinations to conduct verification audits under the California Cap-and-Trade Regulation.

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The Cap-and-Trade Regulation sets an overall limit ("cap") on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from specified industrial sectors.  Maintaining emissions below the cap is achieved through a combination of reduced emissions and retirement of emission permits, comprised of "allowances" and verified "offsets." Unused allowances can be traded and offsets can be purchased on ARB-endorsed registries.  Offset projects can be designed to enhance removals of GHG on agricultural lands and forestlands or reduce GHG emissions through capture of methane from livestock operations and through destruction of ozone depleting substances.

"SCS has developed extensive experience as a verification body for carbon standards all over California, the U.S. and the world," said Dr. Robert J. Hrubes, Executive Vice President of SCS. "We are very pleased to bring that experience to California's pioneering regulatory Cap-and-Trade Program."

SCS Global Services and its cadre of auditors is now fully accredited to verify offset projects against ARB's US Forest, Urban Forest, Livestock, and Ozone Depleting Substances Projects Compliance Offset Protocols.

Air Resources Board Chairman Mary D. Nichols stated in an ARB press release about verification bodies, "Today's announcement marks an important milestone in the progress of California's climate program. By authorizing real, permanent offsets from farms, forests, and businesses that are not covered by cap-and-trade, we can reduce the costs of compliance with the program and encourage investments in sustainable practices throughout the California economy." 

SCS Global Services (SCS) (formerly Scientific Certification Systems) has been providing global leadership in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing, and standards development for nearly 30 years. Its programs span a wide cross-section of industries, recognizing achievements in green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, forestry, retail, and more.  SCS provides accredited services under a wide range of internationally recognized certification programs.  SCS is a chartered benefit corporation and Certified B Corp™, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. www.scsglobalservices.com

SOURCE SCS Global Services