CSA Standards announces first graduating class of Certified Greenhouse Gas Inventory Quantifiers

CLEVELAND, OH, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ - CSA Standards, a leading developer of standards, codes and personnel certification programs, announces the first graduating class of GHG Inventory Quantifiers certified under its new Greenhouse Gas Personnel Certification program. This new certification program assesses professionals who are responsible for corporate or facility-based GHG inventory development, quantification and reporting.

Certification helps graduates demonstrate their ability to apply the knowledge and skills required to develop and manage a GHG Inventory and bring an added level of confidence to the industry. The new certification program adds to CSA Standards' growing portfolio of services designed to provide professional credentials to leaders in the emerging carbon management market.

"With the implementation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's mandatory GHG emissions reporting rule, many facility managers will want to know they are relying on knowledgeable and skilled personnel to complete their carbon footprint," says Richard Papa, Vice President, CSA Standards. "Hiring or contracting a CSA Standards certified professional will help provide a higher level of assurance they have the skills to better ensure the accuracy of the GHG inventory data. A GHG inventory that is accurate and complete can help lower compliance costs, especially for programs that require third-party verification."

The development of the certification was led by CSA Standards with the assistance of stakeholders and industry experts experienced in the development and verification of GHG inventories. The program has been developed and will be operated and maintained by CSA Standards under the structure of ANSI/ISO/IEC 17024 Conformity assessment - General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons - the international standard for operators of certification programs.

The first class of certified GHG Inventory Quantifiers earned their credential by participating in a rigorous beta examination process which tested each candidate's knowledge and skills in areas such as inventory boundary setting, planning, data collection and emissions calculations.

"CSA Standards has developed a rigorous and comprehensive certification program that meets the needs of the industry," says Janice McMahon, Forestry and Sustainable Services Division Director of Environmental Services, Inc., and one of the first graduates to receive certification. "The GHG Inventory Quantifier certification provides the level of transparency and accountability necessary for qualifying GHG professionals in this growing market."

The GHG Inventory Quantifier program is the second in CSA Standard's series of Greenhouse Gas certifications. The GHG Verifier Certification, launched in 2009, recognizes individuals who perform verification or auditing of GHG emissions and is designed to complement accreditation programs for organizations that provide third-party verification services. In addition to personnel certification programs, CSA Standards offers a complete suite of products designed to help organizations train personnel, manage their carbon footprint and showcase organizational results.

CSA has extensive experience in managing the development of GHG quantification, reporting, verification and accreditation standards, and is a market leader in developing climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

For more information and to download the program handbook and application, visit:

http://www.csa-america.org/personnel_certification/ghgquantifier_certification/ . For additional consumer information regarding the program, contact Mike Dickerson, Business Solutions Manager at 877-235-9791 or [email protected]

About CSA Standards

CSA Standards is a leading standards-based solutions organization serving industry, government, consumers and other interested parties in North America and the global marketplace. Focusing on standards and codes development, application products, training, advisory and personnel certification services, the organization aims to enhance public safety, improve quality of life, preserve the environment and facilitate trade. CSA Standards is a division of CSA Group, which also consists of CSA International, which provides testing and certification services for electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas and a variety of other products; and OnSpeX, a provider of consumer product evaluation, inspection and advisory services for retailers and manufacturers. For more information visit www.csa-america.org

SOURCE CSA Standards