GBB achieves carbon neutrality in 2021 and 2022

Gershman, Brickner & Bratton Inc. (GBB), Vienna, Virginia, has announced its carbon neutrality for 2021 and 2022. As part of its environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts, the GBB team has continued to undertake meaningful activities to reduce the firm’s environmental footprint by limiting emissions and acquiring carbon offset credits.

On Sept. 20, GBB received verification of its purchased and retired offsets for the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) relating to its operations for calendar years 2021 and 2022.

“We are so proud of GBB’s advancements in ESG this year. It has been a real team effort, and all employees have had a hand in making our first-ever ESG strategy come to life,” says Jennifer Porter, GBB senior vice president and sustainability officer. “Being carbon neutral for the first time is a huge step forward for us. We hope to help and inspire others on this path.”

GBB’s assessment of its carbon footprint focuses on Scope 3 emissions through its business travel. After surveying its employees, GBB used the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) GHG Emissions Calculator, designed to help small businesses and low-emitter organizations estimate and inventory their annual GHG emissions. The calculator determines the direct and indirect emissions from all sources at a company when annual activity data is entered.

Using its staff’s information and the EPA calculator, GBB’s ESG team determined the company’s emission factors and established a baseline. The baseline was then used to track overall emissions trends and to develop future mitigation strategies.

After calculating the baseline, GBB looked to purchase credits to offset the current carbon emissions generated. GBB ultimately decided to purchase 120 metric tons of carbon dioxide (MTCO2) offset credits through Evolution Markets, a brokerage service for global energy and environmental markets. With its offset credits, GBB helped benefit a landfill gas-to-energy project in Fulton County, New York.

“The renewable energy project that GBB’s action supported by purchasing offset credits aligns with the company’s values and overall ESG efforts,” says Steve Simmons, GBB president. “GBB hopes this can be a model for others to follow as we continue to work toward environmental sustainability in our internal efforts and with client projects.”