IRVINE, CA – April 5, 2023 — Environmental experts from Cameron-Cole and FirstCarbon Solutions (FCS), both ADEC Innovations companies, will share first-hand experience regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at the Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) CA State Conference April 23-26 in Lake Tahoe, CA.

PFAS—often called “forever chemicals” due to how slowly they break down over time—are increasingly found in the air, soil, water, and humans. The most recent studies on human health effects have led the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to propose PFAS standards for drinking water that are especially stringent at the parts per trillion level. Litigation risk appears to be growing in step with increasing regulation.

Cameron-Cole and FCS’s panel discussion, PFAS: How to Navigate this 21^st Century Challenge, will be held Tuesday, April 25, and will discuss the history and future of PFAS, including new regulatory standards and associated liability under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Additionally, panelists will discuss the risk management processes, remediation strategies, and potential funding sources to support organizations facing PFAS risk and regulatory challenges.

“With the latest EPA ruling, regulators will soon require greater PFAS testing frequency in drinking water, wastewater, stormwater, soil, and groundwater sites,” says Liza Debies, FCS Environmental Services Project Manager and panel moderator. “It’s critical to understand this rapidly evolving landscape, and this panel will provide resources intended to help our audience make better-informed decisions.”

Joining Debies on the panel will be Mike Stephenson, Principal Scientist and Western Regional Manager for Cameron-Cole; Rob Fagerness, Senior Engineer with FCS; and Brian Myller, President and Chief Hydrogeologist of ADEC Innovations Professional Services.

 

About FirstCarbon Solutions

With more than 39 years of experience, FirstCarbon Solutions (FCS), an ADEC Innovation, is a leading provider of environmental, sustainability, and compliance solutions, delivering fully integrated consulting, software, and data management services. With six offices throughout Northern and Southern California and 12 across the US, FCS provides excellent localized service, accurate research, thoughtful recommendations, and innovative solutions for the mutual success of their clients and their practice, assisting cities and counties in achieving the delicate—and sometimes elusive—balance between development and environmental protection. For more information visit firstcarbonsolutions.com.

About Cameron-Cole

Cameron-Cole, an ADEC Innovation, is a U.S.-based consulting firm that brings decades of successful experience as a full-service environmental compliance, assessment, remediation, and greenhouse gas management services consultant. Established in 2001 as an independent environmental services firm, Cameron-Cole is committed to conducting its business responsibilities consistent with the highest levels of performance expected by clients, employees, and shareholders. Cameron-Cole's projects include the most difficult issues that challenge society today, which require solutions that stand the test of time. Recognizing these challenges, Cameron-Cole is committed to delivering services and solutions that are a product of collaboration between appropriate resources and expertise within the firm, including solutions that recognize the social, economic, and environmental implications of each project. To learn more, visit cameron-cole.com.

About ADEC Innovations

ADEC Innovations drives organizational value and impact by designing, developing, and delivering services and solutions in sustainable development. Since 1996, ADEC Innovations has advanced sustainable practices around the world and helped organizations grow and operate responsibly. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland with a network of 4,000 employees and regional operations across 20 countries, ADEC Innovations' broad portfolio of businesses offers solutions that span Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Professional Services; Workforce Solutions, including Healthcare and Knowledge Management Services; and Enterprise Technology Data and Software as a Service (DAAS/SAAS). ADEC Innovations works with governments, coalitions, and businesses to help organizations meet their evolving needs and drive performance in a world where sustainability matters.  For more information visit adec-innovations.com.

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GENEVA, SWITZERLAND and HOBART, AUSTRALIA, March 13th 2023 - ADEC Innovations, a recognised global leader in designing and delivering sustainable development solutions that drive organisational value and impact, today announced it has completed its acquisition of Kedge Proprietary Limited ("Kedge") and Southern Ocean Carbon Company ("SOCC"). Kedge and SOCC are recognized Blue Economy leaders within Australasia and Oceania for vessel, mooring, aquaculture, marine systems procurement and commissioning, environmental protection, design assurance, and regulatory compliance. 

These acquisitions further expand ADEC Innovations Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) expertise into the Blue Economy which focuses on balancing the health of the ocean's ecosystems with the economic growth associated with ocean resources. Kedge and SOCC will leverage ADEC Innovations' information management capabilities and global reach to improve ocean stewardship worldwide. Together, the companies will continue to innovate and make an impactful difference to the world's largest resource.

"With oceans holding nearly 97% of the Earth's water, ensuring economy, society, and environment are mutually prosperous is critical," said James M. Donovan, Global CEO of ADEC Innovations. "Adding Kedge and SOCC into the ADEC Innovations portfolio, we will be able to offer more expansive, global support to a number of industries within the estimated €3+ billion (AUS$ 4.5 billion) Blue Economy, including international transport, fisheries, and aquaculture - and help preserve the health of this critical natural resource." 

Kedge is the recognised leader in the region for marine compliance and vessel certification and has completed over 4,000 surveys in the last 7 years. In addition, Kedge is called upon to remediate incidents that occur within Oceania and Australasia, including spill containment, clean-up, and environmentally sound vessel disposal. SOCC was established to study and commercialise giant kelp and other seaweed production for carbon capture and sequestration, biomass creation and other beneficial uses of this sustainable, underutilized marine resource.

"ADEC Innovations' commitment to making sustainable impact completely aligns with our companies' trajectories. Kedge and SOCC's fundamental tenet has always been the preservation of the health of the planet's oceans," said Adam Brancher, Founder and Managing Director of Kedge and SOCC. "Having the support of ADEC Innovations will allow us to realize our long-held goals of expanding our established marine assurance and seaweed aquaculture practices and developing innovative technologies, such as hydrogen propulsion retrofits on vessels, including our recently acquired passenger ferry demonstrator." 

As a result of this latest investment, ADEC Innovations expands its global footprint and now has active projects on all seven continents. Kedge and SOCC employees will join the 4,000-strong workforce that ADEC Innovations has across 27 operating sites and 20 countries.

ADEC Innovations Group CEO James M. Donovan added, "We welcome Kedge's clients, employees, and partners to the group. With this acquisition, ADEC Innovations strategically broadens our overall business portfolio to better meet the sustainability needs of companies, public agencies, and coalitions around the world. Collectively, we will offer greater opportunities to advance sustainable business and operational practices around the world by transforming information into knowledge and reshaping risk into positive value and impact."

 

About ADEC Innovations

ADEC Innovations drives organisational value and impact by designing, developing, and delivering services and solutions in sustainable development. Since 1996, ADEC Innovations has advanced sustainable practices around the world and helped organizations grow and operate responsibly. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland with a network of 4,000 employees and regional operations across 20 countries, ADEC Innovations' broad portfolio of businesses offers solutions that span Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Professional Services; Workforce Solutions, including Healthcare and Knowledge Management Services; and Enterprise Technology Data and Software as a Service (DAAS/SAAS). ADEC Innovations works with governments, coalitions, and businesses to help organizations meet their evolving needs and drive performance in a world where sustainability matters. 

About Kedge Proprietary Limited

Founded approximately 7 years ago, Kedge is a recognised Blue Economy leader within Australasia and Oceania for vessel, mooring, aquaculture, marine systems procurement and commissioning, environmental protection, design assurance, and regulatory compliance. Kedge has a highly talented team of engineers, naval architects, and other specialists who bring many years of experience in senior seagoing, regulatory, and associated roles both domestically and internationally. Kedge actively supports vessel operators to ensure that all types of vessels are safe, reliable, and designed to meet their specific needs. Working on a wide variety of projects around the world, Kedge provides advanced technology, consulting, and education in the maritime field to help vessel owners quickly identify and manage risks and opportunities in this ever-evolving market. As an industry pioneer, Kedge has developed extensive knowledge in vessel decarbonization and is working with a number of clients to actively reduce their carbon footprints. For more information, visit kedge.com.au.

About Southern Ocean Carbon Company

Formed by the founders of Kedge Proprietary Limited in 2020, the Southern Ocean Carbon Company (SOCC) is at the forefront of the development and production of seaweed aquaculture in Australia. As a commercial partner of the Blue Economy Cooperative Research Council, SOCC is scaling its operations and getting significant area under rope growing Giant Kelp and other species to develop a successful seaweed aquaculture business while promoting carbon capture and biodiversity. SOCC is focused on making a real, positive impact beyond Australia in one of the fastest-growing aquaculture segments around the world. For more information, visit southernoceancarbon.com.

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IRVINE, Calif., January 3, 2023 (Newswire.com) - FirstCarbon Solutions (FCS), an ADEC Innovations company, recently announced its latest on-call client in the State of California. With the addition of Santa Cruz County's Paleontology for Mitigation Services list, FCS marks 119 on-call contracts with 102 local agencies within the state that have validated FCS as a pre-approved vendor. 

FCS is recognized as a leading provider of environmental, sustainability, and compliance solutions, delivering fully integrated consulting, software, and data management services. With six offices throughout Northern and Southern California and 12 across the United States, FCS provides excellent localized service, accurate research, thoughtful recommendations, and innovative solutions for the mutual success of their clients and their practice.

"We take pride in assisting cities and counties in achieving the delicate — and sometimes elusive — balance between development and environmental protection," said Mary Bean, Director, Professional Services at FCS. "Our teams have an exceptional reputation for their professionalism and knowledge in the law and practice of CEQA and NEPA, helping clients transform risk into positive impact and value."

With more than 39 years of experience, FCS staff's expertise spans CEQA/NEPA Compliance, Program Management and Construction Monitoring, Environmental Services and Regulatory Compliance, Natural and Cultural Resources Management, Noise and Air Quality/GHG Management, Entitlements and Permitting, and Visual Analysis Services. 

On-call partnerships are an excellent opportunity for municipalities to bring FCS's guidance and support within their reach on an as-needed basis. Whether seeking compliance with a single environmental requirement or addressing a complex regulatory issue, FCS experts are committed to the highest levels of performance with every on-call client.

While the on-call approval process varies by agency, requirements typically include demonstrated knowledge and experience with the agency's services, in addition to familiarity with state and federal laws and regulations. Additional requirements include the ability to establish an appropriate and cost-efficient method of approach in preparing and delivering environmental documents necessary to ensure a quality product is prepared on time and within budget.

After adding 15 contracts since the beginning of 2022, FCS continues to partner and grow relationships with cities and counties across the state. 

About FirstCarbon Solutions

With more than 39 years of experience, FirstCarbon Solutions (FCS) is a leading provider of environmental, sustainability, and compliance solutions, delivering fully integrated consulting, software, and data management services. With six offices throughout Northern and Southern California and 12 across the U.S., FCS provides excellent localized service, accurate research, thoughtful recommendations, and innovative solutions for the mutual success of their clients and their practice, assisting cities and counties in achieving the delicate — and sometimes elusive — balance between development and environmental protection. For more information, visit www.firstcarbonsolutions.com.

About ADEC Innovations

ADEC Innovations designs, develops, and delivers innovative solutions and services in ESG, knowledge management, healthcare, and sustainable development. Since 1996, ADEC Innovations has provided insights, optimized operational efficiencies, and empowered leaders to make positive-impact business decisions. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, with a network of nearly 5,000 employees across 19 countries and six continents, ADEC Innovations works with governments, coalitions, and businesses to help organizations meet their evolving needs and drive performance. For more information, visit www.adec-innovations.com.

Please direct all media inquiries to media@adec-innovations.com.

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – November 8, 2022 — ADEC Innovations, a recognised global leader in designing, developing, and delivering innovative solutions and services in critical areas of sustainable development, today announced that Mr. Peter Formisano joined the company as President of ADEC Innovations Enterprise Technology business. With over 30 years of experience in senior level management and leadership overseeing large scale operations and technology platforms in North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, Mr. Formisano is a welcome addition to ADEC’s team of highly competent and diverse leaders, managers, and professionals.

“Having joined ADEC Innovations from a leading provider of workplace safety, training, and compliance solutions, Peter’s expertise in large scale operations, offshoring, sales, and strategic business development will be instrumental in accelerating the growth and expansion of our Enterprise Technology business,” said James M. Donovan, Global CEO of ADEC Innovations. “Peter shares the company vision of applying and optimizing technology to make a difference in the health and welfare of communities and the planet. We are confident that with this shared vision and with Peter’s experience and passion, ADEC Innovations Enterprise Technology will continue to effectively provide unique and valuable solutions for organisations worldwide.”

The portfolio of ADEC Innovations Enterprise Technology brands and services include, among others, Ascentify, an innovative cloud-based digital assessment and training platform for organisations, academia, governments, and development partners; and CleanChain, a module-based platform that enables organisations to engage with and gain greater visibility and insight into their supply chains.

“Throughout my career I have sought to work with companies and customers who create positive impact for their employees, customers, and communities.  ADEC’s mission aligns perfectly with my personal and professional aspirations to make a positive and lasting difference.,” said Peter Formisano, President, ADEC Innovations Enterprise Technology. “I look forward to leading the team that empowers public and private organisations with the appropriate tools and technology that help them make better business decisions and ensure a sustainable future.”

Prior to joining ADEC Innovations, Mr. Formisano was the CEO of Safety Services Company responsible for the continued growth of the company and expansion of products, partnerships, and customers. Over the course of his 30-year career, Peter held CEO and other senior leadership positions at several high growth companies across a diverse set of industries including automotive, private equity, contact centres, and BPO services.

 

About ADEC Innovations

ADEC Innovations designs, develops, and delivers innovative solutions and services in ESG, knowledge management, healthcare, and sustainable development. Since 1996, ADEC Innovations has provided insights, optimized operational efficiencies, and empowered leaders to make positive-impact business decisions. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland with a network of nearly 5,000 employees across 19 countries and 6 continents, ADEC Innovations works with governments, coalitions, and businesses to help organizations meet their evolving needs and drive performance.

 

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GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – October 18th, 2022 — ADEC Innovations, a recognized global leader in designing, developing, and delivering innovative solutions and services in critical areas of sustainable development, today announced that Mr. Matthew Clarke joined the company as Managing Director of its global Workforce Solutions businesses. Bringing more than 20 years of experience in leading outsourced services including contact centers, customer experience, information technology, facilities management, and e-commerce support, Mr. Clarke is responsible for developing and driving the growth strategy across the portfolio of ADEC Innovations workforce businesses and centers. Under his leadership, ADEC will continue to ensure high-quality and excellence in onshore, nearshore, and offshore service delivery.

“Matthew is a highly experienced business process outsourcing (BPO) professional and business leader. He brings to ADEC Innovations his in-depth experience across a range of service types, geographies, and industries” said James M. Donovan, Global CEO of ADEC Innovations. “We are confident that Matthew will be instrumental in strengthening our Impact Sourcing solutions, bringing more strategic, value-driven customer offers to market, and expanding our delivery of high-quality onshore, nearshore and offshore services.”

With operations and offices across 19 countries, ADEC Innovations’ broad portfolio of businesses offers solutions that span Workforce Solutions, including BPO, Technical Support, Healthcare, and Knowledge Management Services; Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Professional Services; and Enterprise Technology Data and Software as a Service (DAAS/SAAS) Applications. 

“ADEC Innovations is an established service provider with an experienced team, long-term customers, and a history of excellence in information security, quality and compliance,” said Matthew Clarke, Workforce Solutions Head, ADEC Innovations. “I look forward to providing leadership to support ADEC Innovations’ global expansion and growth in Impact Sourcing and our Workforce Solutions business as a whole — building upon the company’s strong foundation and continuing to ensure solid governance and operational excellence across all our centers”

Prior to joining ADEC Innovations, Mr. Clarke was the Chief Operating Officer at Transcosmos Information Systems where his responsibilities included business development, solution planning, design, implementation, and delivery. He was also responsible for operational functions such as Client Services, Information Technology (IT), Human Resource, Facilities, Security and Compliance. While at Transcosmos, Mr. Clarke established and managed operations in several nearshore and offshore locations, including long term postings to the Philippines and Hungary. Previously, he served in various delivery capacities for outsourcing services.

 

About ADEC Innovations

ADEC Innovations designs, develops and delivers innovative solutions and services in ESG, knowledge management, healthcare, and sustainable development. Since 1996, ADEC Innovations has provided insights, optimized operational efficiencies and empowered leaders to make positive-impact business decisions. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland with a network of nearly 5,000 employees across 19 countries and 6 continents, ADEC Innovations works with governments, coalitions and businesses to help organizations meet their evolving needs and drive performance.

 

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media@adec-innovations.com

IRVINE, CA – August 24, 2022 — ADEC Innovations, recognized as a global leader in designing, developing, and delivering innovative solutions and services in critical areas of sustainable development, today announced that Mr. Brian Myller joined the company as President of its global Professional Services businesses. As a leader of practices, initiatives, and business units at several of the country’s largest environmental science and engineering firms, Mr. Myller will have overall responsibility for leading the global growth strategy across ADEC Innovations’ Professional Services brands and businesses.

“Brian’s experience demonstrates a passion for innovation and staff development that strongly aligns with our goals and business philosophy of making a difference, while working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment,” said James M. Donovan, Global CEO of ADEC Innovations. “We are confident that Brian will successfully lead our Professional Services businesses through our next phase of growth by applying his holistic perspective for cross-connecting disciplines, services, and people that strengthen the value we provide our clients and society.”

With operations and offices across 19 countries, ADEC Innovations’ broad portfolio of businesses offers solutions that span Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Professional Services; Workforce Solutions, including Healthcare and Knowledge Management Services; and Enterprise Technology Data and Software as a Service (DAAS/SAAS) Applications.

“ADEC Innovations has an impressive business portfolio of Professional Services companies whose focus is to advance environmental, sustainability, and resiliency practices worldwide,” said Brian Myller, Professional Services President, ADEC Innovations. “I am thrilled to be joining a team that shares my passion for combining technical expertise and business acumen to develop strategies that convert potential liabilities into assets and create value beyond compliance.”

Prior to joining ADEC Innovations, Mr. Myller has led successful staff and technical practice development, discipline integration, technology innovation, and business development initiatives at a number of environmental science and engineering firms.

Mr. Myller holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Geology from the Institute of Technology, University of Minnesota.

 

About ADEC Innovations

ADEC Innovations designs, develops and delivers innovative solutions and services in ESG, knowledge management, healthcare, and sustainable development. Since 1996, ADEC Innovations has provided insights, optimized operational efficiencies and empowered leaders to make positive-impact business decisions. Headquartered in Manila, Philippines with a network of nearly 5,000 employees across 19 countries and 6 continents, ADEC Innovations works with governments, coalitions and businesses to help organizations meet their evolving needs and drive performance.

 

Please direct all inquiries to:

 

media@adec-innovations.com

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND and LIMERICK, IRELAND – July 20, 2021 — ADEC Innovations, recognised global leader in designing, developing, and delivering solutions and services in critical areas of sustainable development, today announced that it has acquired ARI Services Europe Ltd. (ARISE Europe). ARISE Europe is a 20-year leading and award-winning provider of on-demand, global customer experience (CX) and management services and solutions based in Limerick, Ireland.

"Businesses, public agencies, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) need to ensure they are operating efficiently and sustainably - meeting obligations to their entire ecosystem of stakeholders, including customers, employees, communities, the environment, and shareholders," said James M. Donovan, Global CEO of ADEC Innovations. "By bringing ARISE Europe into the group, we realise technological synergies which will allow us to deliver higher quality and better customer-focused Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) assurance services and solutions to our clients. We also look forward to expanding our global Workforce Solutions into Europe and to providing further depth in our technological support services, particularly in our ESG Data Assured solutions." ADEC Innovations' ESG Data Assured solutions help organisations turn vast and diverse internal and supply chain information into practical operational insights towards sustainable development. As part of this service, ADEC Innovations identifies and extracts data from existing systems, sources, programmes, and portals. The company then verifies, aggregates, and standardises the information collected from these disparate sources and presents customised ESG information at scale. ESG Data Assured solutions eliminate the need for organisations to engage additional reporting initiatives, applications, or tools by maximising the value and impact of internally available systems and data. With the addition of ARISE Europe's expertise in regulatory and customer service innovation, clients will benefit from enhanced ESG Data Assured solutions.

By becoming part of the ADEC Innovations group, ARISE Europe will strengthen its resource support, stability, and longevity as it continues to deliver complex, highly reliable, back-office and CX processes, high quality technical support, manufacturing support and process consultancy services. In addition to expanding and strengthening its technological service offerings, ARISE Europe will now be able to scale and extend its geographical reach beyond Ireland.

"After more than 20 years of management ownership, we wanted to ensure a growing and sustainable future for ARISE Europe," said Joe Cahalane, Managing Director of ARISE Europe. "In addition to augmenting our service portfolio and extending our market reach, it was important for ARISE Europe to be part of a company that is compatible with our business and how we operate. ADEC Innovations meets all of these criteria, including its decades of experience and expertise in providing diverse BPO and KPO solutions, in a collaborative, resourceful, and agile manner." ARISE Europe's employees will join the 4,400 strong workforce that ADEC Innovations has across 20 sites located in 16 countries and covering 6 continents.

ADEC Innovations Group CEO James Donovan added, "We welcome ARISE Europe's clients, employees, and partners to the group. With this acquisition, ADEC Innovations expands its global presence to Ireland and other parts of Europe; and collectively, we will offer current and future clients greater opportunities to reduce costs and risks, optimize resource use, and drive operational efficiencies, in a world where sustainability matters."

 

About ADEC Innovations

ADEC Innovations is a world leader in designing, developing, and delivering innovative solutions and services in critical areas in sustainable development, i.e., ESG, healthcare and knowledge management. Since 1996, ADEC Innovations has advanced sustainable practices around the world and helped organisations grow and operate responsibly. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland with a network of thousands of employees across 16 countries and 6 continents, ADEC Innovations works with governments, coalitions, and businesses to help organisations meet their evolving needs and drive performance in a world where sustainability matters.

About ARISE Europe

Arise designs and delivers award-winning Customer and Technical Support services on behalf of clients. With a 20-year track record of running complex services across a diverse range of sectors, Arise Europe are trusted by clients to represent their brand. Our people are passionate about embracing new technologies, leveraging data-driven insights and delivering process improvements to provide the best service experience to our clients' customers.

IRVINE, CA and LONDON, UK – June 8, 2021 — ADEC Innovations, recognized as a global leader in designing, developing and delivering innovative solutions and assurance services in critical areas of sustainable development, today announced that Ms. Sondra Scott joined the company as Chief Executive Officer for ADEC Innovations U.S. and Europe. With over 25 years of global executive management experience in the fields of analytics and information management services, Ms. Scott will continue to develop and drive the growth strategy across the portfolio of ADEC Innovations’ U.S. and European brands and businesses.

Los Angeles, CA (February 24, 2021) – A year into the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant portion of Angelenos are still telecommuting (aka "working from home") to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Across the U.S., the number of days worked from home in 2020 more than doubled compared to 2019. Even after the pandemic subsides, experts predict telecommuting rates will remain far higher than pre-pandemic levels, begging the question, how will this shift in workforce location impact the environment?
At 4:00pm PT tomorrow (Feb. 25) the Los Angeles Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC-LA) will host a panel presenting the findings in a white paper, “Telecommuting’s Impact on Greenhouse Gas.” This will be the first paper in USGBC-LA’s White Paper Pandemic Series which will present three whitepapers from now through April, produced in collaboration with the organization’s LA Sustainability Executives Roundtable (LASER) committee, comprised of the region’s top corporate sustainability executives and leaders. Registration for the panel is open and USGBC-LA looks to provide regional environmental leadership around these issues of telecommuting, plastic waste, and carbon offsets as we collectively work to emerge from the pandemic.

This first panel discussion will be framed and moderated by Hilary Norton, Chairwoman and Commissioner, CA Transportation Commission (CTC) with panelists from the LA County Metropolitan Authority, Streetlight Data, and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).
Though it's often assumed telecommuting reduces greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), after diving into the scientific literature, the findings aren’t so clear. Telecommuting has a complex impact on both the transportation and building sectors, which combined, are responsible for the vast majority of GHGs in LA County. With this in mind, the white paper explores:

• how these two sectors have been impacted by COVID-19 and telecommuting,
• potential implications of telecommuting on greenhouse gas (GHGs), and
• what private companies and public policymakers should consider to ensure increased telecommuting is compatible with the L.A. region's climate change goals.

Top Findings & Recommendations:

• While several studies show telecommuting reduces traffic congestion and commute times, other studies suggest telecommuting may increase non-work travel and eventually encourage workers to move outside the urban center towards suburban or rural communities, potentially worsening urban sprawl and associated GHG emission impacts (e.g., reliance of personal vehicles, larger housing footprint).
• To minimize building-related GHG emissions from increased telecommuting, several studies suggest office buildings should downsize their footprint and implement a shared workspace model such that capacity is maximized each day, regardless of the number of workers telecommuting.
• To minimize potential GHG emission increases from telecommuting, we recommend expanding and incentivizing use of public, active, and electric vehicle transportation infrastructure, and decarbonizing both home and commercial office spaces via electrification, efficiency, and demand response technologies.

“This unprecedented collective experience of the pandemic has given us a unique opportunity to evaluate telecommuting as a potential long-term solution to reducing the impact of vehicle related greenhouse gas emissions,” states Ben Stapleton, USGBC-LA Executive Director. “Unfortunately, there are no simple answers to complex questions, but it is clear that going forward we need to leverage this moment to be more strategic about how we use office space and transit incentives to include telecommuting.”

Download the white paper now to find out what’s in store for telecommuting in 2021.

Authors: Carli Schoenleber, Alexander Sarno, Derek Farias (graphic design support). Acknowledgements: Ben Stapleton, USGBC-LA Executive Director; Becky Feldman Edwards, LA Sustainability Executives Roundtable (LASER) Program Manager; LASER Leadership Committee; and Special Thanks to: Southern California Gas Company, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, StreetLight Data, FASTLinkDTLA, building utility data sources, ADEC Innovations, Avital Shavit (LA Metro), Fuijae Lee (LA Metro), Megan Ross (City of LA), Jessica Jinn (City of LA), Joseph Sherlock (Duke University), Robyn Eason (City of West Hollywood), Ali Karim Lee (USGBC-LA), and Erin Lopez (USGBC-LA).

About U.S. Green Building Council-Los Angeles

Founded in 2002, USGBC-LA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to creating a prosperous and sustainable future within one generation. Our mission is to accelerate all aspects of sustainability in the built environment by delivering access to knowledge, resources, recognition and networking. Learn, Share and Lead Green. (www.usgbc-la.org)