ICF Consulting Awarded €2 Million Contract to Assist Russia in Implementing Kyoto Protocol
Contract Is Key to Ensuring Russia's Participation in Global Carbon Market
London, United Kingdom, June 1, 2005 -
Under the European Commission’s TACIS programme, which provides technical assistance for newly independent states, ICF Consulting is leading a team to provide Kyoto Protocol advisory services to the Government of the Russian Federation. The Kyoto Protocol came into force on 16 February 2005 following the decision of the Russian government to ratify the treaty. Russia now must design and implement national policies and systems in 2008-2012 and thereby remove any obstacles to its participation in the $5-10 billion per year global carbon market.
"We are pleased to be awarded this important mandate and to continue our decade-long support to the Russian government and the private sector in developing strategies to manage carbon emissions. Russia’s decision to ratify the Kyoto Protocol was based, in part, on the tremendous opportunities that exist for it to attract inward green investment through the rapidly growing carbon market. The primary objective of our work programme is to ensure that, by 2008, Russia will have carbon management systems and processes that reflect international best practices," says Abyd Karmali, Managing Director of ICF Consulting’s London Office, who leads the firm’s climate change services in Europe. "It is important to note that the consequences of Russia not being ready to participate in the carbon market could be severe for companies in Europe, North America, and Japan, which have emissions reduction obligations. ICF Consulting’s analysis suggests that Russia’s allowances and carbon credits―potentially worth billions of dollars—will be a key determinant of the price of carbon dioxide (CO2) in 2008-2012,” says Mr. Karmali.
"Our role on this project will be to improve Russian emissions monitoring and reporting, develop a blueprint for a national registry of emission allowances and credits, and provide recommendations for Russia to realise emission reduction projects that could earn carbon credits and attract investment,” says Svetlana Golubeva, Director of ICF Consulting’s Moscow office. "We will ensure that local capacity among key government and private sector stakeholders is enhanced so that Russia is able to put in place an efficient, transparent, and sustainable approach for managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over the long term," says Ms. Golubeva.
About ICF International
ICF International (Nasdaq: ICFI) partners with government and commercial clients to deliver consulting services and technology solutions in the energy, environment, transportation, social programs, defense, and homeland security markets. The firm combines passion for its work with industry expertise and innovative analytics to produce compelling results throughout the entire program life cycle, from analysis and design through implementation and improvement. Since 1969, ICF has been serving government at all levels, major corporations, and multilateral institutions. More than 1,800 employees serve these clients worldwide. ICF’s Web site is http://www.icfi.com.