ICF Consulting Signs Cooperation Agreement with Fuji Research Institute Corporation to Provide Climate Change Advice to Japanese Companies

"We are very pleased to partner with an organisation with a reputation for providing first-class analytical services to both government and corporate clients in Japan," says Sudhakar Kesavan, ICF Consulting Chairman and CEO. "Fuji-RIC provides outstanding reach to clients; its Global Environment and Sustainability Society team includes more than 50 professionals working on climate change, energy, and related services. Fuji-RIC's sister company, Mizuho Corporate Bank, counts more than 70 percent of Japanese companies among its core clientele," Mr. Kesavan continued. "Together with ICF Consulting's 250 climate change and energy efficiency experts, this combined team will enable both Japanese clients and other clients with assets in Japan to access some of the very best expertise in the world. Over time, we hope to extend our areas of cooperation with Fuji-RIC to other sectors where we can also obtain synergy through complementary areas of expertise and clientele."

Abyd Karmali, ICF Consulting's Director of European Climate Change Services, adds, "Japanese climate change policy is at a critical juncture. A domestic emissions trading scheme and carbon tax on imported fuels will be introduced shortly. A formal linking between the Japanese emissions trading scheme and that of the European Union is also under discussion to ensure that companies in both regions achieve compliance with carbon constraints at lowest possible cost. Companies in Japan are seeking advice to help understand their value-at-stake from operating under carbon constraints. Our agreement with Fuji-RIC creates a powerful value proposition for Japanese clients by offering a blend of Fuji-RIC's in-depth understanding of the Japanese policy environment and ICF Consulting's experience providing strategic services on greenhouse gas emissions management to corporate clients in the European Union and Canada, where carbon constraints are also entering into force."

Fuji Research Institute Corporation provides its clients with optimal solutions through the organic synthesis of five key competencies: research, consulting, system integration, outsourcing, and science. With more than 2,400 professionals, Fuji-RIC supports the policy creation and implementation process in central and local government, and provides solutions to corporations that enable them to respond quickly and flexibly to the changes taking place in their economic and social environments. Fuji-RIC is part of Mizuho Financial Group, Inc. (MHFG)