We have been helping our clients

Navigate environmental regulations for over 30 years

Air Quality Consultants was founded in 1984 by Southern California business owner and operator, Ed Laird. Mr. Laird’s mission for AQC was to assist manufacturing businesses in permitting and compliance reporting to various, state, and federal regulatory agencies. AQC’s senior staff members have served in several advisory positions to government regulatory agencies and helped in assessing environmental impacts from industrial clients and developing emission rules. With the addition of the emissions brokerage and consulting business, AQC continues our mission to provide solutions to our clients, while assessing the impacts of emission markets, understanding the nuances of the these niche markets, and facilitating transactions. Our staff’s experience and relationships in these complex and fragmented markets allows us to provide value while managing environmental compliance and sustainability goals.

Learn More About AQC

What is AQC?

Brokerage Services

AQC prides ourselves on facilitating seamless transactions for our clients in emission markets

Sustainability Programs

We assist our customers in building and defining greenhouse has initiatives to create a sustainable impact

Greenhouse Gas Consultation

AQC provides consulting services to assist with the management of new and existing GHG emission markets

California Based Company

As a California based company, AQC’s staff participates in several industry stakeholder groups and programs to keep our clients abreast of regulatory changes

Women and Minority Owned

AQC is a woman and minority owned business working to create an impact to our community and clients

Schedule a call

With AQC Today

Frequently Asked Questions?

Businesses and organizations of all sizes reach out to us with questions that often start with, “How can my business be carbon neutral?”

These are our most frequently asked questions about the process.

1What is AQC’s role in the environmental credit markets?

As brokers and consultants in the emission markets, AQC’s staff has to two main objectives; identify the environmental products that best suit our clients needs, and execute and deliver those products to our customers.

2How do businesses use renewable energy credits and carbon offset credits?

Carbon offsets Credits and Renewable Energy Credits, are a common, credible, and cost-effective tool for reducing climate impact. They fit well within a portfolio of other emission-reducing programs. RECs and carbon offset credits counter (“offset”) the impact of greenhouse gas emissions caused by everyday activities. RECs are measured in MWh and carbon offset credits are measured in metric tons (tonnes) of carbon dioxide equivalents (mtCO₂e).

3How do businesses and organizations become carbon neutral?

Businesses and organizations use RECs and carbon offset credits to cancel out the portion of their emissions that cannot otherwise be reduced. This assists companies in achieving their sustainability objectives. RECs and carbon offset credits are generally purchased after organizations make internal reductions such as, conservation measures, changes to supply chains and other mechanisms to reduce emissions have been put in place.

4How can AQC help in understanding the best offset credits to use on a path toward carbon neutrality?

There are 4 steps to the path of carbon neutrality
Step 1: Determine the carbon footprint There are a variety of approaches to determining a carbon footprint.
First, you must decide what approach works for your business or organization. Consider what internal resources do you have to devote to this task? What outcome would you like to communicate to your employees and customers?
If you are just getting started, determining your footprint can feel overwhelming. Start with a portion of your business that is manageable, so you are not paralyzed. If you are a large company with public commitments to sustainability goals, documentation will be important.
Step 2: Identify where emissions can be reduced internally
Have you implemented sustainable programs for your employees and customers such as improved recycling, reduction in single-use plastic, paper and other potential waste, meatless meals, employee commuting incentives and conscious business travel?
Step 3: Buy high-quality carbon credits to offset emissions that cannot otherwise be reduced.
There are a range of carbon offsets on the market. Understanding which type of REC or carbon offset credits to purchase is very important. AQC ensures that our buyers are working with a trusted source to esnure only high-quality credits with true environmental integrity are purchased.
Step 4: Share your certificate, badge, and story with employees and customers
Research shows that others will be influenced by your actions and the planet will realize an even greater reduction in emissions