Geneva-based testing, inspection and certification company SGS announced the acquisition of carbon and greenhouse gas (GHG) validation and verification services firm Aster Global Environmental Solutions, in a move aimed at expanding SGS’ sustainability services and solutions offerings.

Ohio-based Aster Global was launched in 2019 by Janice and Shawn McMahon through the acquisition of Environmental Services, Inc.’s Forestry Carbon and Greenhouse Gas Services division. The company develops and offers services within the international GHG ecosystem services, carbon sequestration, and GHG validation and verification markets, as well as forestry, ecosystem, and corporate and social responsibility services.

The acquisition, SGS said, will allow expansion of GHG services available to clients in North America and globally. SGS added that the acquisition is a “strategic addition” to the company’s recently launched sustainability suite, IMPACT NOW. Announced last November, IMPACT NOW consolidates SGS’ sustainability offerings under four strategic pillars, including climate, circularity, nature and ESG assurance.

In addition, SGS said that the acquisition will further contribute to achieving its Strategy 27 initiative, by which the company will seek to expand its diversity, equity and inclusion policies, with at least one third of leadership positions to be held by women by 2027.

SGS CEO Géraldine Picaud, said:

“Aster Global is a globally recognized brand name in the greenhouse gas space. Its broad client base and international activities complement our leadership in sustainability. With Aster Global as part of the SGS family, we broaden our Impact Now for sustainability platform and our ability to keep pace with the increasing global demand for confidence in greenhouse gas and sustainability disclosures.”