AL 23 RONMENT NVI E CASE STUDY Vertical Bridge The World’s First Carbon Neutral Tower Company Vertical Bridge, the largest pri- “Becoming carbon neutral was just a first step vately held owner and operator toward net zero. We want to continue to lead of communications infrastructure in North America, is the first tele- the way on this issue, both because it’s good for communications tower company our business but also because it’s just the right in the world to be certified as thing to do.” carbon neutral. In 2020, the com- pany achieved certification as ALEX GELLMAN CarbonNeutral® in accordance Co-founder and CEO with The CarbonNeutral Protocol, Vertical Bridge the leading global framework for carbon neutrality. As the communications infra- carbon emissions. The projects, gas and displaces use of fossil structure sector prepares to which reduce and remove green- fuels by generating electricity deploy a record number of assets house gases, are focused on Darkwoods Forest Conserva- to support 5G networks, Vertical nature-based climate solutions tion: Protects 156,000 acres of Bridge recognized the need to and resource recovery. boreal forests in British Colum- mitigate its environmental im- Grasslands Portfolio: Preserves bia, Canada, from subdivision, pact. Vertical Bridge conducted grasslands across Colorado and high-impact logging and other rigorous assessment of its car- Montana, locking carbon into the environmental threats bon footprint, including energy soil and avoiding the emissions consumption in its offices, tower from conversion to agriculture operation and construction, and Seneca Meadows Landfill Gas: business travel, in partnership Reduces the environmental im- A full-service, communication with Natural Capital Partners, pact of landfills through methane infrastructure provider, leading experts on carbon neu- capture, electricity generation Vertical Bridge REIT, LLC trality and climate finance. and wetland enhancement (“Vertical Bridge”) creates Nature-Based Solutions tailored solutions for wireless Building on a number of car- Waste-to-Energy: Converts operators, broadcasters and bon reduction tactics across its municipal solid waste in Lee real estate companies. operations, Vertical Bridge is County, Florida, into clean supporting four projects in North energy, averting the production America to offset its unavoidable of landfill-generated methane