Company strengthens approach to valuation of ecological performance as carbon, natural capital markets evolve
Aurora Sustainable Lands (Aurora), the largest private forestland owner in the U.S. managing for climate and the environment, has announced a new operational structure that will allow the company to formalize and scale natural capital data and reporting. The structure includes new key positions centered on measuring and communicating the financial value of Aurora’s environmental impact beyond carbon to investors and credit buyers, as nature-related risks and benefits increasingly carry more weight in global investment decisions.
Since 2021, Aurora’s active management strategies have led to 1.6 million acres of healthier, more resilient forests, millions of verified carbon credits and significant, measurable ecological benefits such as landscape connectivity, watershed protection and increased biodiversity. New natural capital data and analytics will provide yet another layer of auditable reporting on Aurora’s impact, increasing confidence in Aurora’s carbon credits and making it easier for Aurora’s investors and carbon buyers to meet existing and emerging environmental reporting and disclosure frameworks.
“Our forests have always delivered significant value beyond timber or carbon alone,” said Jamie Houston, CEO of Aurora. “As markets place greater emphasis on environmental resilience and the ecosystem services naturally provided by our lands, this structure helps Aurora better demonstrate the enhanced value our forests already provide while strengthening confidence in the integrity and durability of our work.”
Management Alignment Supports Natural Capital Growth
- Cakey Worthington, previously Aurora’s vice president of carbon operations, is now senior vice president of sustainability & natural capital. Worthington’s team, which will include a new director of natural capital, is responsible for sustainability reporting for buyers and investors, developing forest ecosystem research and conservation projects in partnership with local stakeholders, natural capital value creation and strategic marketing and communications.
- Blake Stansell will continue to serve as president and lead the company’s overall strategy and growth, including carbon and timber management.
- Mike Phelps, previously vice president of portfolio management, is now chief operating officer overseeing operational execution including silviculture, timber harvesting, inventory planning and information systems.
Investing in Forests and Ecosystems
Prioritizing protection of nature is increasingly a concern for the global business community. According to World Economic Forum’s Nature Risk Rising report, over half of the world’s total GDP is moderately or highly dependent on nature. Forests provide critical environmental and economic benefits, including water protection, carbon storage, biodiversity support and long-term land resilience. As one of the largest private forestland owners in the U.S., Aurora has invested over $1.7 billion in historically industrial forestlands and manages them through extensive analysis to meet the highest standards. The care and management of these forests also promotes long-term sustainability by protecting ecosystems, water and wildlife habitats. Ensuring this type of biodiversity is the strongest defense against climate change, according to the United Nations.