Goldman Sachs has taken a minority equity stake in Blue Source, according to a joint announcement made Monday by the two companies. Blue Source develops voluntary greenhouse gas emissions credits and, in exchange for its stake in the company, Goldman Sachs will market those credits to its clientele. While the exact terms of the deal were not released, Reuters is reporting that Goldman Sach's stake is less than 10 percent.

"Interest in the pre-compliance carbon market in the U.S. is growing rapidly and we are excited to be able to offer our clients immediate access to a diverse selection of emission reductions to manage their carbon risk," Leslie Biddle, the global head of Goldman Sach's commodity sales, said in a press release.

Blue Source will also benefit from Goldman Sach's interest. Among the investment firm's clients are some large polluters, including a number of utilities with coal-burning power plants. Blue Source reports that it has already produced nearly 40 million tons of voluntary greenhouse emissions credits and will generate another 20 million tons worth of credits this year.

Its projects include burning methane at coal mines, waste water treatment, landfills and animal waste. Blue Source continues to look for opportunities to expand and Goldman Sachs can provide the clientele to make it possible.

Image — Blue Source