Independent carbon-footprint assurance
Organisational GHG validation & verification
Independent validation or verification of organisational greenhouse gas inventories, carbon footprints and emissions assertions.
What this delivers
Confidence in the information behind the claim.
CoZero examines the organisational boundary, emissions sources, data controls, calculations and evidence supporting a greenhouse gas assertion. The engagement is defined as validation or verification according to the nature and intended use of the assertion, giving decision-makers and stakeholders greater confidence in the information.
- Confirmed boundaries, criteria, intended use and materiality
- Assessment of relevant Scope 1, Scope 2 and applicable Scope 3 information
- Evaluation of activity data, emission factors, calculations and internal controls
- Evidence-based findings requiring correction or clarification
- Independent review and an appropriate validation or verification conclusion
Standards and scope
Engagements are scoped against the agreed reporting criteria and relevant ISO 14064 requirements within CoZero’s applicable accreditation scope.
The independent output
The client ordinarily receives a final report and an independent statement or opinion identifying the assertion, reporting period, scope, boundaries, criteria, assurance level and conclusion. CoZero issues an independent statement or opinion rather than a general certificate.
Questions answered
Frequently Asked Questions
What is organisational GHG verification?
Organisational GHG verification is an independent assessment of an organisation’s GHG inventory or emissions statement against defined criteria.
The assessment may cover organisational and reporting boundaries, emission sources, activity data, emission factors, calculations, methodologies, supporting evidence, data-management systems and internal controls.
Is carbon-footprint verification the same as GHG verification?
The terms are often used interchangeably when referring to an organisation’s GHG inventory.
A corporate carbon footprint normally quantifies the emissions and removals attributable to an organisation within defined boundaries. Verification independently assesses the resulting GHG statement against specified criteria.
The scope may include Scope 1, Scope 2 and relevant Scope 3 emissions, depending on the organisation’s reporting requirements and the agreed engagement.
What is the difference between ISO 14064-1 and ISO 14064-3?
ISO 14064-1 contains principles and requirements for quantifying and reporting organisational GHG emissions and removals.
ISO 14064-3 contains principles and requirements for validating and verifying GHG statements.
In practical terms, ISO 14064-1 helps an organisation prepare its GHG inventory, while ISO 14064-3 applies to the independent validation or verification process.
What information will CoZero need?
Requirements depend on the organisation, reporting criteria, boundaries and complexity of the inventory. Initial information normally includes:
- The purpose and intended use of the verification
- The applicable reporting standard or criteria
- The reporting period
- Organisational and operational boundaries
- Facilities and emission sources
- The GHG inventory or emissions report
- Calculation workbooks or data systems
- Activity data, emission factors and methodologies
- Supporting records and evidence of data controls
- The required assurance level and completion date
CoZero confirms the detailed information requirements after reviewing the enquiry.
What does the client receive at the end of verification?
The client ordinarily receives a final verification report and an independent verification statement or opinion.
The output identifies the GHG statement assessed, reporting period, boundaries, criteria, assurance level and conclusion. Verification should not be confused with conventional management-system or product certification.
How long does verification take?
The timeframe depends on the complexity of the inventory, number of facilities, quality of available evidence, agreed assurance requirements and how quickly findings can be resolved.
CoZero provides an indicative schedule after reviewing the initial information and agreeing on the engagement scope.