Understanding Carbon Verifications
For many organisations carbon verifications are a new concept and differs from the traditional ISO management system auditing structure. Not to worry – the verification process is extremely simple with dedicated verification plans shared ahead of assessment days.
Firstly, when we talk about carbon verification activities, we are considering the standards ISO 14064-1 (GHG Inventory) and PAS 2060 / ISO 14068-1 (Carbon Neutrality).
Upon choosing to partner with NQA, you will be subject to a three-stage verification process:
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Pre-verification
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Verification
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Post-verification
What can you expect at each stage?
Pre-Verification
The purpose of this assessment is to confirm that the client is ready for the full verification and for the most part the Stage 1 will be a documentation review. This will include:
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Client site visit (if required)
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Confirm scope of verification and boundaries of GHG inventory
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Review methodology for data capture and reporting (infrastructure for GHG inventory)
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Identify focus points
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Create verification plan
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Create verification risk assessment
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For PAS 2060 also: Review client Qualifying Explanatory Statement (QES) and discuss carbon offset and reporting approach.
Verification
The purpose of this assessment is to carry out the full review on your claim or statement. This will include:
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Client site visit (if required)
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Detailed verification of data sets, calculations, assumptions, and reporting methods
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Review customer documentation and reports
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Drafting of verification reports
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Clarifications requested, NCs raised
- For PAS 2060 also: audit client’s carbon management plan, offset approach and for future
Post-Verification
The purpose of this assessment is to do a secondary review on the workings from all parties at the verification stage, and to provide further assurance and integrity. This will include:
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Independent review by independent Lead Verifier
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Finalisation of Verification Opinion Statement (VOS)
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Issuance of VOS
- Guidelines on use of claims and logos
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Client promotion
What happens next?
NQA will contact you annually to renew your verification and to continue your claims and statements. We will ask you to fill out a pre-verification checklist to check the details behind your verification in order to confirm your verification duration.
DOWNLOAD OUR VERIFICATION PROCESS GUIDE HERE
Find out what sustainability standard suits you best here.
Discover how to get started by speaking to a friendly sales team member today!
