Verification

Verification is typically carried out by a qualified third party, independent from the project developer and the carbon offsetting organisation. 

The objective is to establish that emission reductions have been achieved as indicated by the project developer.

Verification is not a cheap process and it is important that projects are well prepared before attempting to achieve independent verification.

A fundamental requirement for verification is the existence of defined systems, which establish the standards that the project aims to apply; and documented evidence that the project is implementing these systems.


The verification process for Verified Emissions Reduction (VERs) follows procedures laid down by the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Executive Board, and includes:

• A review of documentation associated with the project
  
  
• The establishment of a base line, against which emission reductions can be measured
  
  
• A review of the methodology used to calculate the savings
  
  
• A visit to the location(s) or a sample of the locations
  
  
• Interviews with stakeholders in the project
  
  
• Auditing of the records showing the relevant quantities
  
  
• Assessment of additionality - that is, whether the project would have been implemented without the funding linked to the carbon (climate) benefit
  

A report is then prepared, outlining the verification steps performed and stating the number of tonnes of CO2 emission reduction that have been verified.

The verification process for Certified Emissions Reduction (CERs) is carried out by an approved CDM verifier.