GHG Verification
Scientific Certification Systems combines 25 years of expertise in independent verification services with its experience in greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting to provide fast, cost-effective GHG verification services that ensure that your GHG emissions inventory is complete, accurate, and compliant to all the major reporting standards.
SCS is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to ISO 14065 for GHG Validation and Verification and to conduct GHG inventory verification services for members of The Climate Registry.
SCS has verified GHG inventories and carbon offsets for organizations including: The Nature Conservancy of California, The Pacific Forest Trust’s Van Eck Forest Project and the Conservation Fund’s Garcia River Project in Northern California; Ducks Unlimited’s Avoided Grassland Conversion Project in the Prairie Pothole Region of the Dakotas; and a Greenoxx forest project in Uruguay.
SCS offers GHG emissions inventory verification in compliance with the following major climate registries and programs:
Voluntary GHG Reporting:
- The Climate Registry (TCR) is a nonprofit collaboration among North American states, provinces, territories and Native Sovereign Nations that sets consistent and transparent standards to calculate, verify and publicly report greenhouse gas emissions into a single registry.
- The California Climate Action Registry (CCAR) is a private nonprofit originally formed by the State of California. It serves as a voluntary greenhouse gas emissions registry to protect and promote early actions to reduce GHG emissions by organizations.
- Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) is an independent nonprofit organization holding the largest database of corporate climate change information in the world. Wal-Mart recently asked many of its suppliers to begin reporting to CDP as part of the company’s sustainability index.
Mandatory GHG Reporting:
SCS is actively monitoring state and federal legislation that requires (or will require) companies and organizations to report and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. In California, Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32) known as the Global Warming Solutions Act was passed in 2006 and requires the State’s greenhouse gas emissions to be reduced to 1990 levels by 2020. The reporting of GHG emissions is now mandatory for emissions year 2008 (to be reported in 2009) for certain large emitters such as refineries and cement plants. Third-party verification of reported emissions will be required for emissions year 2009 (to be reported in 2010). Third-party verification will be required regularly in subsequent years. For more information please visit the ARB website.
At the federal level, the Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a rule for the mandatory reporting of greenhouse gasses for large emitters. Moreover, a federal law is expected that would require the reporting and reduction of greenhouse gasses. Third-party verification of reported emissions or reductions is a prominent feature in the draft legislation currently circulating and can be expected to be included in any law that is passed.
SCS plans to participate as a third-party verifier at the state and federal level. Contact us for more information.
- California Assembly Bill 32 (AB 32) (known as the Global Warming Solutions Act) requires certain large emitters, such as refineries and cement plants, to report GHG emissions.
- A federal law requiring the reporting and reduction of greenhouse gasses is imminent. The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a rule for the mandatory reporting of greenhouse gasses for large emitters. Third-party verification of reported emissions or reductions is a prominent feature in the draft legislation currently circulating and can be expected to be included in any law that is passed.
Verification Process
- Application
Complete an application form. SCS staff will return a proposal to you for signature. To initiate the GHG emissions verification process, return a signed proposal and contract agreement. - Project Documentation Submission
The qualified SCS verification team reviews your submission for completeness and conduct a desk review of all documentation. - Site Visit
SCS conducts site visit(s) to assess compliance with applicable program standards. - Verification Report
SCS makes final verification decision and issues report. Applicant acknowledges report findings, including any requests for corrective action. - Verification Opinion
The final verification opinion is submitted to the applicable GHG emissions registry.
Request for Service
Benefits of Verifying your GHG Inventory with Scientific Certification Systems
SCS will guide your business through the GHG emissions inventory verification process and provide personalized attention, fast turnaround, and a high-level of service tailored to your needs. SCS builds integrity and quality into all its engagements and has become a trusted name in the verification of environmental claims. By engaging SCS, you will be able to:
- Make confident, credible claims about your GHG footprint.
- Clearly communicate your emissions reductions to your supply chain, customers, investors, and media.
- Minimize risk by obtaining an accurate GHG emissions inventory.
- Ensure compliance with retailer, supply chain, and regulatory requirements for GHG emissions reporting and reduction.
- Meet greenhouse gas reporting objectives and requirements of financial, environmental, and social institutions.
Applications
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SCS also offers Carbon Offset Verification
