We help organizations organize responsibilities, methods and traceable evidence for GHG statements, applicable criteria, assurance levels, materiality, risk analysis and evidence planning.
Service classification and standard position
Validation and verification (V&V)
This standard covers verification and validation of GHG statements. Verification generally concerns historical information; validation assesses the reasonableness of assumptions related to future activities. Our support helps clients prepare and simulate a review; an independent opinion is issued by an appointed, qualified body.
Who should consider this and when
Suitable for organizations establishing GHG verification and validation processes, responding to customer requirements or preparing for external review. Confirm the purpose, organizational role, sites and reporting scope before selecting criteria.
Advisory focus
- GHG statement: identify the accountable owner, data sources, method and review records.
- Applicable criteria: document the criteria used and their applicability to the engagement.
- Assurance level: define the intended level and scope of assurance.
- Materiality: set and document materiality considerations for the information.
- Risk analysis and evidence plan: identify risk areas and specify evidence needed to address them.
Support approach
- Confirm scope and criteria: discuss purpose, applicable edition, boundaries and stakeholder requirements; record assumptions and exclusions.
- Review current state and gaps: examine statements, criteria, assurance level, materiality, risk analysis and evidence plans.
- Prepare documents and pilot: organize procedures, forms and an evidence index, then test the approach on an actual engagement.
- Simulate review and improve: check consistency and evidence sufficiency against agreed criteria and track improvements. Confirm any independent third-party body and scope separately.
Information to prepare
- Organization and site details, products or services in scope, and intended use.
- GHG statements, applicable criteria, assurance level, materiality decisions, risk analysis, evidence plans and existing procedures.
- Customer, regulatory or program requirements and previous audit or verification findings.
- Responsible departments, available staff, data gaps and target schedule.
Possible deliverables
Depending on scope: a gap list, work procedures, responsibility assignments, record forms, evidence index and improvement tracking. Technical reports and independent review are agreed separately at project start.
Timing and fees
Assessment depends on the number of sites, data quality, engagement complexity and review scope. Existing information is reviewed first, then deliverables, resources and milestones are agreed.
Frequently asked questions
Does advisory support mean a certificate or assurance opinion will be issued?
Advisory support helps prepare systems and evidence. Any certificate, verification or validation opinion is decided by a qualified, independent body under the applicable program. This standard does not itself target management-system certification.
Must existing procedures be rewritten?
First check whether current procedures and evidence remain applicable. Retain effective practices and revise identified gaps.