Carbon Offset Verification

What is the difference between carbon offset validation and carbon offset verification?

Validation is the process of evaluating the conformance of the design of a project's plan for removing, reducing, or avoiding carbon dioxide and other GHG emissions against the assessment criteria. Verification is the process of evaluating the conformance of the calculations of the actual amount of GHG emissions that have been avoided, reduced, or removed through implementation of the project against the assessment criteria.  

What are the assessment criteria?

The assessment criteria are defined by the project’s selected methodology or protocol and the requirements of the registry or scheme’s standard. This is determined by the project proponent during project development.

How long will the carbon offset assessment process take?

A carbon offset assessment can vary from a few months to more than one year. The duration of an assessment depends on the size and complexity of the project, the assessment criteria used, and project type. The duration is also affected by how well the project developer is prepared with high-quality documentation and how promptly they respond to assessment findings.

Under which standards does SCS validate and verify?

SCS verifies projects under ACR, the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the Climate Action Reserve (CAR), and Verra Standards including the Climate, Community, and Biodiversity (CCB) Standards and the Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard (SD VISta).

How much does carbon offset validation and verification cost?

Cost depends on factors such as project size, location, complexity, project type, the standards used, and level of preparedness. Contact SCS for a customized quote.

How do I know when my carbon offset project is ready for validation and verification?

Projects can be validated and verified once they have a completed Project Design Document or Plan, Monitoring Report, and supporting documentation that complies with the relevant standard. SCS often recommends conducting an internal audit to make sure the document is complete and to save time down the road.  

As an independent third-party verifier, we cannot participate in consulting activities such as helping with project development if we are to later validate or verify a project.

1. Client Develops Carbon Offset Project
   The project proponent chooses a methodology developed under an SCS-recognized GHG program and develops and potentially implements their offset project.
2. Proposal
   Upon requests for services, SCS prepares a work order or proposal for your authorization.
3. Desk review
   SCS conducts a desk review of all project documentation and data in order to validate the project design and/or verify GHG quantification. Our audit team requests additional information if needed, and develops findings of non-conformities if applicable for the project to address.  
4. Site visit
   When applicable, SCS conducts a site visit to assess your project’s conformance with the relevant standard. Findings may be issued based on any non-conformities discovered during the site visit.
5. Findings
   Once all findings from the desk review and site visit are able to be closed, a validation or verification decision is made. In some cases, findings may also be uncovered during the technical review (below).
6. Draft Report
   SCS issues a draft report, stating the details of the assessment and concluding opinion.
7. Technical Review
   An SCS lead verifier who is not involved in the verification process conducts an independent review of the audit.
8. Scheme Review and Approval
   SCS produces a finalized verification opinion and report for submission to the applicable registry or scheme for registration and/or request for the issuance of carbon offsets.
9. Issuance
   After verification, credits are issued.

• Project Assurance: Assure funders and buyers that your projects are resulting in real climate mitigation benefits, backed by SCS’ reliability and long-standing climate expertise
• Experienced Team: Work with knowledgeable, credentialed staff with experience verifying a wide range of offset types
• Brand Awareness and Increased Market Value: Provide independent confirmation of your credits from a reputable VVB for better access to carbon markets
• Exceptional Customer Support: Receive support throughout the validation and verification process 

Upon successful validation or verification, SCS offers a wide range of Client Marketing Support services.