EN ISO 14064-1:2019

Definition of carbon footprint validation and verification

Carbon footprint validation and verification are two key processes used to ensure the credibility and accuracy of greenhouse gas emissions data. Carbon footprint validation is a preliminary independent assessment of a carbon footprint plan, methodology, or calculation proposal to verify that the proposed approach is appropriate and realistic and that it meets relevant standards or requirements. Verification is an independent assessment of the actual calculated carbon footprint – i.e., the final emissions data. It assesses whether the data is accurate, complete, consistent, and compliant with relevant standards. Validation and verification are based on the requirements of the following standards: ČSN EN ISO/IEC 17029:2020 Conformity assessment – General principles and requirements for validation and verification bodies and ČSN EN ISO 14065:2020 General principles and requirements for bodies validating and verifying environmental information. The assessment is carried out in accordance with ČSN EN ISO 14067:2022 Greenhouse gases – Carbon footprint of products – Requirements and guidelines for quantification and ČSN EN ISO 14064-1:2019 Greenhouse gases – Part 1: Specification with guidance for the determination and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and removals for organizations.

Eight principles of carbon footprint validation and verification

1. Impartiality: The validation and verification process must be independent and objective, with no conflict of interest between the verifier and the organization.
2. Competence: Validation and verification must be carried out by qualified experts with sufficient knowledge of emissions calculation and the sector concerned.
3. Transparency: The entire process should be transparent and well documented so that decisions and conclusions can be verified.
4. Completeness: All relevant greenhouse gas emissions must be taken into account—nothing important should be omitted.
5. Consistency: The methodologies, calculations, and reporting of emissions used must be consistent over time and in accordance with the selected standard.
6. Accuracy: Data and calculations must be as accurate as possible to minimize uncertainties and errors in emissions estimates.
7. Relevance: The information and methodologies included must be appropriate for the purpose – i.e., they must correspond to the objective of the validation or verification.
8. Transparent traceability: All claims, calculations, and conclusions must be verifiable and traceable based on source data and documentation.

Why implement carbon footprint validation and verification

Quantifying carbon footprint emissions at each stage of the life cycle facilitates the development and implementation of key strategies and plans to map carbon performance. Quantification facilitates the development and implementation of measures to reduce GHG emissions (increase sinks).
It makes it easier to monitor performance in reducing GHG emissions (increasing sinks). It is intended for clients interested in sustainable development in the areas of ecology, economics, politics, and cultural wealth:

• Credibility of emissions data
• Compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements
• ESG finance and investment
• Market competitiveness
• Effective emissions management, optimization, and strategy
• Image, reputation, and communication
• Strategic planning

Who is carbon footprint validation and verification intended for

The validation/verification of products, processes, services, and the carbon footprint of organizations is intended for the validation and verification of emission inventories (determination and reporting of emissions and sinks) for state and public administration, non-profit organizations, all types of organizations and companies in all industries:

• Companies and businesses of all sizes that have obligations under EU directives, want to be part of sustainable supply chains, want to be competitive in the European market.
• The public sector and local governments (municipalities, regions, authorities, and state organizations) that want or need to report emissions from public property or activities, participate in national or international climate initiatives, and want to improve transparency and accountability to the public.
• Manufacturers and suppliers of products who want to declare the carbon footprint of their products, which is important for customers who demand sustainable products or trade within the EU.
• Investors and financial institutions (banks, investment funds, and insurance companies) that need reliable ESG indicators for their clients, assess climate risks in their portfolios, and fulfill obligations under the SFDR (Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation) or TCFD (Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures).
• Development and construction companies that demonstrate the carbon footprint of buildings, projects, or construction materials, particularly for green certifications.
• Non-profit organizations and universities that are involved in voluntary emissions reduction, education, and research and need to credibly communicate their own environmental responsibility.