Overview

Validation and verification are critical to ensuring the integrity and quality of the projects registered in Verra’s programs and program methodologies. These processes are conducted by validation/verification bodies (VVBs) – qualified, independent third-party auditors who are approved by Verra. VVBs are experts in the program and sectoral scope or technical area they audit. 

During validation, a VVB determines whether a project meets all rules and requirements from the Verra Programs. Once validation has been concluded, the project proponent may submit the project for registration with the respective program. 

During verification, a VVB confirms that the outcomes set out in the project documentation have been achieved and quantified according to the requirements of the respective standard.

Accreditation

Each Verra program has specific rules and requirements that VVBs must meet before becoming active auditors and that are set out in the respective program section. 

Suspension or Loss of Accreditation

A VVB becomes inactive when their accreditation is terminated or when they are suspended by the body under which they are accredited, or if Verra suspends or terminates its agreement with the VVB. 

Verra doesn’t permit inactive or suspended VVBs to conduct any validation and verification audits or issue validation and verification reports until Verra reinstates their eligibility.

VVB PERFORMANCE MONITORING PROGRAM (PMP)

Verra’s VVB Performance Monitoring Program (PMP) is fundamental to Verra’s comprehensive oversight of VVB performance. The PMP enables Verra to monitor and strengthen VVB performance across all Verra standards programs.

The PMP uses 17 indicators from four oversight activity categories:

  1. Project Reviews
  2. Performance Observation Audits
  3. Sanctions and Cooperation
  4. Accreditation Body Feedback

Verra uses mostly quantitative indicators to monitor VVB performance, which allows for a systematic evaluation approach. Verra’s assessment of VVB performance in these categories is captured in individualized scorecards that are issued to VVBs at a minimum once a year, sometimes more often.

VVB performance scorecards allow Verra to determine how to strengthen VVBs’ overall auditing capacity under all Verra standards programs to ensure the integrity of Verra’s projects and the units Verra issues. These actions include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Providing VVB trainings
  • Updating Verra program rules and methodologies
  • Providing internal trainings for Verra staff
  • Increasing and/or decreasing VVB oversight activities
  • Sanctioning low-performing VVBs

OVERSIGHT ACTIVITIES

The PMP includes four categories of activities that inform the VVB performance scorecards. Together, these activities enable Verra to closely monitor the level of competence of each individual VVB and identify common issues across all VVBs:

  1. Project Reviews: Verra conducts project reviews when project proponents submit registration and issuance requests to Verra, in accordance with the VCS Registration and Issuance Process (see the VCS Rules and Requirements page for the most recent version). The reviews ensure that the VVB has appropriately assessed, and fully described how it has assessed, the project’s conformance with the VCS Program rules and has provided a complete description of the assessment process.
  2. Performance Observation (PO) Audits: During PO audits, conducted onsite or remotely, Verra staff witness VVBs conducting validations and/or verifications. PO audits are part of Verra’s continuous assessment process to verify the competence and effectiveness of approved VVBs in conducting validations and/or verifications within a defined scope.
  3. Sanctions and Cooperation Activities
    • Section 6 Reviews/Quality Control Reviews: Verra may, at its discretion, review registered projects and VCU issuances where it has concerns about a project’s adherence to the VCS Program rules and the applied methodology. Conducted in accordance with the VCS Registration and Issuance Process (see the VCS Rules and Requirements page for the most recent version), a review may be triggered by any of the following:
      • A VVB identifies an error or quality issue in a previous validation or verification
      • A project proponent identifies an error or quality issue after the registration or issuance of the project
      • A stakeholder expresses concerns about a registered project
      • Verra itself identifies an error or quality issue as part of routine operations
    • Non-Conformance Reports: Verra issues non-conformance reports to VVBs if it identifies specific performance issues that are recurring, material, or severe in nature. VVBs must respond in writing to address the non-conformities to Verra’s satisfaction and include the following:
      • Investigation and documentation of the root cause of each non-conformity
      • Documentation of the corrective action taken to prevent the non-conformity from reoccurring
    • Other (Cooperation): Cooperation in responding to Section 6 Reviews/Quality Control Reviews, non-conformity reports and other ad hoc investigations related to VVB performance, e.g., Conflict of Interest investigations
  4. Information Exchange with Accreditation Bodies: Relevant information about validation/verification bodies performance is shared between the respective accreditation body and Verra.

VVB Sanctions

Based on its validation/verification bodies oversight activities, Verra has sole discretion to apply sanctions to VVBs. These sanctions may vary depending on the severity of issues and/or non-conformance(s). VVBs may be found to conduct services not in conformance with the governing accreditation body and/or VCS Program rules or may be deemed by Verra to perform unsatisfactorily.

  • Sanctions against VVBs may include the following:
  • Issuance of a warning
  • Referral to accreditation body
  • Suspension
  • Termination

VVB sanctions are described in detail in section 6 of the VCS Program Guide (see the VCS Rules and Requirements page for the most recent version).

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For the VCS Program

During validation and verification, VVBs rigorously evaluate projects against the VCS Program rules and the applied methodologies.

VVBs may be located anywhere in the world and are eligible to provide validation and verification services under the VCS Program if they are accredited by a VCS-recognized accreditation body, have received Verra authorization, have signed the required agreement with Verra, and paid the annual validation/verification body fee.

Qualified validation/verification bodies (VVBs) also perform rigorous assessments of VCS methodologies and methodology elements to confirm that they conform with VCS Program requirements and sector-specific best practices. The contracted VVB must meet the eligibility criteria set out in the VCS Program Guide and must hold accreditation or approval for validation or verification (as applicable) for the sectoral scope(s) applicable to the respective methodology project. Where the methodology falls under more than one sectoral scope, the VVB body shall hold accreditation or approval for validation or verification (as applicable) for all relevant sectoral scopes.

The below overview of VCS and ANAB sectoral scopes informs for which VCS sectoral scopes ANAB-accredited VVBs can provide validation or verification.

Projects, activities, or methodologies can be developed under any of the 16 VCS sectoral scopes.

  1. Energy (renewable/nonrenewable)
  2. Energy distribution
  3. Energy demand
  4. Manufacturing industries
  5. Chemical industry
  6. Construction
  7. Transport
  8. Mining/mineral production
  9. Metal production
  10. Fugitive emissions – from fuels (solid, oil, and gas)
  11. Fugitive emissions – from Industrial gases (halocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride)
  12. Solvents use
  13. Waste handling and disposal
  14. Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU)
  15. Livestock and manure management
  16. Carbon capture and storage
ANAB VCS
1. GHG emission reductions from fuel consumption 1. Energy Industries
(renewable/nonrenewable sources)
2. Energy distribution
3. Energy demand
4. Manufacturing industries*
6. Construction
7. Transport
2. GHG emission reductions for industrial processes (non-combustion,
chemical reaction, fugitive, and other)
4. Manufacturing industries*
5. Chemical industry
9. Metal production
10. Fugitive emissions from fuels
11. Fugitive emissions from industrial gases
12. Solvents use
3. Land Use and Forestry 14. Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU)
4. Carbon capture and storage 16. Carbon capture and storage
5. Livestock 15. Livestock and manure management
6. Waste Handling and Disposal 8. Mining/mineral production
10. Fugitive emissions from fuels (solid, oil, and gas)*
13. Waste handling and disposal

* Sectoral scope applies to two ANAB groups

The growth of the voluntary carbon market has fueled demand for new validation/verification bodies (VVBs). New VVBs may be located anywhere in the world and have two main pathways to receive VCS authorization:

Due to significantly increased demand for VVB services and while Verra establishes further accreditation programs with IAF member bodies, VVBs may use their DOE accreditation through the end of June 2023.

Once accreditation is achieved via one of the above pathways, organizations are then invited to complete and submit the VVB Application Form (DOC).

International Accreditation Forum (IAF) member bodies are encouraged to develop accreditation programs for ISO 14065 scope VCS. Interested IAF bodies should contact Verra directly.

Suspension or Loss of Accreditation

A VVB becomes inactive when its accreditation is terminated or suspended by the body under which it is accredited, or if the VCS suspends or terminates its agreement with the VVB. An inactive or suspended VVB cannot issue VCS validation or verification reports until the VCS reinstates its eligibility.

BOPE Instituto Brasileiro de Opinião Pública e Estatística Ltda.
China Certification Center, Inc (CCCI)
China Environmental United Certification Center Co., Ltd. (CEC)
DNV GL Climate Change Services
Ecocert S.A.
Ernst & Young Associés
First Environment, Inc.
Germanischer Lloyd Certification GmbH
Internat Energy Solutions Canada INC.
JACO CDM CO., LTD.
Japan Consulting Institute (JCI)
Japan Quality Assurance Organization (JQA)
Korea Energy Agency (KEA)
Korea Environment Corporation (KECO)
Korea Testing and Research (KTR)
Korean Foundation for Quality (KFQ)
Korean Standards Association (KSA)
KPMG Performance Registrar Inc
Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance Ltd (LRQA)
NSF International
Perry Johnson Registrars Carbon Emissions Services, Inc (PJRCES)
Rainforest Alliance, Inc.
SGS United Kingdom Ltd.
Standard Carbon Inc
Stantec Consulting
Swiss Association for Quality and Management Systems (SQS)
TranSystems Climate Change Services Group
TÜV Rheinland (China) Ltd.
TÜV Rheinland Energie und Umwelt GmbH
TÜV SÜD Industrie Service GmbH
URS Verification Private Limited

For the CCBS Program

During validation and verification, VVBs rigorously evaluate projects against the CCB Standards and Program Rules.

Successful verification of a project to the CCB Standards certifies a projects’ climate, community, and biodiversity benefits for a specific period of time. Verification also enables the addition of a CCB label to credits that were generated during the same time period.

VVBs may be located anywhere in the world and are eligible to provide validation and verification services under the CCBS Program if they meet the criteria set out in the CCB Program Rules

For the SD VISta Program

During validation and verification, VVBs rigorously evaluate projects against the SD VISta Standards and Program Rules.

Successful verification of a project to SD VISta certifies a projects unique sustainable development benefits for a specific period of time. Verification also enables the addition of a SD VISta label to credits from approved programs that were generated during the same time period. 

Projects that use an approved SD VISta methodology may generate SD VISta Assets that are specific to the chosen methodology. In order to generate assets the SD VISta validation and verification must assess whether the project also meets the requirements of the selected methodology and have monitored and accounted for the benefit accordingly.

Validation and verification must be performed by a VVB that has been approved by Verra as having expertise in the sectoral scopes of the project activities.

SD VISta Sectoral Scopes

Projects, activities or methodologies can be developed under any of the 14 SD VISta sectoral scopes. Additionally, these sectoral scopes have been mapped to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (opens on un.org website).

1. Agriculture, forestry and other land use (AFOLU) 12. Responsible consumption and production; 15. Life on land
2. Climate change adaption 13. Climate action
3. Education 4. Quality education
4. Energy 7. Affordable and clean energy
5. Food 2. Zero hunger; 12. Responsible consumption and production
6. Governance 16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
7. Health 3. Good health and well-being
8. Housing 11. Sustainable cities and communities
9. Infrastructure 11. Sustainable cities and communities; 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
10. Livelihoods 1. No poverty; 8. Decent work and economic growth; 10. Reduced
inequalities; 12. Responsible consumption and production
11. Transport 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure; 11. Sustainable cities and communities
12. Water Access and Sanitation 6. Clean water and sanitation
13. Oceans and Marine Resources 14. Life below water
14. Women’s empowerment 5. Gender Equality

VVBs may be located anywhere in the world and are eligible to provide validation and verification services,  under the SD VISta Program if they meet the criteria set out in the SD VISta Program Guide (PDF).

New validation/verification bodies (VVBs) may be located anywhere in the world and have three pathways to be approved under the SD VISta Program:

  • Accreditation by a body in compliance with the latest version of ISO/IEC 17011 Conformity assessment — criteria for accreditation bodies accrediting conformity assessment bodies (currently ISO/IEC 17011:2017)
  • Accreditation by a body that is a member of the ISEAL Alliance (opens in on the ISEAl Alliance website)
  • Approval as VVB under the VCS Program

In addition to the above, organizations must demonstrate competency to manage the validation and verification of activities for, at minimum, one of the SD VISta sectoral scopes.

Where organizations can demonstrate the above, they are invited to complete and submit the VVB Application Form (DOC).

 

Suspension or Loss of Accreditation

A VVB becomes inactive when its accreditation is terminated or suspended by the body under which it is accredited, or if Verra suspends or terminates its agreement with the VVB. An inactive or suspended VVB cannot issue SD VISta validation or verification reports until Verra reinstates its eligibility.

For the Plastic Program

During validation and verification, VVBs rigorously evaluate projects against the rules of the Plastic Program and the requirements of the applied methodologies.

VVBs are eligible to provide validation and verification services under the Plastic Program if they are accredited by a member of the International Accreditation Forum, have been approved by Verra and have signed the required agreement with Verra. See below for the VVBs currently approved to conduct validation and verifications under the Plastic Program.

New Plastic Program validation/verification bodies (VVBs) may be located anywhere in the world and must demonstrate the following:

  1. Accreditation to ISO 14065:2013 by a member of the International Accreditation Forum (IAF);
  2. Experience in environmental and/or social auditing, including surveying and auditing techniques; and
  3. Experience in waste management systems and understanding of waste streams and value chains, including circularity concepts and plastics (preferred).

To become an approved VVB with the Plastic Program, organizations must complete a Verra Validation/Verification Body Application Form (DOC)  and submit the signed application, along with any supporting evidence (as required by the application), to auditing@verra.org.

Suspension or Loss of Accreditation

A VVB becomes inactive when its accreditation is terminated or suspended by the body under which it is accredited, or if Verra suspends or terminates its agreement with the VVB. An inactive or suspended VVB cannot issue Plastic Program validation or verification reports until Verra reinstates its eligibility.

Roster of Local Experts

Verra is currently establishing a roster of local and technical experts that will serve as a resource for validation/verification bodies (VVBs) auditing Plastic Program projects. VVBs may use this list to recruit or contract qualified individuals with knowledge of particular geographic contexts or expertise in specific plastic waste collection and/or recycling activities. These experts have at least two years of experience in the category or categories listed. This roster will not be exhaustive, and VVBs may recruit local or technical experts not included on the roster.

Please note that, in accordance with ISO 14065, VVBs are expected to perform an assessment of the independence and impartiality of the expert, considering the specific context of the project to be audited. Every VVB is responsible for conducting the necessary due diligence required for work that is outsourced or performed by a contractor, including those on Verra’s Roster of Local Experts. VVBs should adhere to their internal policies for assessing the suitability of an external expert.

To apply to be on the Roster of Local Experts, individuals or organizations should complete the Expert Application Form and submit it to plasticstandard@verra.org. Experts are required to reapply every two years to maintain their status as an expert and to ensure that the information presented on the roster is current.


COMING SOON: Plastic Program Roster of Local and Technical Experts