Under the SD VISta Program, projects may be assessed against the SD VISta rules via two methods: validation/verification and independent expert evaluation.  The two methods can be summarized as follows:

• Validation/verification is the independent assessment of the project by an accredited and approved validation/verification body (VVB). Validation demonstrates that a project is designed to generate sustainable development impacts, while verification is a rigorous endorsement of the quality of project implementation and the delivery of sustainable development benefits during a certain time period. Projects that successfully complete validation can register with the SD VISta Program and can help project proponents to build support among stakeholders and investors. Additionally, projects that successfully complete verification are able to add an SD VISta label to verified emission reductions units, such as VCUs, or issue SD VISta assets generated during the SD VISta-verified period.
• Independent expert evaluation offers projects that are not at a point in their development where they have the necessity, resources or experience to undergo the validation/verification process. Independent expert evaluation allows for a project to demonstrate compliance with the SD VISta rules through ex-ante and ex-post evaluation by an approved independent evaluation expert (IEE). Projects that successfully complete independent expert evaluation can be listed with the SD VISta Program and may make limited claims about a project’s estimated or actual impacts.

A VVB is a recognized, qualified and independent auditing organization that evaluates whether a project has met each of the SD VISta rules and any other requirements following the process defined in the SD VISta Program documents.

An independent evaluation expert (IEE) is an approved assessor that evaluates projects to the SD VISta rules.

To be approved, VVBs and IEEs must meet the criteria set out in the Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard.

Become a VVB or IEE