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Top Tips for a Successful Carbon Verification

21 May 2024
Organisations and individuals can often feel unsure of how to begin their carbon journey, and how to do it successfully.

Hear from some of our expert Greenhouse Gas Verifiers on their top tips for getting the most from your carbon verifications, whether this is ISO 14064-1 (GHG Inventory), PAS 2060 (Carbon Neutrality) or ISO 14068-1 (Greenhouse Gas Management, Carbon Neutrality).



"Save time at verification stages by making available the raw data that feeds into the carbon inventory. This could include energy bills, fuel receipts, purchase receipts, and employee questionnaires for example."



When seeking carbon neutrality verification, your Verifier will focus on the carbon hierarchy: for PAS 2060 second and subsequent years, this is to quantify, reduce, and only then offset the residual emissions. For ISO 14068-1 this is quantify, reduce, remove, and only then offset the residual emissions. Your Verifier will expect to see evidence that this has been applied.



Be wary of the requirements around market based reporting and location based reporting within the methodology you are using, for example, in relation to the reporting of Scope 2 emissions arising from renewable energy supply contracts. They can differ!



Ensure the data being presented is in a clear and understandable format, engage with colleagues to verify and adjust from feedback.



Use reliable conversion factors, such as the UK Government conversion factors, and make sure to copy and paste the full conversion factor to prevent rounding down figures!



Allow enough time to gather information during implementation stages as you will need to liaise with relevant stakeholders and internal departments.



Make sure that the scope and boundaries of the verification are clear and understood right at the start. Understand what the major emissions sources are, and how much data is available to you.



Prioritise sourcing accurate and meaningful data, including where possible, installing and utilising sub-meters, maintaining service records of energy consuming equipment such as air conditioning units, use of tachographs, and daily check sheets.



Be Happy – by calculating your greenhouse gas emissions you are starting on the journey to reduce them, which is positive for the planet, your business and your staff!” 



 Ready to start your sustainability journey? Contact our friendly team!