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1.  What is GHG emissions verification?
GHG emissions verification is a systematic and documented audit process, where an independent reviewer evaluates a facility’s GHG emissions report to determine objectively whether:

• there is a “reasonable level of assurance” (high degree of confidence) that the GHG emissions report contains no “material discrepancy” (any errors due to measurements or calculations are less than 5%); and whether,
• the GHG emissions report was prepared according to the Regulation and the Guideline 

The verification process will typically involve a review of documentation, a review of data controls and information management systems, a site visit, and the development and review of a verification report. 

2.  Who is qualified to verify my GHG emissions report?
Emissions reports must be verified by an accredited verification body. To be considered accredited, the verification body must be accredited by a member of the International Accreditation Forum in accordance with the ISO 14065.

The accredited verification body must also demonstrate to the Ministry that they are not in a position of compromised impartiality with respect to the facility, or its operator, before being able to complete the verification of that facility’s GHG emissions report. 

3.  When should I engage an accredited verification body?
Securing the services of an accredited verification body can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the selection process, therefore early engagement is recommended. 

4.  How is compromised impartiality assessed?
It is the accredited verification body’s responsibility to complete a compromised impartiality assessment and to submit a report to the ministry. As part of this assessment, the accredited verification body must complete the ministry’s Compromised Impartiality Assessment Form for each facility that it is verifying.

If the potential for compromised impartiality is identified, a mitigation plan must also be developed and submitted to the ministry as part of the Compromised Impartiality Assessment Form. Approval of the mitigation plan by the ministry in writing is required before the accredited verification body can complete the verification. 

5.  How long does the verification process take and what is involved?
The verification process can take anywhere from 2 to 4 months depending on the complexity and size of the facility(ies) whose GHG emissions report is being verified.