What does "verification" of carbon numbers mean?
Verification (sometimes called assurance) is when an independent third party checks your reported carbon numbers to make sure they are reasonable and not missing anything important. It’s a way of giving extra confidence that your data is reliable.
Is verification mandatory?
For most small businesses, no, verification is not mandatory. You can still report your carbon footprint without it. Some large organisations may have rules or regulations requiring independent checks, but smaller businesses usually don’t.
Why would I consider having my numbers verified if it’s not required?
Getting your carbon numbers “stamped” by a third party can:
Show clients, investors, or partners that you’ve had an independent check.
Build trust and credibility in your reporting.
Help identify any gaps or improvements in your data collection and processes.
Think of it like a quality check — not essential, but helpful if you want to show extra transparency and accuracy.
What’s the difference between “reasonable assurance” and “limited assurance”?
These are two levels of verification:
Reasonable assurance = a deep, detailed review (like a full medical check-up).
Limited assurance = a lighter review that looks for anything obviously wrong (like a quick doctor’s check-up).
Most businesses that do choose verification start with limited assurance because it’s less intensive.
What does a verifier actually do?
For limited assurance, the verifier may:
Ask about how you collect your emissions data.
Check your methods align with common standards (like the GHG Protocol).
Compare your results with previous years to see if anything looks unusual.
They don’t test every single detail but instead check for consistency and reasonableness.
Do I need to prepare anything before getting verified?
If you do want your numbers verified, it helps to:
Keep clear records of how you calculated emissions.
Document data sources (e.g., bills, invoices, travel records).
Be ready to explain any unusual changes in your numbers.
For an overview of assurance processes of carbon emission numbers, check out our GHG Assurance course in the Sumday Academy.
Bottom line: Do I need verification?
Not required for most businesses, however global regulation is increasingly requiring businesses to get assurance on their emissions.
Optional but valuable if you want to build extra trust or credibility with stakeholders.
Think of it as a “confidence boost” for your carbon reporting, not a mandatory step.