Validation, Verification, Certification

Facing the serious consequences of global warming, climate change represents a major challenge. Under the Kyoto Protocol, 167 countries agreed to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 5.2% during the period 2008–2012 compared to 1990 levels.

To make this process more flexible, the Kyoto Protocol introduced emissions trading and the so-called project-based mechanisms. The flexible project mechanisms of the Kyoto Protocol – “Joint Implementation” (JI) and the “Clean Development Mechanism” (CDM) – provide transferable credits generated through greenhouse gas emission reduction projects. These schemes incentivize industrialized countries, organizations, or companies to invest in economically viable reduction projects both in developed countries (under JI) and in developing countries (under CDM).

Credits are issued as Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) for CDM projects or as Emission Reduction Units (ERUs) under JI projects. These credits can be used to meet the commitments of the sponsoring countries or can be offered for sale.

To quantify project activity as a JI or CDM project, the UN requires an independent assessment by an accredited third party. TÜV NORD CERT, as an accredited organization, is authorized to perform such independent assessments in the form of validations, verifications, or certifications.

Verification is a periodic review of the verified emission reductions achieved by JI/CDM project activities. Compliance with the criteria set out in the Kyoto Protocol is also checked.

Following a successful verification, TÜV NORD CERT will confirm the results and provide recommendations for achieving emission reductions as the final outcome.