Validation & Verification
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
GENERAL
What services does NIOSHCert provide as a Validation and Verification Body?
NIOSHCert provides independent validation and verification services for:
- CORSIA emissions reporting,
- ISO 14064-1 GHG Emissions Report Verification
All services are conducted in accordance with applicable international standards and impartiality requirements.
Does NIOSHCert provide consultancy or implementation services?
No. NIOSHCert operates strictly as an independent Validation and Verification Body (VVB) and does not provide consultancy, advisory, implementation, or report-writing services for any of the above scopes.
How long does the verification process usually take?
The duration depends on the scope, complexity, size of the organisation, and data readiness. Timelines are agreed during contract review and planning, with verification activities.
What level of assurance does NIOSHCert provide?
NIOSHCert provides verification at the agreed level of assurance (e.g. limited or reasonable), as
defined in the applicable standard and engagement terms.
What happens if nonconformities or findings are identified?
Any findings are communicated to the client for clarification or correction. Verification conclusions are based on the final verified information.
Does NIOSHCert provide combined verification and consultancy services?
No. NIOSHCert strictly separates verification activities from consultancy, in line with impartiality requirements.
How does an organisation apply for NIOSHCert services?
Organisations may submit an application through NIOSHCert’s official contact channels. Each application undergoes contract and impartiality review prior to acceptance.
Can verification be conducted for selected scopes or boundaries only?
Yes. Verification scope may be limited to defined organisational boundaries, facilities, or emission scopes, as agreed during contract review.
Can NIOSHCert verify data prepared by a consultant?
Yes. NIOSHCert may verify data prepared by an independent third-party consultant, provided there is no conflict of interest with NIOSHCert.
What standards govern NIOSHCert’s verification activities?
NIOSHCert conducts all verification activities in accordance with internationally recognised standards, including:
- ISO 17029 – General principles and requirements for validation and verification bodies
- ISO 14065 – General principles and requirements for bodies validating and verifying environmental information
- ISO 14064-3 – Specification with guidance for the verification and validation of greenhouse gas statements
- ISO 14066 – Environmental information — Competence requirements for teams validating and verifying environmental information
Can verification statements be used publicly?
CORSIA
What is CORSIA verification?
CORSIA verification is an independent assessment of an aircraft operator’s CO₂ emissions report prepared in accordance with ICAO CORSIA requirements, to ensure the reported data is accurate, complete, and reliable.
Is CORSIA verification conducted annually?
Yes. CORSIA emissions reports are typically verified on an annual reporting cycle, in line with ICAO requirements.
ISO 14064-1 GHG EMISSIONS VERIFICATION
What is ISO 14064-1 GHG emissions verification?
ISO 14064-1 verification is an independent assessment of an organisation’s GHG emissions inventory, covering direct and indirect emissions, prepared in accordance with ISO 14064-1.
Does ISO 14064-1 verification result in certification?
No. ISO 14064-1 verification results in a Verification Statement, not a certification. The statement is typically valid for the specific reporting period verified.
What is included in ISO 14064-1 verification?
The verification process may include:
- Review of organisational boundaries and reporting period
- Assessment of emission sources, calculations, and assumptions
- Data sampling and traceability checks
- Site visits or remote verification (where applicable)
- Issuance of a GHG Verification Statement
Does NIOSHCert calculate GHG emissions for organisations?
No. To maintain impartiality, NIOSHCert does not calculate or prepare GHG emissions data. Verification is performed on data prepared by the organisation or an independent third party.
What emission scopes are covered under ISO 14064-1 verification?
ISO 14064-1 covers:
- Direct emissions
- Indirect energy emissions
- Other indirect emissions (where included by the organisation)
Can ISO 14064-1 verification be used for regulatory or stakeholder reporting?
Yes. Verified GHG inventories may be used to support regulatory submissions, sustainability reporting, ESG disclosures, or internal decision-making, subject to stakeholder requirements.
Is ISO 14064-1 verification required every year?
Verification is typically conducted on a reporting period basis (usually annually), depending on organisational or stakeholder requirements.
ESG GAP ANALYSIS
What is ESG Gap Analysis?
ESG Gap Analysis is an independent assessment of an organisation’s existing policies, practices, and disclosures against selected GRI Standards, to identify gaps in ESG related disclosures.
Is ESG Gap Analysis a certification?
No. ESG Gap Analysis does not result in certification. The output is a gap analysis or assessment report indicating the level of alignment with GRI requirements.
Does NIOSHCert prepare sustainability or ESG reports?
No. NIOSHCert does not prepare ESG or sustainability reports. The ESG Gap Analysis is conducted based on information provided by the organisation, without involvement in report development.
What is included in ESG Gap Analysis?
The ESG Gap Analysis may include:
- Review of documented ESG policies and disclosures
- Assessment of alignment with selected GRI Standards
- Identification of gaps & recommendation in ESG disclosures
- Issuance of an ESG Gap Analysis Report
Is ESG mandatory for organisations?
ESG implementation is generally voluntary, unless required by regulatory bodies, stock exchange listing rules, or specific stakeholder requirements.
Does ESG Gap Analysis involve scoring or ratings?
No. NIOSHCert does not provide ESG scores or ratings. The assessment focuses on identifying gaps and alignment against GRI disclosure requirements.
Can ESG Gap Analysis be used as preparation for sustainability reporting?
Yes. The gap analysis may be used by organisations as an input for internal planning, however NIOSHCert is not involved in report preparation or advisory activities.
How often should ESG Gap Analysis be conducted?
There is no fixed cycle. Organisations may conduct ESG Gap Analysis periodically or prior to sustainability reporting, depending on business needs.