To ensure offsets of the highest integrity, the BC emission offsets regulation requires that all project plans and reported offsets be validated and verified to a reasonable level of assurance by two separate independent third parties who are ISO 14065 accredited. 

These audits provide third party assurance that the offsets PCT purchases, are real, additional permanent and have been properly quantified. 

In addition to these rigorous regulatory requirements, Pacific Carbon Trust requires that validation and verification bodies also be accredited at the project level for the activity and scope of the project being validated or verified (e.g. waste handling / disposal or GHG reduction from fuel combustion).

Validation of the project plan:

Validation is a systematic, independent and documented audit process that provides qualified third-party assurance that an offset project plan is additional, permanent and can be accurately documented and quantified.

Verification of the project report:

Likewise, verification is a systematic, independent audit by a qualified, independent third party that ensures that reported offsets are materially correct and have been quantified and documented in conformance with the BC emission offsets regulation and the validated project plan.

For more information on validation and verification, please contact Suzanne Spence.