The short answer. Verification is an independent check, by a qualified and impartial third party, that the reductions or removals a project reports for a period meet the rules of its methodology and registry. Validation is the check of a project’s design. The organisations that do this work are validation and verification bodies, often accredited to ISO 14065 by a national accreditation body such as UKAS, or approved by the registry. The verification report is the evidence a buyer should read before relying on a credit.
Last reviewed September 2026.
Validation and verification
- Validation looks forward. It assesses whether a project’s design, assumptions and methods are reasonable and meet the rules, usually before or at registration.
- Verification looks back. It is an independent, documented assessment of the results a project claims for a specific reporting period.
Independent validation and verification is one of the ICVCM’s ten Core Carbon Principles, and UK guidance on nature-based carbon, BSI Flex 703, requires it too.
The standards behind it
| Standard | What it covers |
|---|---|
| ISO 14064-2 | Quantifying, monitoring and reporting greenhouse gas reductions and removals at project level |
| ISO 14064-3 | Verifying and validating greenhouse gas statements |
| ISO 14065 | Requirements for the bodies that validate and verify environmental information, applying ISO/IEC 17029 |
| ISO/IEC 17029 | General requirements for validation and verification bodies |
| ISO/IEC 17025 | Competence of testing laboratories, such as the laboratories that analyse soil samples |
In the UK, UKAS accredits validation and verification bodies to ISO/IEC 17029 and ISO 14065. Registries also keep their own lists of verifiers they accept.
What a verifier typically checks on a soil carbon project
- That the land and the practices are eligible under the credit class.
- That sampling followed the design: locations, depth, timing and chain of custody.
- That laboratory results come from an appropriate method and laboratory.
- That the calculation follows the methodology version it claims, including the uncertainty deduction, the farm’s emissions and any leakage.
- That the buffer contribution is correct and nothing is counted twice.
How verification works for our credit class
Projects under our credit class on the Regen Registry are verified after the results are produced, by an independent verifier chosen by the project proponent and approved by the Registry. Bodies accredited to ISO 14065, and verifiers approved by the major registries, are eligible. A project must use at least two different lead verifiers over its life. Verification follows the schedule set in the credit class, and the Regen Registry publishes verification reports.
What to ask as a buyer
- Who verified the credits? And are they accredited to ISO 14065 or approved by the registry?
- Which period does the verification cover? Make sure it covers the vintage you are buying.
- Can you read the report? Look for findings, corrections and conditions, not just the conclusion.
- Which methodology version was applied? Rules change between versions.
- What happens next? When the next verification is due, and how the land is monitored in between.
Questions we are asked about carbon credit verification
What is the difference between validation and verification?
Validation checks a project’s design and methods against the rules, usually at the start. Verification checks the results a project has reported for a specific period.
What is ISO 14065?
The international standard setting requirements for bodies that validate and verify environmental information, including greenhouse gas statements. Accreditation to it shows a verifier’s competence and impartiality have been independently assessed.
What is a VVB?
A validation and verification body: an independent organisation that checks carbon projects and their reported results against the rules of a standard or registry.
Are verification reports public?
On most major registries, yes. The Regen Registry publishes the verification reports for projects on its registry.
Does Ecometric verify its own credits?
No. We measure soil carbon. Verification is carried out by independent verifiers approved by the Regen Registry, and credits are issued by the Registry, for each tonne sequestered after greenhouse gas emissions are deducted.
Sources: ISO/TC 207/SC 7 published standards; UKAS validation and verification; ICVCM Core Carbon Principles; Regen Registry Program Guide; Ecometric GHG Benefits in Managed Crop and Grassland Systems credit class, section 6. All checked 14 September 2026.
Related: for buyers · removal and avoidance credits · carbon credit ratings explained · accuracy stated
