VERIFIED EMISSION FACTORS FOR CREDIBLE SCOPE 3 INVENTORIES
Move beyond industry averages with independently verified, supplier-specific emission factors. SustainCERT verifies the methodologies and emissions data behind emission factors, helping organizations improve the accuracy and credibility of their Scope 3 greenhouse gas inventories.
Move beyond industry-average emission factors
Emission factors are fundamental to calculating Scope 3 emissions. They translate business activity, such as the quantity of a material purchased, into the greenhouse gas emissions associated with that activity.
Many organizations rely on generic emission factors from industry or national databases. While these provide a useful starting point, they may not reflect actual sourcing locations, productions conditions, or differences in supplier performance.
Supplier-specific emission factors use primary data to provide a more representative picture of emissions across the value chain. Independent verification provides assurance over how these emission factors have been calculated and the data behind them, increasing confidence in the results used for Scope 3 reporting.
Improve emission data accuracy
Replace generic assumptions with supplier-specific emissions data that better reflects actual production conditions.
Capture supplier performance
Track changes in emissions intensity over time and reflect improvements made by suppliers across your value chain.
Strengthen reporting credibility
Use independently verified emission factors to support Scope 3 reporting and increase confidence in reported emissions data.
Independent Emission Factor Verification
SustainCERT independently verifies supplier-specific emission factors using an inventory accounting approach aligned with the GHG Protocol.
Our auditors assess how emission factors have been developed, from the calculation methodology and system boundaries to the underlying activity data, emissions calculations, and supporting evidence.
Emission factors can represent a specific production site, sourcing location, supply shed, or broader supplier group. Verification provides independent assurance that the emission factor has been calculated in accordance with the applicable accounting requirements and accurately represents the defined scope.
What we verify
Our verification assesses whether the methodology, data, and calculations underpinning an emission factor meet the applicable GHG accounting requirements.
Methodology
We review the calculation methodology, system boundaries, reporting period, and functional unit to confirm that the emission factor has been developed using an appropriate inventory accounting methodology.
Emissions data
We assess underlying activity data, emission calculations, allocation methods, and supporting documentation to confirm that reported values are accurate and supported by evidence.
Verification outcome
Following successful verification, clients receive an independent verification statement documenting the scope, criteria, level of assurance, and outcome of the assessment.
Issue Emission Factor Units on the Carbon Management Platform
Once verified, emission factors can be managed on the SustainCERT Carbon Management Platform.
The Platform provides a centralized system to manage verified and unverified Scope 3 data. Organizations can issue Emission Factor Units, transfer emissions data across the value chain, and generate reporting-ready outputs for Scope 3 inventories. Built-in safeguards help manage claims while providing transparency over how emissions data is shared and used.
VERIFY YOUR EMISSION FACTOR
Whether you're looking to improve the quality of data used in your Scope 3 inventory or share credible, supplier-specific emissions data with customers and value chain partners, independent verification can give you confidence in the data you report and share.
Get in touch to explore how verified emission factors can support your Scope 3 goals.