Aerial view of neatly planted rows of crops in a green agricultural field.
Back to publications

Principles for Best-Practice Digital Verification

A white paper from SustainCERT contributing to the discussion on digital verification in carbon markets.

Why download this publication?

Carbon markets depend on the credibility of verified greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and removals. Traditional verification methods, however, are resource-intensive, costly, and slow to scale. Digital innovations are emerging as a way to make verification more accurate, efficient, and trustworthy.

This white paper introduces two blueprints for digital verification and sets out guiding principles to ensure integrity and reliability as digital approaches expand. It provides insights to help stakeholders understand:

  • How digital verification (D-VER) and integrated quantification & verification (I-Q&V) models differ,
  • Where digital tools can support data collection, quantification, and compliance checks,
  • How automation can increase efficiency while safeguarding environmental integrity,
  • The governance requirements needed to ensure high-quality and trusted outcomes,

Opportunities and challenges in applying digital verification to project types such as renewable energy and afforestation/reforestation.

Download your copy

Gain a clear, technically grounded perspective on how digitalization can transform verification in carbon markets—helping scale impact while maintaining credibility.

Access this document

Fields marked with * are mandatory.

Our other reading suggestions

Report cover showing a combine harvester in a wheat field with the title on decarbonizing food and agriculture.

Financing Decarbonization in Food and Agriculture Value Chains

This report explores climate finance, innovative funding, and collaborative strategies to scale action. Learn how businesses can leverage co-investment, market-based solutions, and value chain partnerships for real impact. Decarbonization is a business imperative—download the report to lead the transition.

Read more
Cover of the "Scope 3 Research Report" with SustainCERT logo and a green abstract pattern on the right side.

Scope 3 Research Report

A publication from SustainCERT presenting findings from a 2023 study of 500 large organizations in the US and Europe on Scope 3 emissions reporting, interventions, and verification.

Read more