Accounting & Integrity
Verification body
An accredited independent organisation that assesses reported project results against the methodology.
The verification body examines monitoring reports, tests data, reviews assumptions and issues an opinion on whether results are fairly stated. Its independence is what gives issued credits credibility.
Independence has practical limits. The body is paid by the project developer, which creates a commercial relationship even where rotation and conflict-of-interest rules apply. Accreditation oversight exists precisely because of this tension.
Frequently asked questions
Can the same body validate and verify?
Often yes, within limits set by the standard, and some programmes require rotation.
What does accreditation mean?
That the body has been assessed as competent to perform verification under a specific scheme.