You are here: Home > How It Works > Verification > Steps to Project Verification
Steps to Project Verification
- Verification body receives accreditation: Verification body meets all accreditation requirements and two Lead Verifiers successfully complete a Reserve-sponsored project verification training workshop.
- Project developer selects accredited verification body: Project developer contacts one or more verification bodies listed on the Reserve to discuss verification activities. Project developer selects an organization to verify its GHG emissions reductions or removals and begins to negotiate contract terms.
- Verification body submits case-specific Notification of Verification Activities and Conflict of Interest (NOVA/COI) Form: After a project developer chooses a verification body, the verification body must submit a NOVA/COI Form to the Reserve for the proposed scope of the planned verification and to establish that the likelihood of a COI between parties is low or that risk of any conflict can be sufficiently mitigated by the verifier. The form must be submitted at least 10 business days prior to the first scheduled verification meeting.
- Reserve sends approval to proceed to verification body: The Reserve reviews the NOVA/COI Form and supporting information to determine the level of risk associated with the proposed project developer/verifier relationship, and notifies the verifier of its determination.
- Verification body & project developer finalize contract and verification criteria: When the Reserve provides a favorable COI determination between a project developer and verification body, the verification body may finalize their contract and the verification criteria with a project developer.
- Verification body conducts verification activities: Verification body follows the guidance in the Project Verification Manual and the applicable project verification protocol to evaluate a project developer’s GHG emissions reductions or removals.
- Verification body prepares Verification Report, Verification Opinion, List of Findings for project developer: Verification body prepares a detailed summary (Verification Report) of the verification activities, List of Findings containing material and immaterial issues and the Verification Opinion for project developer’s review, prior to uploading the opinion electronically within the Reserve.
- Verification body shares List of Findings with both the project developer and the Reserve: A confidential list of material and immaterial findings is sent to both the project developer and the Reserve. This gives the project developer the opportunity to correct any errors found and the Reserve the opportunity to request information regarding the findings.
- Verification body & project developer discuss Verification Report, List of Findings, and Verification Opinion: Verification body meets with project developer (this can be a conference call) to discuss Verification Report and Opinion.
- Project developer uploads documents to the Reserve: project developer then submits all documentation to the Reserve.
