Climate Claims

Climate claims verification is the independent examination of the basis and consistency of an organisation's publicly disclosed climate commitments — a net-zero target, interim reduction targets, a climate-neutral statement. Its difference from carbon neutrality is that it mostly assesses a FORWARD-LOOKING commitment.

The aim is to show that the climate commitment rests on a measurable basis, a defined scope and a traceable plan. Stating a target is easy; showing the calculation behind the target is what sets it apart.

• Companies disclosing a net-zero or reduction target
• Businesses presenting a climate commitment to investors and lenders
• Groups within scope of climate reporting
• Suppliers whose customers request a climate target
• Brands using a climate claim in advertising and communications

• The scope of the claim: which organisational boundaries, which scopes (1, 2, 3)
• Defining the base year and the target year
• Clarifying whether the target is absolute or intensity-based
• The existence of a reduction pathway and interim targets
• Whether the target is linked to a scientific reference
• The share of offsetting and removal within the target, shown separately
• The progress-tracking and reporting mechanism
• The rules for recalculating the base year
• The clarity of the claim's wording and whether the scope boundary is conveyed

• ISO 14068-1
• ISO 14064-1
• ISO 14021
• ISO 14026
• GHG Protocol

• ISO 14068-1
• ISO 14064-1
• ISO 14021
• ISO 14026
• GHG Protocol

1. 1Defining the ClaimIt is clarified which claim is being made, for which product or organisation and within what scope. A vague claim cannot be verified.
2. 2Preparation of the Supporting DataThe calculations, measurements or certificate records supporting the claim are prepared by the organisation.
3. 3Establishing the CriterionThe standard or rule set against which the claim will be assessed is identified — ISO 14068-1 for carbon neutrality, ISO 14021 for self-declared claims.
4. 4Examination of the Supporting BasisThe calculation method, data quality and assumptions are checked; the scope of the claim is compared with the scope of its supporting basis.
5. 5Assessment of the Wording of the ClaimThe wording of the claim is examined for whether the limits of its scope are conveyed clearly to the reader. A claim resting on correct data can still mislead if it is badly worded.
6. 6Verification StatementA statement is issued recording that the basis of the claim has been assessed, and setting out its scope.

In claim verification, assurance extends to the examination of the basis of the claim. The verifier does not state that the claim is true, but that the basis presented supports the claim and that the scope is stated correctly. This distinction means no assurance is given for impacts outside the scope of the claim.

• Details of the verification body
• The text of the claim and its scope
• The product, service or organisation the claim relates to
• Criteria and standard applied
• The supporting data examined and the period covered
• Scope limits and exclusions
• The verification conclusion and its period of validity

Verifying a forward-looking target is not an assurance that the target WILL BE MET. Verification assesses whether the target is defined, measurable and consistent with the available data; it does not commit to the outcome. Verification is also limited to the scope of the claim: it says nothing about emissions or activities excluded from scope. Tracking progress is a separate matter for periodic verification.

Greenhouse gas verification and validation activities are accredited under ISO 14065; the verification itself is performed to ISO 14064-3 and the competence of verification personnel is defined by ISO 14066. Assurance engagements, by contrast, are governed by assurance standards such as ISAE 3000 and do not fall within accredited certification. In both frameworks the impartiality rule is decisive: the party that performs the calculation cannot verify that same calculation. EUROLAB holds internationally recognised accreditation from accreditation bodies that are signatories to the ILAC and IAF mutual recognition arrangements; which verifications can be offered within accredited scope is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

• Carbon Neutrality
• Environmental Claims