How are assurance, verification, and validation defined within the NZDPU?

Due to observed variability within the market for definitions of ‘assurance’, ‘verification’, and ‘validation’, these terms are currently used interchangeably within the NZDPU Core Data Model.

The NZDPU uses these terms to describe the fact that an independent third party has been solicited by a reporting entity to provide assurance, verification and/or validation activities on their greenhouse gas emissions inventory after it has been quantified. These activities result in varying ‘levels’ of assurance and/or verification, based on the standard followed and the party performing the assurance/verification activity. For example, an entity may obtain one level of assurance/verification for a portion of its greenhouse gas emissions inventory and another level for another part of its greenhouse gas emissions inventory.

Similar to emissions, an entity that reports emissions reduction targets can seek validation of that target by a third party. Requirements for target validation are determined by the party performing the validation.