Cap-and-Invest third-party emissions verification
In 2022, the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reporting regulation was updated to include a broader group of industries and to align with the requirements of the Cap-and-Invest Program. It was also updated to include an additional quality-assurance mechanism: third-party emissions verification.
Emissions reports submitted to us are reviewed and verified by our staff. Under the updated rule, certain reporters must also contract with a third-party verifier. These independent verifiers will review each entity's annual emissions reports and send us a statement each year indicating whether or not the reports are accurate.
Introduction to third-party verification for reporters
In October 2023, we held a training covering how to begin the third-party verification process in the GHGReg platform, what to expect during the verification process, and how to prepare.
Request the 3PV for Reporters training via email
Additional third-party verification trainings for emissions reporters will be listed here once we schedule them.
For trainings on how to report emissions, see our Emissions page. Refer to the Third-Party Verification Guidelines for more detailed information and instructions on third-party verification.
Forms for reporters and third-party verifiers are currently in development and will be available through the GHGReg website for registered reporters and verifiers.
Verification tips for reporters
Both verification bodies and individual verifiers must meet certain requirements to be certified in Washington, including:
- Active accreditation in California
- Demonstration of sufficient knowledge of Washington's regulations, Chapter 173-441 WAC and Chapter 173-446 WAC
Individual verifiers must also complete the Washington third-party verification training. Both lead verifier and specialized sector certification require demonstration of additional work experience and corresponding certification.
All eligible verifiers and verification bodies are invited to register in Washington using our GHGReg application.
Past trainings
To request a recording of a training, or to be added to an email list for announcements of upcoming trainings, please email GHGVerification@ecy.wa.gov.
Date |
Event |
---|---|
August 2023 |
Third-Party Verification Manual released |
August 2023 |
GHGReg User Manual for Verifiers released |
Sept. 13, 2023 |
Third-Party Individual Verifier Certification Training This training covers Washington’s general verification requirements. |
Sept.20, 2023 |
Introduction to GHGReg for Verifiers Training This training introduces the usage of the online GHGReg platform for initiating a third-party verification process, reviewing GHG emission reports, and entering a verification statement. |
Sept. 27, 2023 |
Third-Party Individual Verifier – Process Specialist Certification Training This training covers Washington’s verification requirements for process emissions. |
Oct. 25, 2023 |
Third-Party Individual Verifier – Transaction Specialist Certification Training This training covers Washington’s verification requirements for transaction emissions. |
Nov. 8, 2023 |
Third-Party Individual Verifier – Oil and Gas Specialist Certification Training This training covers Washington’s verification requirements for oil and gas emissions. |
Forms for reporters and third-party verifiers are currently in development and will be available through the GHGReg website for registered reporters and verifiers.
Conflict of interest
The purpose of the third-party verification requirement is to ensure submitted emissions reports are accurate. To serve this purpose, it is important that verifiers be impartial when reviewing reporter submissions. This requires avoiding any potential conflict of interest as outlined in Chapter 173-441-085 (7)(c)
Conflict of interest can be:
- Low: verification relationship will be approved
- Medium: verification may proceed with an approved mitigation plan
- High: verification relationship will not be approved.
Related links
Contact information
Katie Kaku
Third Party Verifier Program Specialist
GHGReporting@ecy.wa.gov
360-706-3902
Climate Commitment Act Questions