How Greenhouse Gas Calculations Are Verified Under ISCC
As governments set stricter greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, transparency in how emissions are measured and verified has become a cornerstone of sustainable fuel certification. For companies involved in biofuels and renewable energy, accurate GHG calculations determine not only regulatory compliance but also commercial competitiveness.
Under the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) system, GHG verification ensures that every stage of the supply chain—from raw material collection to fuel production—contributes to real, quantifiable emissions reductions.
What GHG Verification Means in ISCC
ISCC requires participants to calculate the lifecycle GHG emissions of their products in line with methodologies established under Annex V of the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II). This includes emissions from:
Cultivation or collection of feedstocks Processing and conversion into biofuels Transport and distribution Potential credits from improved energy efficiency or by-product useThese values are expressed as grams of CO₂ equivalent per megajoule of energy (gCO₂e/MJ). The lower the value, the greater the fuel’s contribution to decarbonization.
How Verification Works
When a company undergoes an ISCC audit, GHG data are verified through documentation review, cross-checking against energy inputs, and site inspection. Auditors assess:
Energy and material balance calculations Data sources and measurement methods Consistency with ISCC and RED II calculation rules Evidence supporting any default or actual values usedIf a company uses actual GHG values rather than standard defaults, it must provide detailed supporting data. This can yield significant benefits because accurate, verifiable values often demonstrate better performance and create market advantages.
Why It Matters for Market Access
Accurate GHG verification allows companies to:
Qualify their fuels for compliance markets like the EU, Canada, and California Generate higher-value carbon credits or lower CI scores Demonstrate leadership in sustainability reportingInaccurate or incomplete data, by contrast, can delay certification or disqualify products from key programs.
AmSpec’s Role
AmSpec supports clients by verifying ISCC GHG calculations with a combination of scientific expertise and industry experience. Our auditors and technical specialists ensure that emissions data meet the highest standards of accuracy and transparency.
By combining certification with laboratory testing and inspection services, AmSpec provides clients with an integrated path from data collection to regulatory compliance—ensuring confidence in every GHG value reported.
