Emissions Measurement & Verification Flashcards

Which ISO standard specifies requirements for verifying and validating greenhouse gas statements?

Answer: ISO 14064-3

ISO 14064-3 gives the specification and guidance for verification and validation of GHG statements.

Under a reasonable assurance engagement, how is the verifier's opinion typically worded?

Answer: Positively, stating the GHG statement is fairly presented in all material respects

Reasonable assurance produces a positive-form opinion, while limited assurance uses negative-form wording.

A facility burns fuel containing 0.80 metric tons of carbon per ton of fuel and assumes full oxidation; how much CO2 is emitted per ton of fuel?

Answer: 2.93 t CO2

Multiplying carbon by the molecular weight ratio 44/12 gives 0.80 × 3.667 ≈ 2.93 t CO2.

Under EPA's GHG Reporting Program (40 CFR Part 98), what is the general annual reporting threshold for most source categories?

Answer: 25,000 metric tons CO2e

Most facilities must report under Part 98 if they emit 25,000 metric tons CO2e or more per year.

In 40 CFR Part 98 Subpart C, which calculation tier relies on continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS)?

Answer: Tier 4

Tier 4 requires CO2 CEMS, while Tiers 1-3 use fuel-based calculations.

What is the primary difference between validation and verification in GHG assurance?

Answer: Validation assesses forward-looking claims or project plans, while verification assesses historical data

Validation evaluates the reasonableness of assumptions for future outcomes, whereas verification evaluates reported historical claims.

A verifier sets a 5% materiality threshold on a 200,000 t CO2e inventory and finds aggregate misstatements of 7,500 t CO2e; what conclusion follows?

Answer: The misstatement is immaterial because it is below 10,000 t

5% of 200,000 is 10,000 t, so 7,500 t of aggregate misstatement falls below the threshold.