In a low-carbon business environment, emissions figures can build trust. However, these claims need credible data and verifiable evidence.

When Green Claims Become a Reputation Gamble

Imagine two companies announcing that they have successfully reduced their emissions. Both have climate targets and sustainability reports. However, only one can demonstrate consistent data, clear calculation methods, and evidence that can be independently examined.

This difference can determine how much customers, business partners, and other stakeholders trust their claims.

In Indonesia, carbon emissions verification is receiving greater attention as part of efforts to promote greener industries. On June 8, 2026, ANTARA reported the Ministry of Industry’s efforts to strengthen carbon emissions verification services to support industrial transformation and the net-zero emissions target. This development highlights the importance of credible data in emissions reporting.

The Biggest Risk Is Not Always High Emissions, but Unaccountable Data

Measuring emissions involves more than adding up electricity bills and fuel consumption. Companies need to define reporting boundaries, identify relevant emission sources, select appropriate emission factors, and document assumptions and calculation methods.

Without these processes, emissions figures may provide an incomplete picture. Inconsistent data can also make it difficult to compare performance across reporting periods and demonstrate progress toward emissions reduction targets.

By contrast, a robust data management system helps management set priorities and allocate investments more effectively.

On September 15, 2025, ANTARA reported the importance of Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) processes in supporting the validity of climate change mitigation reports. Transparency, accuracy, consistency, completeness, and comparability are essential principles for improving the reliability of emissions information.

What Is GHG Verification and Why Does It Matter?

GHG verification, or greenhouse gas verification, is an independent assessment of reported greenhouse gas information or statements. Its purpose is to determine whether the information is supported by sufficient evidence and meets the applicable criteria.

According to ISO 14064-3:2019, GHG validation and verification involve principles, requirements, and guidance for assessing greenhouse gas statements.

The assessment may cover activity data, emission factors, calculation methods, assumptions, reporting boundaries, and supporting evidence. This enables stakeholders to better understand the basis of reported emissions figures.

Verification does not mean that a company produces no emissions. Instead, it assesses whether the reported emissions information is adequately supported by evidence and meets the applicable assessment criteria.

Verification also differs from validation. Verification generally focuses on GHG information that has already been reported. Meanwhile, validation assesses the feasibility of a proposed statement or approach within the relevant context and program.

Who Needs GHG Verification?

GHG verification is not limited to companies that sell carbon credits. Organizations may also need it when preparing a GHG inventory, monitoring operational emissions, or demonstrating the results of mitigation projects.

Relevant organizations include:

• Manufacturers seeking to measure emissions from energy consumption and production processes.
• Energy facilities and power plants reporting operational emissions.
• Organizations tracking their GHG inventories and emissions reduction targets.
• Mitigation project developers measuring and reporting emissions reduction results.
• Companies that need to provide traceable emissions data to customers and supply chain partners.

The appropriate standard depends on the subject of the assessment. ISO 14064-1 covers the quantification and reporting of GHG emissions at the organizational level. Meanwhile, ISO 14064-2 focuses on quantifying and reporting GHG emission reductions or increased GHG removals at the project level. ISO 14064-3 addresses the validation and verification of GHG statements.

Five Ways to Prepare Emissions Reports for Verification

1. Define clear reporting boundaries. Specify the organization, facilities, reporting period, and emission sources covered.

2. Maintain traceable activity data. Keep supporting records, including energy bills, fuel consumption records, production data, and other relevant documents.

3. Document calculation methods and emission factors. Record emission factors, reference sources, assumptions, and the reasons for any changes in methodology.

4. Maintain consistency across reporting periods. Document changes to boundaries, methods, or data sources to ensure meaningful performance comparisons.

5. Establish clear data responsibilities. Identify who collects, reviews, approves, and maintains each set of data.

These preparations make GHG verification part of ongoing data management and performance improvement, rather than an activity performed only before a reporting deadline.

Why Is Data Quality Becoming More Important in Indonesia’s Carbon Market?

The development of carbon markets has increased attention to data transparency and traceability. On July 10, 2026, Kompas.com reported the launch of Indonesia’s National Carbon Unit Registry System and the start of trading for several carbon projects.

A transparent registry system helps clarify the status of carbon units and reduce the risk of double counting. For companies, this development reinforces the importance of traceable emissions data.

However, this does not mean that every company automatically has the same verification obligations. The applicable requirements and approaches depend on the sector, report type, carbon scheme, program, and customer requirements.

Start with Strong Data, Not Just Strong Claims

Credible climate commitments need to be supported by explainable data. Companies can begin by mapping emission sources, assigning data owners, documenting calculation methods, and checking the consistency of internal information.

Through services related to GHG accounting and verification, subject to its available service scope, CBQA Global supports organizations in understanding emissions data management and verification needs. Before an assessment, companies should ensure that the scope, criteria, data, and applicable standards are clearly defined.

Conclusion: In the Era of Green Claims, Evidence Makes the Difference

Companies cannot simply claim that their emissions have decreased. They need to explain how the figures were calculated, where the data came from, and what evidence supports their claims.

GHG verification helps organizations strengthen the credibility of emissions information and promote transparency in sustainability reporting. With reliable data, companies have a stronger basis for evaluating performance and communicating their climate progress.

Strengthen Emissions Reporting Credibility with CBQA Global

Is your organization preparing a GHG inventory or getting ready for emissions report verification?

Contact CBQA Global to discuss your GHG accounting and verification needs within the available service scope. Our team can help you understand the relevant standards, assessment requirements, and the importance of documented evidence in emissions reporting.

Email: info@cbqaglobal.com
WhatsApp: 0811 8468 777
Phone: +62 21 2781 4200

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