Third-Party Review & Verification Requirements

Third-party verification ensures credibility and compliance with relevant standards for Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), and Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs).

Verification Requirements by Type

Declaration Type	Key Standards	Verification Requirements
LCA Study	ISO 14040/14044	Critical review required for comparative assertions Independent external expert or panel Review of methodology, data, and interpretation
EPD	ISO 14025, EN 15804	Mandatory third-party verification Accredited verification body PCR compliance verification
PCF	ISO 14067, GHG Protocol	Optional but recommended verification Independent third-party verifier Focus on GHG emissions calculations

Verifier Qualifications

Required Competencies

Understanding of relevant standards and methodologies
Experience with LCA software and databases
Sector-specific knowledge
Verification process expertise
Professional certification (where applicable)

Independence Requirements

No involvement in conducting the assessment
No conflict of interest with the organization
No bias regarding the product or service
Financial independence from the study outcome

Verification Process

Documentation ReviewData VerificationCalculation CheckFinal Verification

Documentation Review

Key Elements:

Goal and scope definition
Functional unit appropriateness
System boundary completeness
Allocation procedures
Data quality requirements
Calculation methodologies
Assumptions and limitations

Data Verification

Verification Points:

Primary data accuracy
Secondary data appropriateness
Data quality compliance
Data source documentation
Temporal and geographic relevance
Completeness check

Calculation Check

Review Areas:

Mathematical accuracy
Unit conversions
Emission factor applications
Allocation calculations
Impact assessment methods
Uncertainty analysis

Common Issues and Solutions

Issue	Solution
Incomplete documentation	Provide detailed methodology report and data inventory
Data gaps	Document and justify proxy data or conservative estimates
Calculation errors	Implement quality control checks and validation procedures
Inconsistent methods	Develop and follow standardized calculation procedures

Preparing for Verification

Organize documentation systematically
Conduct internal review before verification
Prepare data evidence packages
Document calculation methodologies clearly
Maintain audit trail of decisions and changes
Have key personnel available for questions

Best Practices for Successful Verification:

Start preparation early in the assessment process
Maintain clear documentation throughout
Address verification findings promptly
Document all verification-related communications
Implement recommendations for improvement

Post-Verification Requirements

Maintain verified documentation
Implement any required changes
Monitor and record significant changes
Plan for regular updates and re-verification
Communicate verification status appropriately