While logistics, digitalization, hydrodynamics, machinery and after treatment carbon capture and storage measures have a potential to curb GHG emissions from shipping by up to 30% on average, the largest reduction potential lies in a fuel switch to low- or zero-carbon fuels. Shipping companies, logistics service providers and fuel producers offer programs where customers can support use of low carbon fuels by purchasing the environmental attributes associated with the low carbon fuel use. Normec Verifavia‘s LCF Program Audit and Insetting Audit services ensures the robustness of these programs and interventions, verifying that the claimed environmental attributes are accurate and transparent.
Most of the low carbon fuel programs follow a ‘book and claim’ chain of custody model. This provides a market-based solution that separates the physical delivery of low carbon fuel from its environmental benefits. For example, a biofuel producer in Rotterdam can “book” the environmental attributes of their sustainable fuel, while a shipping company operating vessels in the Pacific can “claim” those benefits, even while using conventional fuel in their actual operations. This transfer of environmental attributes works through reliable tracking systems. Companies can manage this internally, but many choose independent third-party registries for greater transparency. These registries create secure, auditable records of each claim, preventing double counting and maintaining system integrity. An LCF Program Audit is an independent assessment of a program designed to allocate the environmental attributes of low carbon fuels used for transport activity. This audit validates the program and internally managed ledgers against established frameworks like the Market Based Measures Framework by the Smart Freight Centre and verifies the accuracy of the environmental attributes reported and claimed. When third-party registries, like 123Carbon, are chosen Normec Verifavia works the registries to verify fuel switch interventions and the associated environmental benefits for accurate claims.
Discuss your LCF program goals and verification needs with our experts.
We work with you to gather relevant data on your program design, fuel sourcing, emission reduction calculations, and claims issuance procedures.
Our auditors validate your program methodology, data sources, and emissions calculations model for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with relevant standards and guidance documents.
We evaluate your program management practices, including controls for preventing double counting and ensuring claim validity.
We verify each certificate issued by the program to ensure it accurately reflects the associated emission reductions and complies with program rules.
Upon successful completion, Normec Verifavia issues independent assurance reports attesting to the credibility and robustness of your LCF program or accuracy of insetting methodology.
We use recognized standards and guidelines for GHG verification, such as the ISO 14064 series and GLEC Framework, industry-specific guidance from organizations like IMO, and frameworks like SFC’s Market Based Measures Framework for program validation. We also use the assurance protocols developed by the registries and Normec Verifavia’s own assurance protocol for voluntary services.
You will need to provide program documentation, data on fuel sources and emission reductions, information on your claim issuance procedures, and details of individual certificates issued.
You will receive a verification report detailing the verification process, findings, and conclusions. You can use this report to demonstrate the credibility of your program to stakeholders and support your sustainability communications. Additionally, you will receive verified certificates for each individual claim issued within the program.
While we do not directly develop programs, we can provide guidance and resources to help you design a program that aligns with industry best practices and meets verification requirements.
Look for fuel suppliers that demonstrate the sustainability of their products through credible certification schemes like ISCC and RSB
