Get a quote
DOWNLOAD PDF VERSION

What Is Cercarbono?

Cercarbono is a voluntary carbon certification standard that provides a framework for registering Climate Change Mitigation Programs or Projects (CCMPs). It facilitates the certification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions and manages the registration of carbon credits generated by these initiatives.

The primary goal of Cercarbono is to promote and support climate change mitigation efforts across various economic sectors, enhancing the dynamics of the carbon market.

In partnership with EcoRegistry, a blockchain-based project registration platform, Cercarbono ensures the security, traceability, and transparency of projects throughout their entire lifecycle—including registration, validation, monitoring, verification, certification, issuance, and the utilization of credits.

What Projects Qualify for Cercarbono Verification?

Projects that aim to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or enhancing carbon sequestration are obligated to undergo Cercarbono verification. This includes Climate Change Mitigation Programs or Projects (CCMPs) used for:

  • Renewable energy generation
  • Energy efficiency improvements
  • Waste management
  • Sustainable forestry
  • Land-use initiatives

Undergoing Cercarbono verification is essential for projects seeking to register carbon credits and participate in carbon trading. The process validates that emission reductions are real, additional, and measurable. This not only fulfils regulatory requirements but also enhances the project's reputation among investors and stakeholders committed to sustainability and climate action.

What Is the Verification Process for Cercarbono?

In the carbon market, projects must undergo a series of stages to demonstrate that their design, development, and implementation have been thoroughly evaluated, and that any necessary corrective actions have been taken.

Here are the stages of the verification process:

  1. Formulation: The project holder or developer submits a registration application to the Cercarbono board. After providing detailed project information, Cercarbono reviews the application. Once the EcoRegistry platform confirms that all requirements are met and the technical review is successful, the CCMP is approved for registration.
  2. Public Consultation: The project's details are published on Cercarbono's website, with links to the CCMP file on the registry platform for public feedback. This stage remains open for 30 calendar days
  3. Validation and Verification: To achieve validation and verification, project developers must engage an external, impartial, and Cercarbono-approved body to conduct an audit. This audit assesses compliance with all of Cercarbono's rules and requirements. Applus+ Certification is now one of the approved Verification and Validation Bodies (VVBs) authorised to verify projects with Cercarbono.

The external body assigns auditors who are specifically trained and experienced in the project's type and sector to carry out the validation and verification processes. These processes ensure that the project meets all necessary standards and that the reported emission reductions are accurate and credible.

What Are the Objectives of the Scheme?

The standard relies on normative documents and tools—such as additionality assessments, alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and carbon buffering—and rigorously enforces these elements to ensure that programs and projects meet their mitigation targets. Through this approach, Cercarbono seeks to uphold the integrity of the voluntary carbon market.

Principles Considered in Climate Change Mitigation Programs or Projects (CCMPs):

  • Coherence
  • Comparability
  • Completeness
  • Reliability
  • Conservatism
  • Consistency
  • Evidence-Based
  • Accuracy
  • Comprehensiveness
  • Integrity
  • Transparency
  • Relevance
  • No Net Harm

Principles Considered in Carbon Credits:

  • Additionality
  • Measurability
  • No Double Counting
  • Permanence
  • Realness
  • Uniqueness
  • Independent Verification

Cercarbono's principles in project registration and carbon emissions certification add substantial value to projects registered under its standard. Additionally, companies benefit in two significant ways when verifying their projects through this scheme:

  • Transparent and Reliable Reporting: Cercarbono provides a stringent verification process to validate and verify projects. Independent third-party audits ensure the integrity and reliability of reported emission reductions.
  • Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The standard emphasizes contributing to SDGs, ensuring that projects not only reduce emissions but also deliver positive social and economic impacts to local communities.

Why Choose Applus+ Certification for Cercarbono Verification?

Applus+ Certification is a globally recognized, independent, and impartial body accredited by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

Our highly qualified auditors are strategically located in over 20 countries, offering expertise across a wide range of accreditation fields. With more than a decade of experience, we have conducted over 3,000 projects in system management certification.

Accredited by the United Nations for Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects and approved by Cercarbono for validation and verification services, we have extensive experience in the following areas:

  • Biomass for Heat and Power Generation
  • Fuel Switching Initiatives
  • Renewable Energy Projects (solar, wind, hydroelectric, geothermal)
  • Energy Efficiency Improvements (efficient biomass cooking equipment, lighting, climate control solutions, water pumping methods)
  • Solid Waste Management (biogas capture in landfills for power generation, waste treatment and recycling systems, incineration, gasification)
  • Sewage Treatment Systems
  • Management of Waste from Cattle Farming and Animal Husbandry
Get a quote

Applus+ uses first-party and third-party cookies for analytical purposes and to show you personalized advertising based on a profile drawn up based on your browsing habits (eg. visited websites). Click HERE for more information. You can accept all cookies by pressing the "Accept" button or configure or reject their use by clicking here.

Cookie settings panel