A verified carbon footprint and a certified one are not the same thing. Verification is an independent check that a reported emissions figure was calculated correctly and is backed by evidence - it is about the number. Certification confirms a defined standard has been met, which is what NCZ’s award levels record. A client asking for “verified emissions” wants the former; one asking what level you have reached wants the latter.
Verified vs certified, at a glance
| Verification | Certification | |
|---|---|---|
| What it answers | Was this number calculated correctly? | Has a defined standard been met? |
| The subject | A single reported figure | The organisation’s overall status |
| What you get | An independent check of the figure | An award level (Blue → Platinum) |
| A client asks for it when | They want “verified emissions” data | They ask “what level are you?” |
| Where NCZ does it | Inside the certification programme | The award and certification programme |
Common questions
Is the free estimate a verified footprint?
No. The free carbon estimate is a browser-side baseline that shows the rough scale of your emissions. It is not an independently checked figure - verification happens inside the certification programme, against your actual data.
Do I need verification before certification?
They are steps in the same programme, not alternatives. Certification records that a defined standard has been met, and that rests on emissions figures NCZ has checked. Verification of the number and certification of the status happen together, inside the award and certification programme.
What are the NCZ award levels?
Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum. What each level involves is set out on the award and certification page.