akar.earthVVB: Definition
What is a VVB (validation and verification body)? Who accredits carbon auditors, what they check, and how Indonesian projects should choose and prepare for one.
A VVB (validation and verification body) is an independent, accredited auditing organisation that validates carbon project designs and verifies monitored results against a standard. Without a VVB’s positive opinion, a project cannot register or issue credits.
Why it matters
VVBs are the third-party check that gives carbon credits credibility. They test whether a project’s baseline, additionality, data and calculations meet the methodology, and they visit sites to confirm that what is on paper exists on the ground. Their reports are public under most programmes, so buyers and rating agencies use them as evidence.
How VVBs work
- Accreditation: most programmes require accreditation under ISO 14065 by a recognised accreditation body, or approval under another accepted scheme, with sector scopes such as AFOLU.
- Process: document review, site visit, sampling of plots and data, findings, and a final validation or verification report.
- Independence: VVBs must avoid conflicts of interest, and some programmes require rotation after a set number of audits.
- Oversight: programmes review VVB reports and can suspend VVBs for poor performance.
The proponent hires and pays the VVB, which is why programme oversight and public reports matter. See our page on validation and verification bodies.
Indonesia angle
Indonesian projects should check that a VVB is approved for the specific programme, sector scope and methodology, has staff who can work in Bahasa Indonesia, and has experience with Indonesian land tenure and community consent processes. VVB capacity in AFOLU is limited globally, so book early. Domestic registration under SRUK may involve separate verification requirements, so clarify whether the same auditor can cover both. Our validation and verification support helps projects prepare.
Common mistakes
- Hiring a VVB without the right AFOLU scope.
- Booking the audit before the data are ready.
- Not budgeting for travel to remote sites.
Related terms
See validation, verification and monitoring report, or browse the carbon standards hub.
Frequently asked questions
Who accredits VVBs?
VVBs are accredited by national accreditation bodies under ISO 14065, or approved through other routes recognised by the programme, such as CDM or CORSIA-related accreditation. Each programme publishes its own list of approved VVBs.
Can the same VVB validate and verify a project?
Programmes limit this. For example, rotation rules may require a different VVB after a number of verifications. Check the current programme rules.