MRV (Monitoring, Reporting & Verification)
The systematic process of measuring, tracking, and validating greenhouse gas emissions or removals.
What is MRV (Monitoring, Reporting & Verification)?
MRV stands for Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification. It is a systematic process used in carbon markets and climate initiatives to ensure the transparency, accuracy, and credibility of reported greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions or removals. Monitoring involves continuous measurement and data collection, reporting is the public disclosure of this data, and verification is an independent audit to confirm the accuracy and compliance of the reported data.
Why is MRV (Monitoring Reporting & Verification) important?
MRV is absolutely essential for the integrity and trustworthiness of any climate action, especially in carbon markets. It ensures that claimed emissions reductions or carbon removals are real, measurable, additional, and permanent. Without robust MRV, there is no confidence in the climate benefits of projects, which can lead to greenwashing and undermine market credibility.
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Frequently asked questions
Verification is conducted by independent third-party verification bodies accredited by relevant standards organizations. These bodies assess the project's adherence to methodologies and data accuracy.
Key principles include transparency (clear methodologies and data), accuracy (reliable measurements), consistency (comparable data over time), completeness (all relevant sources/sinks included), and comparability (across different projects or sectors).
No, MRV applies to a wide range of climate actions, including emissions reduction projects (e.g., renewable energy, energy efficiency), carbon removal projects, and national GHG inventories.