Greenhouse gas inventory certificate (GHG) is a certificate certifying the professional competence of an organization or individual in carrying out activities related to GHG emissions inventory, including collecting operational data, calculating emissions, preparing reports and participating in verification in accordance with legal regulations and international standards. This certificate acts as a "passport" to help ensure the transparency, science and verifiability of the inventory process. Join GREEN IN to learn about the types of GHG inventory certificates in the content below!
Legal basis
Greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory certificates are formed and implemented based on Vietnam's current legal system on environmental protection and GHG emission management.
- Law on Environmental Protection 2020: Articles 91 and 92 stipulate the responsibilities of large emitters in conducting periodic GHG inventories and reporting to competent state management agencies.
- Decree No. 06/2022/ND-CP dated January 7, 2022: Regulations on emission inventory, measurement, reporting and assessment activities
- Decree 119/2024/ND-CP dated September 27, 2024: Detailed guidance on the implementation of a number of articles of the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection on climate change response, including contents related to greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory. In which, clearly stipulates the responsibilities of large emission facilities, ministries, branches and localities in conducting periodic GHG emissions inventory and reporting.
- Circular 01/2022/TT-BTNMT dated January 7, 2022: Technical guidance on GHG inventories, including calculation methods, emission factors, reporting templates and inventory steps for each sector such as energy, industry, agriculture, waste and land use.
In addition, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has also issued many other decisions, plans and guiding documents on training, fostering and certification of greenhouse gas inventories. For example, in Decision 2626/QD-BTNMT dated December 31, 2022, the Ministry approved the Plan for implementing GHG inventories and building carbon markets in Vietnam, which emphasizes the development of human resources and training of inventory and verification experts. These documents are an important basis for legalizing training activities and recognizing the capacity of organizations and individuals through certification.
Types of greenhouse gas inventory certificates
Currently, greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory certificates are classified according to each group of subjects participating in inventory activities:
Firstly, the certificate is for officers and specialists who directly take inventory at the enterprise.. This is a type of greenhouse gas inventory certificate issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) or authorized units to individuals who have attended a formal training course on GHG inventory methods. These officials are responsible for preparing annual inventory reports of emission facilities according to the provisions of the Law on Environmental Protection 2020 and Decree 06/2022/ND-CP.
Second, certificates for consulting units and training organizations. This is a greenhouse gas inventory certificate that recognizes the legal and professional capacity of organizations participating in training, fostering, or consulting activities to conduct GHG inventories. These organizations need to be assessed and licensed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to ensure the quality of training and transparency in the inventory process. This certificate also facilitates businesses to access qualified consulting services, thereby improving the reliability of emission reporting data.
Third, beyond the national scope, many international organizations have developed globally recognized greenhouse gas inventory certificate. Notable among them are:
- ISO 14064 – The international standard for measuring, reporting and verifying GHG emissions issued by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). ISO 14064 certification helps businesses ensure transparency and recognition when participating in global supply chains.
- GHG Protocol (Greenhouse Gas Protocol) – A global standard developed by WRI and WBCSD that defines how GHG emissions are calculated and reported. GHG Protocol training certifications are widely accepted by multinational corporations and non-governmental organizations.
Combining both domestic and international certifications helps businesses and organizations in Vietnam not only comply with national laws, but also have the capacity to participate in international markets, especially in the context of the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) coming into effect.
Procedures and conditions for certification
To be granted a greenhouse gas inventory (GHG) certificate, individuals and organizations need to meet certain professional requirements as well as undergo training and assessment programs as prescribed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
First, participation conditions: According to current regulations, students participating in the GHG inventory certification training course are technical staff, environmental specialists, energy specialists or sustainability managers at enterprises. Basic conditions include: having a university degree or higher in related fields (environment, chemistry, energy, information technology, economics - engineering); having at least 1-2 years of experience in environmental management or industrial production (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, 2022).
Second, training program content: The program is designed according to national standards and IPCC guidelines (2006, 2019), including:
- Emission calculation method: using default emission factors (IPCC Tier 1) or national factors (Tier 2), combined with direct measurement methods (Tier 3).
- Collect and manage operational data: define inventory boundaries, collect data on fuel, electricity, raw materials, production processes, waste.
- Report preparation and result appraisal: instructions for preparing GHG inventory reports according to the form of Circular 01/2022/TT-BTNMT, internal appraisal process and independent verification.
Third, the process of testing/assessment and certification of greenhouse gas inventories: After completing the training course, students will have to take a competency assessment test including a written test and/or practical case studies. Assessment criteria are based on the level of understanding of the IPCC methodology, the ability to process data and prepare standard reports. Students who meet the requirements will be granted a certificate by an agency designated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. The time to issue the certificate is usually 1-3 months after completing the program.
Conclusion
In the coming time, as the roadmap for GHG inventory and carbon pricing mechanism becomes clearer, the demand for human resources with GHG inventory certification will increase sharply. This is both a challenge and an opportunity for businesses and individuals to proactively equip themselves with the necessary knowledge, skills and certifications, thereby contributing to the country's successful implementation of its commitment to reduce emissions and protect the sustainable ecosystem.