For several VCA project categories, you must count only the price premium for the preferred input (see Table 5 in the Certification Standard). For these costs, you must provide at least ONE form of documentation demonstrating EACH of the following Required details. This table shows the preferred form of documentation for each required attribute. If the preferred form of documentation is unavailable, an alternative form may be used.
At a minimum, you will likely provide 3-4 pieces of documentation for each VCA investment with a price premium.
Type | Requirement | Required Information | Preferred Format (PDF) | Alternative Format | Alternative 2 |
(Q) - Quantity and Proof of Purchase | Required | Date, description of input, and amount purchased | Invoice or PO showing quantity and amount paid | Summary report of multiple POs (PDF or spreadsheet) | n/a |
(C) - Cost Premium | Required | Demonstrates the cost difference between the conventional input and the preferred (lower-carbon) input | Attestation letter from supplier (Tier 1) explaining higher cost compared to conventional input | PO with costing document from supplier (PDF) | n/a |
(C) - Lower Carbon | Required | Demonstrates the emissions difference between the conventional input and the preferred (lower-carbon) input | Custom LCA showing carbon intensity or savings compared to conventional input | Reference to credible 3rd party LCA or research study | GHGP compliant emissions factor from an approved library (see EPA example) |
(C) - Content | Optional | Confirms the characteristics of the input purchased. May provide helpful information for an accurate Lower Carbon calculation. | 3rd party material certificate | GHG inventory (PDF or link to the BEE) | n/a |