Measurement, reporting and verification (MRV)
Measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) is the process of quantifying an outcome, such as greenhouse gas emissions, carbon removals or programme impact, reporting it with transparent methods and data, and having it checked by an independent party against a defined standard.
Also known as: MRV · dMRV · digital MRV · monitoring, reporting and verification
Why does it matter?
Climate and nature claims are only credible if the underlying numbers can be checked. MRV is required for carbon credits under standards such as Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard and Gold Standard, for national reporting under the UNFCCC, and increasingly for companies’ Scope 3 reduction and removal claims.
How does it work?
- Measurement: collecting data on activities (area, practices, trees planted and surviving) and on emission or removal factors, through field measurements, models or remote sensing, following IPCC methods or approved methodologies.
- Reporting: documenting methods, data, assumptions and uncertainty in a structured report.
- Verification: an independent, accredited body checks the report against the standard.
For smallholder programmes, MRV relies on plot-level data: plot boundaries, practice adoption, tree inventories and baselines.
Common pitfalls
- Relying on default factors when measured data would change the result.
- Sampling that is not representative of all participating farms.
- Double counting the same removals in several claims.
- No link between farmer-level data and reported totals.
Farmer1st provides the plot and farmer data layer that MRV builds on through its carbon service.
Frequently asked questions
What is digital MRV (dMRV)?
Digital MRV uses digital data collection, remote sensing, sensors and automated calculations to make measurement and reporting faster, cheaper and more traceable. Verification remains necessary, and standards set rules on which digital approaches are accepted.
Is 'monitoring' the same as 'measurement' in MRV?
The terms are often used interchangeably. UNFCCC texts use 'measurement, reporting and verification'; many project standards speak of monitoring plans and monitoring reports.
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