Navigating the world of carbon assurance and greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories can be a complex task for any organization. However, with the guidance and expertise provided by Schellman, a trusted leader in assurance and auditing, preparing for a smooth GHG assurance becomes a manageable and essential endeavor.

In our rapidly evolving world, climate change has become an undeniable reality that affects every corner of the globe. As humanity grapples with the consequences of its actions, the responsibility to halt and reverse climate change rests on our shoulders. Businesses, spanning all sectors, are stepping up to the plate, recognizing the urgent need to measure their carbon footprints.

When a software production company requests a security assessment of its Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Delivery (CD) pipeline, they usually want an evaluation of the strength of its existing security measures and identification of potential security risks associated with the different components involved in storing, updating, building, and deploying their application.

Unlike Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions—which are the direct and purchased energy emissions of a corporation, respectively—Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions generated from activities of assets not owned or controlled by the reporting organization.

Though all compliance frameworks require organizations to provide an inventory of in-scope systems for testing, oftentimes assessors will find these provided lists aren’t accurate. However, there are at least two big benefits to maintaining an accurate systems inventory—enhanced efficiency and better management.

For organizations seeking to build robust environmental, social, and governance (ESG) programs, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) provides one such framework that can help with global disclosure of your environmental impact. Should you choose to adhere to this standard, you would need to be assessed, after which you would receive scores regarding your environmental stewardship.

Internal Audit (IA) and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) professionals are often charged with reading SOC reports from service providers to gain an understanding of each vendor’s controls, but many may not know how you can also use these reports to also enhance, mature, and drive their own audit and governance functions.

To become FedRAMP authorized, you must pass the initial, rigorous FedRAMP assessment. But in the following years, you’ll also need to complete Annual Assessments performed by a third-party assessment organization (3PAO) if you’re interested in maintaining that compliance.