Net Zero Now Certification Plan

Carbon Abatement Framework for Seychelles

26.4% Reduction by 2030
Net Zero by 2050
ISO 14067 Standards

Executive Summary

The Net Zero Now Certification Plan provides a comprehensive framework for carbon abatement in Seychelles, targeting a 26.4% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving a decarbonized net-zero economy by 2050.

By leveraging ISO 14067 standards, independent auditing, and meticulous Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) vetting, this framework ensures credibility and effectiveness of carbon reduction efforts while fostering economic growth through green job creation and local capacity building.

Key Targets & Metrics

Emission Reduction Target: 293.8 ktCO2e
Current Emissions (2020): 558.60 Gg CO2e
Mitigation Funding: USD 331.5M
Adaptation Funding: USD 388M

Current Emissions Profile

Sector Breakdown

Energy Sector
77%
AFOLU Sector
13%
Waste Sector
8%
IPPU Sector
2%

Note: The Energy sector's dominance (77%) is primarily driven by electricity power generation and road transportation, making it the critical focus area for emission reduction efforts.

ISO 14067 Standards Framework

Life Cycle Assessment

  • • Comprehensive carbon footprint quantification
  • • Cradle-to-grave emission analysis
  • • System boundary definition
  • • Impact category assessment

Verification & Validation

  • • Independent third-party verification
  • • Data quality assessment
  • • Methodology compliance review
  • • Critical review process

Documentation & Reporting

  • • Standardized reporting format
  • • Transparency requirements
  • • Data source documentation
  • • Uncertainty analysis

Independent Auditing Process

Audit Framework Structure

Pre-Audit Phase

Auditor Selection

Accredited third-party auditors with ISO 14067 expertise

Scope Definition

Clear audit boundaries and objectives establishment

Documentation Review

Initial assessment of submitted materials

Audit Execution

On-site Verification

Physical inspection and data validation

Stakeholder Interviews

Key personnel and process owners consultation

Compliance Assessment

Standards adherence and gap analysis

Audit Criteria & Key Performance Indicators

Data Accuracy

±5% tolerance

Methodology Compliance

100% adherence

Timeliness

On-schedule delivery

Transparency

Full documentation

Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Vetting

EPD Validation Criteria

Technical Accuracy

  • • LCA methodology verification
  • • Data source validation
  • • Calculation accuracy review
  • • Impact assessment verification

Compliance Assessment

  • • ISO 14025 standard adherence
  • • Program operator requirements
  • • Product category rules (PCR) compliance
  • • Critical review completion

Vetting Workflow

1
Initial Document Submission
2
Preliminary Review & Screening
3
Detailed Technical Assessment
4
Independent Verification
5
Final Approval & Registration

Quality Assurance Measures

Multi-Expert Review

Minimum 3 independent reviewers per EPD

Random Sampling

10% of approved EPDs undergo additional audit

Continuous Monitoring

Annual validity reviews and updates

Sectoral Implementation Framework

Energy Sector (77%)

  • • Renewable energy transition
  • • Energy efficiency programs
  • • Smart grid implementation
  • • Power generation optimization
Priority Level: Critical

Transport

  • • Electric vehicle adoption
  • • Public transport electrification
  • • Alternative fuel development
  • • Active mobility promotion
Priority Level: High

Tourism

  • • Sustainable tourism practices
  • • Green certification programs
  • • Carbon offset mechanisms
  • • Eco-friendly accommodations
Priority Level: High

Solid Waste (8%)

  • • Waste-to-energy facilities
  • • Circular economy initiatives
  • • Composting programs
  • • Plastic reduction strategies
Priority Level: Medium

AFOLU (13%)

  • • Forest conservation programs
  • • Sustainable agriculture practices
  • • Blue carbon ecosystem protection
  • • Biodiversity conservation
Priority Level: High

Coastal Management

  • • Mangrove restoration
  • • Coral reef protection
  • • Coastal infrastructure resilience
  • • Sea level rise adaptation
Priority Level: High

Monitoring, Reporting & Verification (MRV) System

System Architecture

Monitoring

Continuous data collection and performance tracking across all sectors

Reporting

Standardized reporting formats for national and international obligations

Verification

Independent validation of reported data and methodologies

Key Framework Components

Uniform Process Implementation

Standardized procedures across all government institutions and sectors

Common Sectoral Assumptions

Consistent baseline assumptions for cross-sector comparability

NAMA Support Integration

Alignment with Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions

BTR Compliance

Regular Biennial Transparency Report submissions

Data Management Protocol

1
Data Collection

Automated and manual data gathering from all emission sources

2
Quality Assurance

Data validation, completeness checks, and uncertainty assessment

3
Analysis & Reporting

Trend analysis, projection modeling, and report generation

4
External Review

Independent verification and international peer review

Capacity Building & Green Jobs Creation

Strategic Objectives

Human Resource Development

  • Technical expertise in carbon accounting and LCA methodologies
  • Professional certification programs for auditors and verifiers
  • Cross-sector knowledge transfer and best practices sharing
  • International collaboration and knowledge exchange

Institutional Strengthening

  • Enhanced data collection and management systems
  • Improved inter-agency coordination mechanisms
  • Civil society and private sector engagement
  • Continuous improvement and innovation culture

Professional Development

Certification Programs

ISO 14067 Lead Auditor certification

Technical Training

LCA software and methodology training

Continuous Education

Annual professional development requirements

Green Job Creation

Direct Employment

Carbon auditors, LCA specialists, data analysts

Indirect Opportunities

Consultancy services, software development

Skills Development

Technical, analytical, and communication skills

Knowledge Networks

Regional Partnerships

Indian Ocean climate networks

International Cooperation

UNFCCC knowledge sharing platforms

Innovation Hubs

Climate tech and sustainability centers

Implementation Timeline & Milestones

Phase 1: Foundation (2024-2026)

Establish certification framework
Train initial auditor cohort
Launch pilot programs
Develop MRV systems

Phase 2: Scaling (2027-2030)

Full-scale sector implementation
Achieve 26.4% emission reduction
Expand green job creation
Regular BTR submissions

Phase 3: Net Zero (2031-2050)

Deep decarbonization programs
Carbon neutrality achievement
Regional leadership role
Technology transfer programs

Financial Framework & Funding Mechanisms

Investment Requirements

Mitigation Actions

USD 331.5M

Direct carbon reduction initiatives across all sectors

Adaptation Actions

USD 388M

Climate resilience and adaptation measures

Total Investment

USD 719.5M

Combined mitigation and adaptation funding

Funding Sources

Public Funding

Government budget allocation and sovereign bonds

Private Investment

Corporate partnerships and green bonds

Climate Finance

GCF, bilateral, and multilateral funding

Carbon Markets

Carbon credit revenues and offset mechanisms

Governance & Institutional Framework

Institutional Structure

National Climate Authority

Overall policy coordination and strategic oversight

Certification Board

Technical standards development and compliance monitoring

Independent Audit Office

Third-party verification and quality assurance

Stakeholder Advisory Panel

Multi-stakeholder consultation and feedback mechanism

Key Responsibilities

Policy Development

  • • Regulatory framework establishment
  • • Technical standards updating
  • • International alignment

Implementation Oversight

  • • Program monitoring and evaluation
  • • Performance assessment
  • • Corrective action implementation

Stakeholder Engagement

  • • Public consultation processes
  • • Private sector collaboration
  • • Civil society participation

International Reporting

  • • UNFCCC compliance
  • • BTR submissions
  • • International peer review

Risk Management & Mitigation Strategies

Identified Risks

Technical Risks

  • • Data quality and availability issues
  • • Methodology standardization challenges
  • • Technology integration difficulties

Financial Risks

  • • Funding shortfalls and delays
  • • Economic volatility impacts
  • • Cost overruns and budget constraints

Institutional Risks

  • • Capacity building delays
  • • Regulatory compliance gaps
  • • Stakeholder engagement challenges

External Risks

  • • Climate change physical impacts
  • • International standard changes
  • • Global economic disruptions

Mitigation Strategies

Technical Mitigation

  • • Robust data management systems
  • • Regular methodology updates
  • • Redundant verification processes
  • • Continuous training programs

Financial Mitigation

  • • Diversified funding portfolio
  • • Contingency fund establishment
  • • Phased implementation approach
  • • Revenue generation mechanisms

Institutional Mitigation

  • • Strong governance frameworks
  • • Clear accountability mechanisms
  • • Regular stakeholder engagement
  • • Adaptive management approach

Conclusion & Next Steps

Strategic Vision

The Net Zero Now Certification Plan represents a transformative approach to carbon abatement in Seychelles, providing a comprehensive framework that integrates international standards, robust verification mechanisms, and sustainable development principles. By leveraging ISO 14067 standards, independent auditing, and meticulous EPD vetting, this initiative ensures the credibility and effectiveness of the nation's carbon reduction efforts while fostering economic growth through green job creation and local capacity building.

Immediate Actions (Next 6 Months)

Establish National Climate Authority
Launch stakeholder consultation process
Initiate auditor training programs
Secure initial funding commitments

Medium-term Goals (1-2 Years)

Deploy comprehensive MRV systems
Complete pilot program implementations
Achieve first certification milestones
Establish regional partnerships

Success Factors

Collaboration

Strong partnership among government, businesses, and communities

Innovation

Embracing cutting-edge practices and technologies

Standards

Unwavering commitment to rigorous international standards

Vision Statement

"As Seychelles advances toward its ambitious climate targets, this certification plan will serve as a beacon of excellence, demonstrating how small island developing states can lead the global transition to carbon neutrality while preserving their unique natural heritage and fostering sustainable economic development for future generations."