Advanced Refrigeration - ARS2019001

Audit Analysis

A straightforward advanced-refrigerant substitution project in New Jersey and Pennsylvania with a VVB-confirmed combined additionality test, but undermined by six material findings—including an incorrect baseline emissions calculation for the Sparta, NJ site—and a 0% leakage deduction whose justification is contradictory across documents. The 3-year gap between the monitoring window (Oct–Nov 2019) and the verification report (Nov 2022) further weakens confidence in the MRV chain.

Project Description

Red Flags

• ⚠Baseline emissions for the Sparta, NJ location were calculated incorrectly due to a GWPREF,j parameter error, as flagged in the verification report; a corrective action was required to confirm the correct GWP value.
• ⚠Leakage justification is contradictory: the validation report records it as 'not addressed' while the PDD states it was 'deemed negligible,' and no quantitative or qualitative justification appears in the verification report.
• ⚠Six material findings and six corrective actions were required across the Project Plan, Monitoring Plan, and Monitoring Report, indicating significant template and methodological inconsistencies at the time of verification.
• ⚠The monitoring period spans only 10 days (23 Oct – 1 Nov 2019) yet the verification report is dated 1 Nov 2022, a 3-year gap that raises questions about the timeliness and relevance of the verification.

Credit Vintages