Natasha Jayamanne
Assistant Director, SLAB

In line with Sustainable Development Goal 13: Climate Action, the Sri Lanka Accreditation Board (SLAB) recognizes the need for promotion of accreditation in Greenhouse Gas Validation and Verification (ISO 14065)-related schemes. SLAB gained Asia Pacific Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangement status for ISO 14065 in 2016 and IAF Multilateral Recognition Arrangement status for the same scope in 2018.

Since then, SLAB has granted accreditation to three validation and verification bodies (VVBs) under ISO 14065 for different scopes. SLAB has expanded its activities to cover the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), further acknowledging the need for a global shift towards more sustainable practices.

SLAB has engaged with international and local partners such as scheme owners, state authorities, aeroplane operators and potential VVBs for actions including scheme implementation, capacity building, and knowledge sharing.

What is CORSIA?

CORSIA was introduced by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as a measure intended to ensure carbon-neutral growth in international aviation from 2020 onwards. CORSIA is applicable to international aviation and has several phases for member states:

Why is CORSIA applicable to Sri Lanka?

Monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of emissions in order to help establish the global emissions baseline is mandatory for a state to be environmentally responsible. In addition, it gives additional value to a state that promotes eco-friendly practices such as eco-tourism and reduced carbon footprints, such as Sri Lanka.

Implementation Roadmap for CORSIA in Sri Lanka

Key challenges faced

As a developing island nation, Sri Lanka implemented the scheme voluntarily in consideration of the importance of reducing emissions in the airline industry. However, the importance of accreditation and validation and verification activities has not yet been recognized or regulated for most areas, including aviation. Hence, verification and validation activities and accreditation of VVBs under CORSIA is still in progress, although the scheme has been set up. However, SLAB believes that it will be able to implement the scheme soon, since some VVBs have already built their capacity in conducting audits.