SGS Audit Trail Documentation — Verification Chain of Custody

Table of Contents

1. [Introduction](#introduction)
2. [Chain of Custody](#chain-of-custody)

• 2.1 [Overview](#overview)
• 2.2 [Data Flow](#data-flow)
• 2.3 [Data Field Mappings](#data-field-mappings)

1. [Data Integrity](#data-integrity)

• 3.1 [Data Validation](#data-validation)
• 3.2 [Data Formats](#data-formats)

1. [Timestamp Verification](#timestamp-verification)

• 4.1 [Timestamp Format](#timestamp-format)
• 4.2 [Verification Procedures](#verification-procedures)

1. [Tamper Detection](#tamper-detection)

• 5.1 [Tamper Detection Mechanisms](#tamper-detection-mechanisms)

1. [Audit Log Format](#audit-log-format)

• 6.1 [Log Structure](#log-structure)
• 6.2 [Log Retention Policies](#log-retention-policies)

1. [Conformity Assessment Procedures](#conformity-assessment-procedures)
2. [References](#references)

1. Introduction

This document outlines the compliance requirements for the SGS verification bodies concerning the audit trail of carbon credit issuance via the DaedArch Corporation's sensor-based Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) platform. It details the necessary components for establishing a robust verification chain of custody that ensures data integrity, timestamp verification, tamper detection, and comprehensive audit logging.

2. Chain of Custody

2.1 Overview

The chain of custody (CoC) is a critical component in the verification process, ensuring that data collected from IoT sensors is preserved in its original form from the point of measurement through to credit issuance. Each step in this process shall be documented and verifiable to maintain transparency and trust in the data.

2.2 Data Flow

The data flow from sensor measurement to credit issuance is as follows:

1. Data Collection: IoT sensors capture environmental parameters (e.g., CO2 levels, temperature).
2. Data Transmission: Collected data is transmitted to the DaedArch platform via secure API endpoints.
3. Data Processing: The platform processes the data using certified algorithms.
4. Data Verification: Verification bodies assess the processed data against established standards.
5. Credit Issuance: Verified data is used to issue carbon credits.

2.3 Data Field Mappings

The following data fields must be captured and mapped throughout the chain of custody:

| Field Name | Description | Data Type | Source | |---------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|-------------|--------------------------| | Sensor_ID | Unique identifier for the IoT sensor | String | IoT Sensor | | Timestamp | Date and time of data capture | ISO 8601 | IoT Sensor | | Environmental_Data | Raw environmental data captured | JSON Object | IoT Sensor | | Processed_Data | Data after processing by certified algorithms | JSON Object | DaedArch Platform | | Verification_Status | Status of data verification (e.g., Pending, Verified) | String | SGS Verification Body | | Credit_ID | Unique identifier for issued carbon credits | String | SGS Verification Body | | Issuance_Timestamp | Date and time of credit issuance | ISO 8601 | SGS Verification Body |

3. Data Integrity

3.1 Data Validation

All data entering the DaedArch platform shall undergo validation checks to ensure accuracy and completeness. The following validation procedures shall be implemented:

• Schema Validation: Data must conform to predefined JSON schemas.
• Range Checks: Environmental data must fall within acceptable ranges.
• Duplicate Checks: No duplicate entries shall be allowed for the same timestamp and sensor ID.

3.2 Data Formats

Data shall be formatted according to the following specifications:

• Environmental Data: JSON format with the following structure:

`json { "Sensor_ID": "string", "Timestamp": "YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MM:SSZ", "Environmental_Data": { "CO2_Level": "float", "Temperature": "float", "Humidity": "float" } } `

• Processed Data: JSON format must include verification status:

`json { "Processed_Data": { "CO2_Level": "float", "Verification_Status": "string" } } `

4. Timestamp Verification

4.1 Timestamp Format

Timestamps shall be recorded in ISO 8601 format (YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MM:SSZ) to ensure consistency across all data entries.

4.2 Verification Procedures

The following procedures shall be implemented to verify timestamps:

• Synchronized Clocks: All IoT sensors and processing servers shall synchronize their clocks using Network Time Protocol (NTP).
• Timestamp Validation: Upon data receipt, the platform shall validate timestamps against the current time to detect anomalies.

5. Tamper Detection

5.1 Tamper Detection Mechanisms

To ensure data integrity, the following tamper detection mechanisms shall be employed:

• Cryptographic Hashing: Each data entry shall be hashed using SHA-256 before transmission. The hash shall be stored alongside the data.
• Digital Signatures: Data shall be signed by the sensor using asymmetric cryptography to verify source authenticity.
• Anomaly Detection: Implement machine learning algorithms to detect unusual patterns in data that may indicate tampering.

6. Audit Log Format

6.1 Log Structure

Audit logs shall be structured in JSON format with the following fields:

| Field Name | Description | Data Type | |---------------------|-------------------------------------------------------|-------------| | Log_ID | Unique identifier for the log entry | String | | Timestamp | Date and time of log entry | ISO 8601 | | Action | Action performed (e.g., Data Collected, Data Verified)| String | | User_ID | Identifier of the user performing the action | String | | Data_Hash | SHA-256 hash of the data entry | String | | Status | Status of the action (Success, Failure) | String |

Example log entry: `json { "Log_ID": "string", "Timestamp": "YYYY-MM-DDTHH:MM:SSZ", "Action": "Data Verified", "User_ID": "string", "Data_Hash": "string", "Status": "Success" } `

6.2 Log Retention Policies

Audit logs shall be retained for a minimum of 5 years. Logs shall be stored in a secure, immutable storage solution to prevent unauthorized access or modification.

7. Conformity Assessment Procedures

The following conformity assessment procedures shall be established:

1. Internal Audits: Conduct bi-annual internal audits of the entire verification process to ensure compliance with the established protocols.
2. Third-Party Audits: Engage independent third-party auditors to assess the integrity of the MRV platform and its processes annually.
3. Corrective Actions: Any non-conformities identified during audits shall be documented, and corrective actions shall be implemented within 30 days.

8. References

1. ISO 14064-2:2019 - Greenhouse gases — Part 2: Specification with guidance at the project level for quantification, monitoring, and reporting of greenhouse gas emission reductions or removal enhancements.
2. ISO 50001:2018 - Energy management systems — Requirements with guidance for use.
3. NIST Special Publication 800-53 - Security and Privacy Controls for Information Systems and Organizations.

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This document serves as a comprehensive guide for SGS verification bodies to ensure compliance with the outlined standards and requirements. All parties involved in the verification chain must adhere strictly to these protocols to maintain the integrity and credibility of the carbon credit issuance process.