The disclosure, not the score
GSF certifies that an organisation has completed and publicly disclosed an SCI calculation with sufficient detail for the community to understand and evaluate it. We verify that all required information is present — not that the methodology is sound, the arithmetic is correct, or the score is accurate. Responsibility for accuracy and conformity with ISO/IEC 21031:2024 sits entirely with the applicant through self-attestation. This keeps the programme lightweight and accessible while public disclosure provides the credibility — anyone can read your submission and assess it for themselves.
Open to all
SCI Self Certification is available to any organisation that has calculated an SCI score according to ISO/IEC 21031:2024. There are no membership requirements, fees, or restrictions on organisation size, type, or domain. The more organisations measuring and disclosing their software carbon intensity, the stronger the standard becomes. The programme is free — if you've measured your SCI score, you're ready to apply.
How certification works
The programme is designed to be straightforward. Certificates are valid for one year, after which resubmission is required.
1. Self-attestation questionnaire
The applicant completes a questionnaire confirming their SCI methodology, scope, and data sources. Liability for accuracy sits with the applicant.
2. Completeness review
GSF staff check that the submission is complete. An AI-assisted filter may be used to speed up this step.
3. Working group review
The Software Standards Working Group has the opportunity to review the submission and raise any objections.
4. Sign-off
The GSF Executive Director or Chair reviews the outcome of the working group review and signs the certificate.
5. Publication
The certificate is issued and published at the agreed disclosure level — covering at minimum the product name, organisation, date, and signatory.
6. Annual renewal
Certificates are valid for one year. Organisations must resubmit annually to maintain their certification status.