Program Overview
The Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program is the world’s most widely used greenhouse gas (GHG) crediting program.
Areas of focus
How it Works
Whether focusing on geologic carbon sequestration, forestry, agriculture, or another sector, projects developed in the VCS Program must undergo a rigorous assessment process. Once certified, these projects are eligible to be issued Verified Carbon Units (VCUs), with one VCU representing one metric ton of carbon dioxide reduced or removed from the atmosphere. Projects can monetize these VCUs in the carbon market to support and scale up their climate change mitigation activities.
VCUs issued by projects that meet additional requirements can be tagged with a label that allow the associated VCU to be traded in certain markets. These labels can indicate a project’s compliance with non-VCS standards programs or that it is qualified to be traded in specific markets. Some of these labels pertain to other Verra standards, such as the Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standards, while others are external to Verra, such as the W+ Standard for projects that empower women.

VCS STANDARD
The VCS Standard (PDF) lays out the rules and requirements that projects must follow in order to be certified; in addition, the VCS Program includes three other essential components:
INDEPENDENT AUDITING
VCS Program projects are subject to independent auditing by both Verra staff and qualified third parties. This ensures that a project meets the standard’s rules and requirements; that its methodologies are properly applied; that it complies with local laws and regulations; and that no local stakeholders experience negative repercussions because of the project.
ACCOUNTING METHODOLOGIES
Accounting Methodologies set out detailed procedures and peer-reviewed emission reduction formulas for quantifying the GHG benefits of a project. Each methodology covers a specific set of activities for a distinct project type.
REGISTRY SYSTEM
Finally, all information related to VCS projects is stored and publicly available in a Registry System. The Verra Registry also tracks the generation and retirement of all VCUs.
In addition to this system of checks and balances, each VCS Program project undergoes a public comment period during which anyone can indicate whether they believe the project meets VCS Program standards. These comments enter the Verra Registry and must be considered by the project leads.
See Recent VCS News
Starting a VCS Project: What to Expect
Looking to develop a project using the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS)? This section outlines important information you should know before you begin.
1. Before You Begin
2. Fees and Finances
3. Timelines
4. Next Steps
VCS at a glance
-
1B+
Tonnes of greenhouse gases removed
-
2,000+
VCS projects around the world
-
88
Countries using the VCS for projects