Grouped Projects
A VCS grouped project combines multiple project activities into a single, combined project that adds new instances over time. Using VCS requirements for grouped projects, a project proponent may avoid undergoing a full validation for each new instance added to the project. This can allow projects to scale up over time and reduce transaction costs.
A grouped project is similar to the UN Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Program of Activities (PoA). VCS has its own unique requirements. The project proponent must:
Predetermine eligibility
The project proponent sets the geographic boundaries for the grouped project, including where new project activity instances may be added, and establishes criteria for determining the eligibility of future instances. These requirements are included in the project description (PD).
Complete initial validation
The project proponent contracts a validation/verification body (VVB) to assess the grouped project based on the initial project activity instances and to assess whether the eligibility criteria are appropriate for determining the validity of future instances.
Undergo verification
The project proponent contracts a VVB to verify the monitored emission reduction or removals for the project activity instances that have been validated to be part of the grouped project.
Add new instances
The project proponent may include new project activity instances during a verification event. The contracted VVB assesses that the project activity instances comply with the eligibility criteria and fall within the pre-determined geographic boundary. New instances are then monitored with the other project activity instances and emission reductions are verified.
Other Programs
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Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard
A flexible framework for assessing and reporting on the sustainable development benefits of project-based activities,…
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Verified Carbon Standard
The VCS Program is the world’s leading voluntary program for the certification of GHG emission reduction projects
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Initiative for Climate Action Transparency
Supporting countries around the world in the evaluation of the climate, sustainable development and transformational impacts of their policies and actions
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