A VCS grouped project combines multiple project activity instances 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.