Verra Conducts Quality Review of VCS Methodologies, Inactivates 10 with No Use

Verra is conducting a comprehensive review of all methodologies in the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program. As per Section 5 of the Methodology Development and Review Process, v4.3 (MDRP) (PDF), Verra will conduct (1) a periodic review of each VCS methodology, module, and tool within five years after its last update or review, and (2) periodic reviews of methodologies from approved greenhouse gas (GHG) programs eligible for use under the VCS Program.

This initiative reflects Verra’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and quality of its standards programs. It ensures that all VCS methodologies continue to satisfy updated VCS Program requirements and reflect best practices, the latest science, and evolving market conditions and technical developments in their sectors.

Any methodology review process and ensuing revisions will follow the process outlined in the MDRP, v4.3 (PDF).

• Step 1: The first step of a methodology review process always includes a review by Verra. This may include requesting input from various stakeholders, including the developers of previous methodology versions, a validation/verification body, and external experts.
• Step 2: The next step depends on the outcomes of the initial review by Verra.
  • If the review determines that the methodology meets all VCS Program rules and requirements and reflects best practice and scientific consensus, no further action is taken.
  • If a review determines that the methodology requires a correction or clarification, Verra issues a correction and clarification document.
  • Where the review determines that the methodology requires a minor or major revision, Verra or a third-party developer revises the methodology following the procedures in the MDRP, v4.3 (PDF)

Verra may also choose to inactivate VCS methodologies where no projects have been registered within the past five years, per Section 5.1.4 of the MDRP, v4.3 (PDF).

In accordance with this guidance, Verra is inactivating 10 methodologies in the VCS Program that have not been used by new projects in the past five years.

Per the VCS Standard, v4.5 (PDF), Section 3.22.3, project proponents may use inactivated methodology versions for up to six months after the date they become inactive. Project proponents may also request that Verra reactivate an inactive methodology by following the requirements listed in the MDRP, v4.3 (PDF).

The following 10 VCS methodologies with no use in the past five years have been inactivated as of September 11, 2023.

Verra will also exclude Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Climate Action Reserve (CAR) methodologies with no or low use from use in the VCS Program. For a list of eligible CDM and CAR methodologies, please see the Methodologies page on the Verra website