Dear Colleague,
The fall season traditionally is a busy one and this year has been no different for us. As a result, we have a lot of exciting updates, so without further ado, here they are:
VCS Updates
SD VISta Updates
3R Initiative Updates
Verra-Wide Updates
VCS Updates
VCS Version 4 Released
We are always striving to ensure that our standards programs drive climate action forward effectively and efficiently. We are therefore excited about our release of Version 4 of the VCS Program on September 19, which includes several changes to ensure the post-2020 success of both the VCS Program and actions to address climate change. We want to thank all our stakeholders for your support and collaboration throughout the development of VCS Version 4 over the past two years. We held two webinars to present this new version, and the recordings of these sessions can be accessed here.
REDD+ in CORSIA
Also, as you know, we recently submitted our application for Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) to be included as eligible emissions units for the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). In this context, some questions around the inclusion of REDD+ projects and their future in general had arisen, and we held a webinar in which we discussed our CORSIA application and also our plans to update the Jurisdictional and Nested REDD+ framework. Listen to the webinar recording and view the FAQs about this topic here.
Verra Registry
In the interest of serving our stakeholders better, Verra will be transitioning from having a multi-registry system that is administered by APX and IHS Markit to a single registry administered directly by Verra early next year. Over the years, we have taken over the management of or developed new standards, including the Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standards and the Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard (SD VISta), all of which require the supporting services provided by a registry. Centralizing Verra registry administration will lead to more efficient and streamlined registry services across our programs. We are looking forward to launching our new, centralized registry on January 13. We will provide more details about this soon, as well as a revised fee schedule.
VCS Best Voluntary Standard 2019
We were honored to learn that the VCS Program has been named Environmental Finance’s “Best Voluntary Standard” for 2019! This is the 7th time that we have received this award, and we are grateful for the endorsement of all those who voted for VCS Program. Read about the winners of this year’s Voluntary Carbon Market Rankings, including views from Verra’s CEO David Antonioli, in this article from Environmental Finance.
SD VISta Updates
First Two SD VISta Projects In Registration Process
The SD VISta Program reached a major milestone by having its first two projects begin the registration process.The Darkwoods Forest Carbon Project is a combined VCS, CCB and SD VISta project. It produces sustainable development benefits by protecting and enhancing ecosystem services through preventing deforestation in the region. The Grouped OFF-GRID Renewable Energy Project in India is a combined VCS and SD VISta project that is producing sustainable development benefits to communities through the provision of clean and reliable renewable energy. We are excited to see these projects continue the registration process after undergoing thorough assessment.
3R Initiative Updates
3R Project Standard Development Committee Launched
Verra is pleased to announce that development of the 3R Project Standard is underway! The Project Standard will help the 3R Initiative achieve its mission of increasing plastic waste reduction, recovery and recycling. With a global multi-stakeholder committee to guide the process, there will be many opportunities for other stakeholders to engage. Read more about the Project Standard and its committee members here.
Verra-Wide Updates
New Employees
The growing body of our work requires more hands and minds to support it! We have therefore added a few new staff members: Breffni Lynch joined us as Verra’s Registry Manager; Hannah Robinson and Elijah Umek are new Program Officers; and Jessica Herfurth is working as a Program Officer with Market Development and Communications. We are delighted to welcome them on board!
Public Comments
A number of projects for our Verified Carbon Standard and the Climate, Community & Biodiversity (CCB) Standards are now open for public comment. We appreciate your input and invite all our stakeholders to add their comments.
Sincerely,
David Antonioli
CEO
Photos (from top to bottom): Atstock Productions / Shutterstock.com, Ashraf Ali on Unsplash, Nature Conservancy of Canada