9 December 2010 – A new methodology for crediting reductions of greenhouse gases achieved through home weatherization was approved for use under the VCS Program Thursday.
The methodology was developed by MaineHousing, and it is the first approach approved by VCS to incentivize weatherization of homes.
Using the methodology, a range of energy efficiency measures such as adding insulation, replacing appliances and enhancing efficiency of heating/cooling systems can be adopted by homes owners. The methodology uses an innovative performance benchmark approach to crediting carbon reduction efforts. Weatherized homes that achieve energy efficiencies beyond a pre-determined benchmark are eligible for carbon credits.
The methodology was assessed under the VCS Methodology Approval Process, and approval means that projects may now use it to account for carbon emission reductions and issue Voluntary Carbon Units (VCUs).
“This methodology is a breakthrough on two levels,” said VCS CEO David Antonioli. “It’s the first performance benchmark approach developed under the VCS, so it points the way to the crediting frameworks of the future, which will reduce transaction costs and allow a number of similar individual projects to generate credits with a simple and standardized approach. In addition, this is the first methodology under the VCS to credit home weatherization, which has tremendous potential for reducing emissions.”
The methodology is called the VM0008 Methodology for Weatherization of Single and Multi- Family Buildings, and it was reviewed by two independent auditors under the VCS Methodology Approval Process.
The first independent auditor to review the methodology was First Environment. The second was Det Norkse Veritas (DNV), contracted directly by the VCS Association. The assessment reports and all other methodology documents are available on the VCS web site.