Methodologies
Methodologies set out detailed procedures for quantifying the real greenhouse gas (GHG) benefits of a project and provide guidance to help project developers determine project boundaries, set baselines, assess additionality and ultimately quantify the GHG emissions that were reduced or removed. Any methodology developed under the United Nations Clean Development Mechanism can be used for projects and programs registering with VCS (click here for a list). The same is true for methodologies developed by the Climate Action Reserve, with the exception of their forest protocols.
The current and valid version of a methodology must always be used. From time to time, a methodology may be revised, withdrawn or put on hold. Click on any of the icons below to find the best one to suit your needs.
Energy
Industrial processing
energy
industrial processing
Construction
Transport
construction
transport
Waste
Mining
waste
mining
Agriculture
Forestry
agriculture
forestry
Grasslands
Wetlands
grasslands
wetlands
Livestock & manure
Non-VCS methodologies
livestock & manure
non-VCS methodologies
Approved Methodologies, Modules and Tools
If a current methodology does not fit, project developers can choose to develop their own methodology through the VCS methodology approval process.
To ensure VCS remains the most robust and respected voluntary standard in the world, VCS periodically reviews approved methodologies to ensure they conform to current requirements, international best practices and scientific consensus. During this process, if it is determined that a methodology must be updated, revised or withdrawn, a grace period will apply for projects currently using the methodology. The status of each methodology is always displayed on the methodology page of the website.
VCS projects must comply with the grace periods and rules set out by the relevant GHG program. For example, if a CDM methodology is withdrawn, a VCS project using that methodology must issue the project validation report by the CDM deadline for requesting project registration.
Other Programs
California Offset Project Registry
The Offset Project Registry (OPR) facilitates the participation of offset projects within the California cap-and-trade program
Learn More >
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
Learn More >
Photo: Darren CentofantiClimate, Community & Biodiversity Standards
Supporting land use projects in addressing climate change, supporting local communities and smallholders and conserving biodiversity
Learn More >