New Effective Date for VCS Version 5

Verra is changing the effective date of version 5 of the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program from January 1, 2027, to July 1, 2027, delivering on a clear request from project developers, validation/verification bodies (VVBs), and market participants.

Verra is implementing this change based on feedback from a large number of projects seeking to complete audits and submit project review requests that were initiated under VCS Version 4. The volume of projects seeking to meet the original deadline has also placed significant pressure on VVB capacity.

The extension will enable project proponents to prepare accurate, high-quality documentation for ongoing audits, and it will reduce unnecessary costs and administrative burdens by eliminating the need for projects to update their project designs and convert documentation to new templates midway through an ongoing audit.

This change will also allow stakeholders more time to subsequently adapt to the version 5 requirements and templates, including digital templates, which will ultimately result in a successful implementation of VCS Version 5.

Transitioning to a new program version requires significant effort from project proponents and VVBs, and it should not disrupt ongoing audits and project review processes. If projects can complete ongoing audits under VCS Version 4, they can dedicate their full attention at a later point to updating to VCS Version 5.

The new effective date applies to most program updates that were announced at the launch of VCS Version 5 in December 2025, including the requirement to use VCS Version 5 project templates. Stakeholders should refer to the updated VCS Version 5 Overview of Program Updates and Effective Dates document for complete information on all revised effective dates.

Proponents that have already begun implementing version 5 requirements and are ready to submit project documents using version 5 templates can proceed accordingly. Alternatively, they may use the additional time to strengthen their understanding of the new requirements and refine their documentation. Either scenario will position these projects to become the first projects fully operational and issuing credits under VCS Version 5.

Projects that are earlier in the development process, including those that have yet to start their validation or verification audit or their public comment period, are strongly encouraged to begin preparing their documentation under VCS Version 5 as early as possible using the version 5 templates to support an efficient submission and review process. Doing so will prevent the risk of needing to revise any project documentation and redo audits if audit timelines result in a submission timeline that extends beyond July 1, 2027.

All VCS Version 5 templates are now available and effective for all project requests submitted on or after July 1, 2027.

The combined VCS + CCBS project templates that align with VCS Version 5 requirements are now available as well, following the release of the standalone VCS Version 5 templates and other guidance documents earlier this year.

The digital versions of VCS Version 5 templates are on track to be available January 1, 2027, in time for projects using digitalized methodologies to submit their documentation digitally via the Verra Project Hub.

Verra has updated the following stakeholder resources to reflect the change of effective dates and to ensure that projects have ample guidance and other supporting materials:

• • VCS Version 5: Overview of VCS Program Updates and Effective Dates (PDF)
  • VCS Program Version 5 Resources webpage
    • VCS Version 5 Effective Dates Resources
    • Webinar Recordings
    • VCS Program Version 5 FAQs

The VCS Program was one of the first carbon crediting programs to be approved by the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) as meeting the Core Carbon Principles (CCPs), the highest benchmark of quality in the voluntary carbon market. Earlier this year, the ICVCM recognized that VCS Version 5 also aligns with the CCPs.