Q4

December 21, 2022: VCS 2022 Q4 Update Announcement

  • Introduction of requirements for geologic carbon storage (GCS) activities, including associated tools and requirements
  • Updates to the requirements for VCS projects to help avoid double-counting in Scope 3 emissions inventories
  • Updates to the long-term average GHG benefit calculation and application for afforestation, reforestation, and revegetation projects, as well as improved forest management projects
  • Release of the VCS Methodology Development and Review Process, replacing the Methodology Approval Process

The full list of updates released, and their effective dates can be found in December 2022 VCS Program Update: Overview of Substantive Updates to Program Rules and Requirements and Effective Dates (PDF).

Verra held a webinar on Monday, 16 January 2023, at 12:00 pm ET to provide an overview of the above VCS Program updates.

Public Consultations


Q2

June 22, 2022: Update Overview

  • Revised requirements and methods for estimating uncertainty;
  • New requirements to mitigate non-permanence risk in grouped projects with multiple activity instances;
  • Clarification of peer-reviewed literature requirements; and
  • Formalized rules for VCU labels.
  • View the 2022 Q2 VCS Program Update (PDF) to find effective dates for these updates.
  • Announcement: Subsequent Project Instance Enrollments (PDF) (Release Date: 22 June 2022)

August 29, 2022: Update Overview (PDF)

  • Clarifies that if project proponents use methodology elements (e.g., methodologies, modules, and tools) from VCS-approved GHG programs to develop projects in the VCS Program, they must use the latest version of the approved GHG program methodology element. Relevant grace period lengths apply.

April 19, 2022: Update Overview (PDF)

  • Establishes that the VCS project start date for Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Component Project Activities (CPAs) seeking to register in the VCS Program is the date on which each CPA began reducing or removing GHG emissions.
  • Clarifies that the definitions for ‘Project Start Date’ and ‘Project Crediting Period Start Date’ are the same.
  • Additional details about effective dates for the conversion of credits issued to CDM CPAs.
  • Clarifies the grace periods for using previous versions of VCS methodologies.

Public Consultations