FAQs for Quality Control Reviews

A QCR is a formal process that Verra initiates when issues related to the integrity of a project are identified outside of a regular project review request. Conducting a QCR enables Verra to take any necessary action to ensure that a project continues to meet the requirements of the Verra program with which it is registered. QCRs are part of Verra’s broader commitment to integrity, quality assurance, and continuous improvement of its programs and processes.

Verra may open a QCR because it has identified a potential quality issue with a project. The process is typically triggered by one of the following:

• Legal ruling
• External reporting
• Notification from concerned stakeholders
• Routine Verra review process

During a QCR, Verra reviews newly identified potential issues (e.g., related to project ownership, methodology application, or environmental and social safeguards) to determine whether these represent a non-conformance with Verra’s rules and requirements, and if any remedial actions are necessary.

If Verra undertakes a QCR on a project, it does not mean that Verra has concluded that there is a problem with the project. Rather, it means that Verra has identified a potential non-conformance of the project with Verra program rules. Where an actual non-conformance is identified during the QCR, Verra determines remedial actions for the project proponents and validation/verification bodies (VVBs).

If Verra determines the need for a QCR, it sends a notification letter to the project proponent(s) and authorized representative(s), as well as the relevant VVB(s) of the respective project, and uploads this letter to the project’s page on the Verra Registry. The status of the project on the Verra Registry is changed to On Hold.

Verra’s Program Quality team (part of the Program Management Department) will then undertake a comprehensive review of the specific issues identified.

The review will cover a variety of aspects and documents, which may include validation and verification reports, the application of the relevant methodology, safeguards and benefit-sharing arrangements, and issues related to project governance or community engagement.

Project proponents and VVBs will be asked to respond to specific findings, which may require additional documentation, clarifications, or updates to project documents and/or specific actions to address the identified issues.

During a QCR, Verra will pause issuing credits to the respective project. Additionally, active credits previously issued to the project and held by the project proponent, as well as buffer contributions associated with the project, if any, are put on hold.

Projects undergoing a QCR will have credit issuance suspended while the review process is ongoing. Additionally, active credits previously issued to the project and held by the project proponent as well as buffer contributions associated with the project will be put on hold. Further consequences will depend on the outcome of the QCR. However, the review process can also be an opportunity for proponents to address any identified non-conformance by correcting project documentation, operational or other issues, and demonstrating a commitment to upholding the integrity of their work and the market as a whole.

During a QCR, Verra works collaboratively with project proponents to ensure fair treatment and, where appropriate, to enable course correction and re-entry into the market.

During a QCR, Verra will communicate directly with project proponents and VVBs as required.

Verra does not publicly comment on the status of QCRs during the review process so it can be carried out independently and fairly.

Verra may publicly communicate about the findings of the QCR once preliminary or final findings have been communicated to the project proponent and/or VVB.

There is no set timeline for a QCR as the process for completing it depends on multiple factors and the specific circumstances of the review. The completion of several necessary steps depends on third parties, particularly the project proponent and the VVB.

In each case, Verra aims to conduct a QCR as expeditiously as possible and expects timely responses from all parties involved.

The outcomes of QCRs vary. During a QCR, Verra may determine that the project meets all rules and requirements of the respective Verra program, in which case Verra will reinstate the project on the Verra Registry and resume issuing credits to the project. If the project proponent cannot address the findings, Verra may reject the project.

Any credits that were issued to the project prior to the QCR and that have since been transferred and sold, retired, or canceled will not be affected by the QCR.

If Verra determines that credits were issued in excess of the correct amount, the following will occur:

• Verra will require that the project proponent replace the excess credits.
• Verra will cancel the excess buffer contributions if the project has a non-permanence risk. Note: Canceled credits are permanently removed from circulation and can no longer be traded, retired, or claimed.

No. The AFOLU pooled buffer account is designed to cover unintentional reversals of carbon benefits due to forest fires, natural disasters, or pest outbreaks. Credits from this account are not used to replace credits issued to projects that have issued excess VCUs under the VCS Program.

When a project from which you have bought credits is undergoing a QCR, it is recommended to await the outcome of the QCR.

If at the end of a QCR Verra determines that an excess credit issuance has occurred, the project proponent, and the authorized representative in some circumstances, are responsible for replacing the excess credits. The buyer may wish to engage with the project proponent with respect to replacement of the excess credits.