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Overview 
Verra’s Scope 3 Standard (S3S) Program enables the robust and credible certification of value chain projects’ climate impact, filling a current critical market gap for a consistent approach to addressing Scope 3 emissions. The program accelerates large-scale corporate climate action so that it aligns with global climate goals and benefits people and the planet.
FEEDBACK
As we continue to evolve the S3S Program, we invite stakeholder feedback on the program fee options and other program documents.
Please note: This feedback gathering process differs from a formal public consultation where Verra reviews and considers every submission. Submitting feedback does not guarantee future changes to the program, but your input may be used as we revise program documents and develop and update supporting materials (FAQs, webinars, and other resources).
Please submit your feedback by November 30, 2026.
S3S Projects
A Scope 3 Standard (S3S) project is an initiative that reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or removes carbon dioxide by implementing technologies or measures that affect the emissions footprint of a good or service in a value chain (i.e., an impacted product).
S3S projects are validated by independent, third-party validation/verification bodies (VVBs).
A project must meet the following key criteria to be eligible for registration in the S3S Program:
- It must affect emissions within a value chain (i.e., generate GHG outcomes attributable to a commercial good or service).
- It must meet all applicable requirements set out in the Scope 3 Standard and relevant program documents.
- It must apply and meet the eligibility requirements described in a methodology that is approved for use in the S3S Program.
- Its activity start date must be on or after January 1, 2015.
Proponents of projects in the S3S Program may be any of the following entities:
- The originator of an impacted product (e.g., a steel manufacturer)
- A company that reports on Scope 3 emissions targets
- Another entity, such as a specialist project developer, government entity, or financial institution
To be eligible, the entity serving as the project proponent must demonstrate the right to operate the project and the right to the GHG outcomes (i.e., the emission reductions and carbon dioxide removals) resulting from the project.
The project proponent has the option to enable third parties (e.g., consultants) to access and input project information into the Verra Project Hub on the project proponent’s behalf.
Please note: Each S3S project can only have one project proponent.
Scope 3 Units
Scope 3 Units (S3Us) represent one tonne of CO2e reduced or removed by a Scope 3 Standard (S3S) project relative to a baseline scenario. S3Us include attributes that convey additional relevant information (e.g., type and amount of impacted product and leakage emissions per unit, baseline type, reversal risk).
The greenhouse gas (GHG) outcomes and associated attributes of each S3U are verified by independent, third-party validation/verification bodies (VVBs).
S3Us are issued by Verra to project proponents on the Verra Registry who must pass strict “Know-Your-Customer” background checks prior to opening a registry account. Individuals may not open a registry account, and registry account holders are not authorized to hold S3Us on behalf of individuals.
Under version 2 of the program, Verra will issue reportable S3Us (final name pending). Reportable S3Us are derived from S3Us and issued expressly to an individual reporting company that has a value chain association with the project. Each unit includes the same information (e.g., GHG outcomes, impacted product, leakage) as the S3U from which it originates.
Reportable S3Us are non-transferable between companies as they are issued to an individual company based on its value chain association and a verified allocation method.
Program Rules
The Scope 3 Standard (S3S) Program rules define the standards and processes that all projects must follow to be certified. They include documents spanning requirements, procedures, templates, and forms.
These rules are updated periodically. Please check this page to ensure you are using the latest version of a given document.
Requirements documents set out the core principles and requirements for developing S3S projects and generating Scope 3 Units (S3Us). All S3S projects are assessed against these requirements to determine whether they are eligible to register with the S3S Program.
| Scope 3 Standard, v1.0 (PDF) | Issued: 15 September 2026 The Scope 3 Standard sets out all specific requirements for developing projects and for the validation, monitoring, and verification of projects and their greenhouse gas (GHG) outcomes. |
| S3S Stakeholder Engagement and Safeguards, v1.0 (PDF) | Issued: 15 September 2026 The S3S Program Stakeholder Engagement and Safeguards Requirements provides the requirements and guidance for the S3S Program on stakeholder engagement, land and resource rights, grievance mechanisms, benefit-sharing, and other environmental, social, and governance (ESG) safeguards. |
| S3S Program Definitions, v1.0 (PDF) | Issued: 15 September 2026 The S3S Program Definitions is a reference document that defines all terms used in S3S Program documents. |
| S3S Program Fee Schedule Options (PDF) | Issued: 15 September 2026 The S3S Program Fee Schedule Options document outlines two fee options under consideration for the S3S Program version 1. |
| Related Verra-wide document: Verra Program Fee Schedule, v1.2 (PDF) | Issued: 15 September 2026 The Verra Program Fee Schedule sets out the fees applicable under all Verra programs. It includes the fee applicable to pipeline listing in version 1 of the S3S Program. Additional fees (e.g., those related to registration and verification) will be published alongside the release of updates to version 1 of the S3S Program. |
Procedural documents describe the steps required to perform different functions of the S3S Program. These documents guide users of the S3S Program through these different processes.
| S3S Program Registration and Issuance Process, v1.0 (PDF) | Issued: 15 September 2026 The S3S Program Registration and Issuance Process document sets out the procedures and rules for registering projects and issuing Scope 3 Units (S3Us). |
| S3S Program Attribution and Distribution Tool, v1.0 (PDF) | Issued: Coming soon The S3S Program Attribution and Distribution Tool document sets out the procedures and calculations for performing attribution and distribution processes. These procedures are performed by the digitized tool in the Verra Project Hub. |
Templates and forms are provided to ensure that users of the S3S Program have a consistent structure to work from when completing certain documents. The S3S Program is using a digital-first approach, so these templates can only be accessed through the Verra Project Hub.
| S3S Listing Project Description Template, v1.0 | Issued: 15 September 2026 Project description template for demonstrating conformance to version 1 of the S3S Program This template is exclusively available via the Verra Project Hub. |
| S3S Listing Representation, v1.0 | Issued: 15 September 2026 Deed of representation issued in respect of the project applying for listing on the Verra Registry This template is exclusively available via the Verra Project Hub. |
Methodologies
Scope 3 Standard (S3S) methodologies set out detailed procedures for quantifying the greenhouse gas (GHG) outcomes of an S3S project and provide guidance to help project developers determine project boundaries, set baselines, collect and monitor data, and ultimately quantify the emissions impacts.
S3S methodologies may be adapted from methodologies in Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program, the world’s leading GHG crediting program. Methodology adaptation adheres to requirements set out in the S3S Program Methodology Adaptation Requirements and procedures set out in the S3S Program Methodology Adaptation and Review Process documents (both forthcoming).
Future methodologies will be developed specifically for the S3S Program and/or adapted from other programs such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) or Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM).
Validation and Verification
As a standards-setting body, Verra develops and operates the S3S Program and relies on independently accredited, third-party validation/verification bodies (VVBs) approved by Verra to conduct validation and/or verification activities under specific sectoral scopes.
Verra Registry
The Verra Registry functions as the central repository for information on listed and registered Scope 3 Standard (S3S) projects. The registry ensures project uniqueness, tracks Scope 3 Unit (S3U) issuance, assigns unit serial numbers and unit attributes, and provides public access to key information about projects and units in the S3S Program.
Verra Project Hub
The Verra Project Hub is an online platform that serves as a comprehensive tool for listing, registering, and managing projects in Verra’s standards programs.
It enables the submission and review of documentation for project validation, verification, and monitoring. Project proponents can use it to track progress, milestones, and deliverables. This enhances the transparency and accessibility of project information and facilitates communication and collaboration among proponents, validation/verification bodies, and other stakeholders. As a digital-native program, all submissions must be made using the Verra Project Hub.
Note: The link below requires login credentials.
Governance and Development
The Scope 3 Standard (S3S) Program is managed by Verra with input from the Scope 3 Standard Program Development Group, pilot partners, and other external collaborators. Verra is committed to ensuring that the program unlocks immediate and large-scale investment in credible value chain climate action.
For more information on the S3S Program development process and program updates, see the S3S Program Governance and Development page.
Grievance Redress Policy
Verra provides a Grievance Redress Policy that applies to all standards and programs managed by Verra.