The time it takes for a project to be registered in the VCS Program depends on the individual circumstances of the project.
The first step for a project is to list a project on the VCS pipeline. This initiates a 30-day public comment period, during which the project proponent may also begin the validation process.
After the public comment period, all comments received and all project details have to be thoroughly assessed by the validating validation/verification body (VVB) and reported in a detailed validation report. The validation process can take up to a year, in some cases longer.
After a successful validation, the project proponent can submit a registration request.
The current processing time for Verra’s initial review of project documentation accompanying registration and verification approval requests can be up to 40 business days.
The review of each round of responses and updated documentation may require up to 20 business days. A project review may take two or three rounds of findings and responses until completion. Higher-quality project documentation will require fewer rounds of review, resulting in a quicker approval process.
The review timeline is outlined in the Registration and Issuance document.