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Overview 
A new benchmark for credible, community-centered climate action
Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Version 5 marks a defining evolution of the world’s most widely used voluntary carbon crediting program.
Built through extensive stakeholder engagement and informed by two decades of experience, VCS Version 5 strengthens integrity, enhances usability, and expands the program’s ability to govern and support climate action at scale. It responds directly to the expectations of today’s market while positioning projects and credits for long-term relevance and trust.
VCS Version 5 Stakeholder Resources
VCS Version 5 Effective Dates Resources
- VCS Standard, v5.0 – redlined (PDF)
- VCS Program Guide, v5.0 – redlined (PDF)
- VCS Program Definitions, v5.0 – redlined (PDF)
- VCS Methodology Requirements, v5.0 – redlined (PDF)
- GCS Requirements, v5.0 – redlined (PDF)
- Registration and Issuance Process, v5.0 – redlined (PDF)
- Methodology Development and Review Process, v5.1 – redlined (PDF)
- Procedure for Applying the AFOLU Non-Permanence Risk Tool, v5.0 – redlined (PDF)
- Procedure for Applying the GCS Non-Permanence Risk Tool, v5.0 – redlined (PDF)
Webinars and Recordings
VCS Version 5 is live now and available for immediate use. New projects will be required to apply most version 5 requirements from 1 January 2027, depending on their project start date. Existing projects will have clear pathways to transition to version 5 at future project milestones. For more details, please see the latest version of VCS Version 5: Overview of VCS Program Updates and Effective Dates, available on the VCS Rules and Requirements page.
FAQs
That depends on when you plan to submit for registration. If you think that your initial registration request will be submitted after 1 January 2027, you should plan ahead and use VCS Version 5. You may still be able to apply certain version 4 requirements if your project start date occurs before 1 January 2027.
Templates are coming! Updated project templates will be available starting in early 2026, which should make it easier to plan alignment with the new requirements.
In general, we do not approve exemptions related to program update effective dates. Please see the latest version of the Exemption Request Procedure, available on the VCS Rules and Requirements page.
The requirement to list the project on the Verra Registry project pipeline within one year of the initial crediting period start date is only effective for pipeline listing requests received after 1 January 2027 (see section 3.8.2 of the VCS Standard, v5.0, available on the VCS Rules and Requirements page). This means that if the project is listed before 1 January 2027 (as either under development or under validation), then the timelines for completing validation under VCS Version 4 still apply.
Many of the new safeguard and stakeholder engagement updates (including those related to right to operate, benefit sharing, and ecosystem conversion) apply only to projects with a start date after 1 January 2027. All projects must transition to version 5 safeguard requirements after 1 January 2030.
These can be found in the VCS Standard, v5.0. In general, any new projects registering after 1 January 2027 must apply these new intervals. Projects that registered before this date have more time to transition. See VCS Version 5: Overview of VCS Program Updates and Effective Dates, update ID V5#101, for more information (available on the VCS Rules and Requirements page).
What's New in VCS Version 5?
Stronger protections for Indigenous Peoples and local communities are embedded directly into project design, providing greater clarity around project rights and claims to reductions and removals.
Version 5 features enhanced requirements for stakeholder engagement, safeguards, and governance, including detailed risk assessments and commensurate mitigation measures.
Improved financial transparency and requirements for fair benefit sharing are jointly designed, clearly documented, and in place before the project starts.
Updated project classifications and requirements for digital processes create clearer expectations and a more efficient pathway from design to issuance.
Projects have greater certainty over shorter crediting periods, while the requirements for more frequent baseline reassessments and updates to the latest methodology versions give buyers confidence in high-quality credits.
Version 5 offers land-based projects the option to use insurance or a fund-based approach to address the risk of carbon reversals. This has the potential to unlock higher levels of carbon finance for projects using these options.
Additional sectoral scopes and other changes will enable the program’s ability to scale up its climate impact.
Why Choose VCS Version 5?
Stronger Confidence Behind Every Credit, Scaled Up Climate Impact, Innovation to Advance the Market
VCS Version 5 raises the bar where credibility matters most. Stronger requirements around rights, safeguards, stakeholder engagement, baseline reassessment, and scientific alignment reinforce that credits issued by the program represent real, additional, and durable climate outcomes backed by clear evidence.
What Continues in VCS Version 5?
VCS Version 5 builds on a mature, proven foundation that underpins credibility, scale, and global adoption.
- Rigorous greenhouse gas accounting
- Independent validation and verification by accredited third parties
- Conservative crediting principles
- Clear version control and effective-date management
- Global applicability across sectors and geographies
- Established market recognition and infrastructure
- Availability of a broad portfolio of high-quality methodologies
This continuity, coupled with the innovation and updates reflected in VCS Version 5, ensures integrity without sacrificing predictability or scalability—the ideal choice for proponents and buyers.
Getting Started with VCS Version 5
Entering the carbon market should be a clear and supported process. VCS Version 5 is designed to be approachable for new project proponents and navigable for experienced ones, while maintaining rigor and credibility for all.
- New projects can begin using version 5 today and prepare ahead of the program’s mandatory application
- Existing projects follow clearly defined transition pathways
- Guidance and tools support implementation
At its core, VCS Version 5 rewards well-designed projects that deliver real climate benefits and engage stakeholders early and diligently.
GET IN TOUCH
Verra sets the standard with best-in-class methodologies and project review processes. Reach out today to learn more about developing a project and making the world better for generations to come.