Updated Combined Templates for VCS and CCBS Programs Now Available

Verra has published new combined templates for projects using the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standards (CCBS) Programs. These combined VCS + CCBS templates align with the requirements of version 5 of the VCS Program, including new and revised reporting requirements related to project design, safeguards, stakeholder engagement, and other program updates. The templates, which are designed to support projects registered or seeking registration with both programs, include the following:

As in the case of standalone VCS project templates, Verra has released two versions of each combined template: v5.0A and v5.0B. Project proponents and validation/verification bodies must use the version that aligns with the effective dates of the VCS Version 5 updates that apply to their projects:

• All combined VCS v5.0A + CCBS v3.0 templates must be used by projects with a project start date that occurs prior to July 1, 2027.
• All combined VCS v5.0B + CCBS v3.0 templates must be used by projects with a project start date that occurs on or after July 1, 2027.

For projects with a start date prior to July 1, 2027, project proponents may also choose to adopt the VCS v5.0B + CCBS v3.0 templates before they are required to do so. All such projects will be required to transition to v5.0B templates at their next crediting period renewal or upon their next baseline reassessment request submission after January 1, 2030.

For more information about the difference between these template versions, see the announcement about the release of the VCS Version 5 templates and the recordings of two recent stakeholder training webinars (session A and session B), which include detailed information on the use of these updated templates.

Per a recent announcement, Verra has changed the effective date for VCS Version 5 requirements to July 1, 2027. Starting July 1, 2027, all VCS Program-related project review requests, including from projects seeking registration or verification approval with both the VCS and CCBS Programs, must be submitted using the applicable VCS Version 5 template.

Proponents that have already begun implementing version 5 requirements and are ready to submit project documents using version 5 templates can proceed accordingly. Alternatively, they may use the additional time to strengthen their understanding of the new requirements and refine their documentation. Either scenario will position these projects to become the first projects fully operational and issuing credits under VCS Version 5.

Projects that are earlier in the development process, including those that have yet to start their validation or verification audit or their public comment period, are strongly encouraged to begin preparing their documentation under VCS Version 5 as early as possible using the version 5 templates to support an efficient submission and review process. Doing so will prevent the risk of needing to revise any project documentation and redo audits if audit timelines result in a submission timeline that extends beyond July 1, 2027.

Verra has updated the following stakeholder resources to reflect the change of effective dates and to ensure that projects have ample guidance and other supporting materials:

• • VCS Version 5: Overview of VCS Program Updates and Effective Dates (PDF)
  • VCS Program Version 5 Resources webpage
    • VCS Version 5 Effective Dates Resources
    • Webinar Recordings
    • VCS Program Version 5 FAQs