Verra has released an updated version (v2.1) of Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Module VMD0053 Model Calibration, Validation, and Uncertainty Guidance. This constitutes a minor revision to VMD0053, v2.0.
VMD0053 provides procedures for the calibration, validation, and verification of empirical or process-based models used to estimate soil organic carbon stock (SOC) changes and greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes in the soil. Initially, it was conceived as a module to be used alongside VCS Methodology VM0042 Improved Agricultural Land Management. With these minor updates, Verra has expanded the module’s applicability to include all agricultural land management (ALM) methodologies in the VCS Program.
As a result of the module revision, VMD0053 may now also be used with Verra’s new rice methodology in the VCS Program, VM0051 Improved Management in Rice Production Systems, v1.0, when projects follow the modeling-based approach to quantify greenhouse gas (CH4, N2O, and CO2) emissions from rice system soils.
Implications for VCS Projects
- Projects using versions 2.0 and 2.1 of VM0042 may continue to use VMD0053, v2.0.
- Projects using VM0051, v1.0 must use version 2.1 of VMD0053.
Version 3.0 of VM0042 is under development, as is version 3.0 of VMD0053. Once VM0042, v3.0 is released, projects using this version must use VMD0053, v3.0.
Verra is also assessing the option to use this module in its revision to VM0032 Methodology for the Adoption of Sustainable Grasslands through Adjustment of Fire and Grazing, v1.0.