Verra has published a revised Methodology Development and Review Process (MDRP) in the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program that outlines streamlined and rigorous procedures and rules for the development of new or revised VCS methodologies, modules, and tools. It also sets forth the review process for approved methodologies, so that they continue to reflect best practices, scientific consensus, evolving market conditions, and ongoing technical developments. A key component of version 5 of the VCS Program, the new MDRP will enable Verra to continue to efficiently advance and expand credible, lasting, and sustainable climate action.
Robust accounting methodologies are a cornerstone of the VCS Program. They provide detailed procedures for quantifying project benefits, enabling the flow of finance to a broad range of climate mitigation activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Verra led a consultation on proposed updates to the VCS MDRP from December 18, 2024, through January 31, 2025.
Key Updates in the New MDRP
Going forward, Verra will lead on all methodology development processes. This will help ensure that methodology development is centralized and aligned with the overarching VCS Program rules.
Verra invites stakeholders to formally participate in the development and review of new or revised methodologies in one of the following ways:
- Technical contributors who provide professional expertise (in-kind or as a paid consultant) during development, review, or update processes
- Independent expert reviewers who perform an independent review of draft methodologies or revisions (in-kind or as a paid consultant)
Verra manages all potential conflicts of interest that may arise during methodology development to ensure an impartial, objective and high-quality development process.
The revised MDRP includes the option for external stakeholders to partially or entirely cover the funding for methodology development processes. The methodology development process incurs costs for the following: (1) Verra staff time spent on authoring and reviewing draft methodologies, coordinating stakeholder input, and managing the overall development process; and (2) the hiring of consultants and independent experts to provide input at different stages.
Such funding may be provided in the form of grants, unrestricted donations, or in-kind support.
- Grants will provide funding for the development of a specific methodology and can be shared by multiple stakeholders (i.e., funders). Verra will enter into separate contractual agreements with each funder that includes provisions and safeguards acknowledging the following:
- That the funding was provided voluntarily without expectation of any returns or benefits
- That all materials, products, and outcomes developed or prepared under the agreement are the exclusive property of Verra
- That Verra reserves the right to consult with other third parties in relation to the scoping and drafting of methodologies (non-exclusivity)
- Unrestricted donations are allocated by Verra towards strategic methodology development priorities.
- In-kind support for the methodology development process may take on the form of technical input on the methodology development or review process.
To increase the efficiency of methodology development and review processes and to align Verra’s MDRP with the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market’s Core Carbon Principles requirements, the review of draft methodologies, modules, or tools or proposed revisions to existing methodologies will be conducted by a group of independent experts.
Verra will issue a request for proposals and select at least two independent experts from the applications to conduct the review. Verra strives to assemble a diverse and balanced group of independent expert reviewers to cover different aspects and technical or scientific expertise needed to ensure a robust and comprehensive review. Validation/verification bodies (VVBs) may also serve as independent experts, if they bring applicable expertise.
Independent expert review may occur either in parallel to the public consultation or afterward.
Under the new process, Verra reviews MINs periodically to determine which ones will be prioritized for further development. When Verra deems a MIN suited for further development, the following steps are taken:
- Verra publishes a preliminary scope of work for the methodology’s development, which includes information about funding, type of expertise, and other kinds of support required to complete development.
- Verra issues a request for expression of interest to funders, technical contributors, and independent experts. In certain cases, Verra will also invite general stakeholders to provide feedback or demonstrate demand for the proposal via a survey, facilitated workshops, informal working groups, or a preliminary consultation.
- Verra conducts a feasibility assessment to determine whether sufficient resources for a full methodology development are available.
Development priorities are not primarily determined by external funding. Instead, Verra will prioritize MINs that meet the following criteria:
- Have a high climate change mitigation potential
- Are broadly applicable (i.e., cover a range of potential technologies and processes, and can be used by projects in several geographic regions)
- Support sustainable development
- Do not carry unmitigable social, environmental, legal, regulatory, or financial risks
The next deadline for MIN submissions is January 31, 2026. Future deadlines will be published on the Develop a New Methodology page.
Note: Verra will occasionally assess MINs outside of the scheduled review cycle if any of the following apply the proposed approach:
- It represents a revision that would significantly strengthen the integrity of an existing methodology’s integrity.
- It can be integrated in an existing methodology development process.
- It aligns otherwise with Verra’s key strategic priorities.
Effective Dates
Effective June 18, 2025, the new MDRP applies to all Methodology Idea Notes submitted to methodologies@verra.org.
For new or revised methodologies currently under development, please refer to the following document:
Updated Templates
To express your interest in supporting the development of a methodology in the VCS Program, please contact methodologies@verra.org and indicate the specific Methodology Development ID# and type/level of interest to support our work.