Verified Carbon Standard

The Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), managed by Verra, is one of the world's most widely used standards for certifying voluntary carbon offset projects. It provides a rigorous framework that project developers use to demonstrate that their emissions reductions are real, additional, measurable, permanent, independently verified, and unique — meaning each carbon credit can only be counted once. Projects that meet these criteria are issued Verified Carbon Units (VCUs), which can be bought and sold on voluntary carbon markets.

The standard is designed for organizations and project developers working on climate mitigation activities such as forestry, land use, renewable energy, and methane capture. By certifying under VCS, project developers can access voluntary carbon markets and give buyers confidence that the offsets they purchase represent genuine, high-quality greenhouse gas reductions. Verra maintains a public registry where all VCS projects and issued credits are tracked and made transparent.

Originally developed through a collaboration between The Climate Group, the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA), and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the VCS program has become a benchmark for credibility in voluntary carbon markets globally. It is relevant to companies, investors, policymakers, and environmental professionals involved in carbon project development, procurement, or sustainability strategy.