Verified Carbon Standard

REDD+ projects fall into 3 categories: Afforestation, Reforestation and Revegetation (ARR), Improved Forest Management (IFM), Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD).

Project level.

Reference levels are constructed as Business-As-Usual (BAU) baselines, and are revalidated every ten years. Baseline development and information inputs vary by the methodology applied, but in all cases alternative baseline scenarios must be identified and selection of the most plausible scenario justified. 

The methodologies provide procedures for the demonstration and assessment of additionality. Methodologies use either a project method, performance method and/or activity method to determine additionality – they may refer to an appropriate additionality tool developed under the VCS or an approved GHG programme, develop a full procedure within the methodology itself or develop a new separate tool.

For example, the Tool for the Demonstration and Assessment of Additionality in VCS AFOLU Project Activities (Version 3.0) is adapted from the CDM A/R Additionality Tool. This includes four steps, (i) identification of alternative land use scenarios, (ii) investment analysis, (iii) barriers analysis, and (iv) common practice analysis.

For VCS REDD+ projects, leakage may be addressed through leakage sharing agreements, a leakage belt, or simplified leakage deduction factors. The VCS requires monitoring of market leakage, activity-shifting leakage, and ecological leakage, where applicable. The VCS AFOLU Requirements provide significant guidance for monitoring leakage for REDD, IFM and ARR projects. For example, for avoided unplanned deforestation projects, this involves the establishment of a leakage belt. Activities to mitigate leakage such as leakage management zones outside the project area are encouraged to minimise displacement of land use activities.

VCS REDD+ project proponents are required to use the AFOLU Non-Permanence Risk Tool to determine the volume of buffer credits that must be deposited into the AFOLU pooled buffer account. This account holds non-tradable buffer credits which may be used to cover any reversals associated with AFOLU projects to ensure the permanence of credits issued. A 10–60% buffer is required, as determined through the application of the AFOLU Non-Permanence Risk Tool. The tool also allows projects to demonstrate where they have reduced risk by implementing risk mitigation strategies. Projects that demonstrate their longevity, sustainability and ability to mitigate risks are eligible for release of buffer credits from the AFOLU pooled buffer account.

The VCS requires project proponents to provide evidence of land use rights. Project proponents are required to identify and mitigate negative socio-economic impacts, and use of the CCB Standards is recommended to show additional benefits beyond carbon mitigation. Safeguards related to benefit sharing, avoided resettlement, Free, Prior and Informed Consent, vulnerable groups or gender are not explicitly mentioned in VCS project documentation.

Project proponents must identify and mitigate negative environmental impacts, and the application of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or CCB standards is recommended. No safeguards related to ecosystem services or biodiversity are explicitly mentioned, though use of the CCB Standard is advised to demonstrate such safeguards are being implemented.

The VCS requires projects to abide by all laws, statutes, and regulatory frameworks relevant to the project’s implementation and to demonstrate that they are in compliance with applicable laws, even if they are not enforced. The VCS project documentation does not explicitly mention stakeholder participation, transparency beyond GHG accounting or grievance mechanisms. However, projects are required to demonstrate that any relevant stakeholder consultations are conducted and that their outcomes discussed in the project description. Further, new methodologies submitted for approval are posted online for a global stakeholder consultation, and then independently assessed before approval by the VCS Association. 

A monitoring plan and reporting framework are included in each approved methodology.  Such plans can vary in both intervals required for monitoring and the parameters monitored. For example, some methodologies require annual monitoring of some parameters, while others only require monitoring every 10 years. Most include description of procedures used to estimate GHG emissions and removals, spatial data, plot data, allometric equations used, sampling procedure (if applicable), quality assurance and control measures, etc. Projects must complete a VCS Monitoring Report to undergo verification and request issuance of Verified Carbon Units (VCUs).

The VCS Registry System is currently supported by two registry operators: APX and Markit. New registry service providers are able to join the VCS Registry System at any time. The VCS Registry System is an expandable system where multiple registry operators connect directly to the central VCS Project Database. The VCS Project Database acts as a central record of all registered projects and issued VCUs.