Register a Project and Issue VCUs

Projects must open an account and register with a VCS-approved registry to issue Verified Carbon Units, or VCUs.

Projects may register as soon as they complete validation, or wait until their emission reductions are verified and they are ready to issue VCUs. In coming months, projects will be able to register and list pre-validation information in the VCS project pipeline when they meet certain thresholds of development.

Choosing a VCS Registry

VCS has a unique multiple-registry system built on a central VCS Project Database. Three independent, approved registry operators interact directly with the database to upload project documents, obtain unique serial numbers and issue, hold, transfer and retire VCUs.

• NYSE Blue: a leading environmental market infrastructure provider
• Markit: a leading international financial markets meta-registry
• Caisse des Dépôts: a leading French financial institution and developer of CO2 registries in Europe

Contact registry operators to open an account or Read more about the VCS registry system

Requesting VCU Issuance

Projects can request VCU issuance after opening a registry account and submitting all project documents to the registry for a completeness check.

Once VCUs are issued, they may be held, traded, transferred, retired or cancelled by the owner.

Requesting VCUs tagged with additional certifications

To request VCUs tagged with additional certifications, projects must submit all required documents to their registry operator before requesting VCU issuance. This is essential to ensure VCUs are properly tagged.

See Participating standards and required documents for VCU tags