Linked Standards & Programs

VCS provides multiple pathways for linking credits across programs, standards and markets.

Linked Standards

VCS credits can be "tagged' with additional certifications when a project meets the requirements set out by a participating standard or program. Participating standards currently include:

• Climate, Community and Biodiversity (CCB) Standards
• Social Carbon
• Crown Standard (Thailand)

How can projects issue VCUs tagged with an additional certification?

Projects that meet the requirements of a participating standard may request to issue VCUs tagged with an additional certification. Projects must submit all required documents to the VCS registry system before VCUs are issued.

See required documents for VCU tags

How do other standards or programs gain acceptance as VCS tags?

A standard, program or set of requirements developed by a non-profit or government organization can become a participating standard by meeting the eligibility requirements set out in the VCS Policy on Tags and Other Standards

Linked Programs

VCS fully recognizes the significant work devoted to developing credible GHG offset programs around the world. VCS has conducted a gap analysis and approved the following programs:

• UNFCCC Clean Development Mechanism
• UNFCCC Joint Implementation*
• California's Climate Action Reserve

Approval has three implications:

• Methodologies and methodology elements approved under the GHG program may be used for VCS projects (unless otherwise stated on the VCS website)
• Credits issued under the approved GHG program may be converted into VCUs
• Validation/verification bodies approved under the GHG program can be approved under VCS (for the corresponding sectoral scopes) provided they sign the required VCS agreement

*Because there are no approved methodologies under the Joint Implementation program, projects must use a CDM or VCS methodology to claim credits sequentially under VCS and Joint Implementation.