VCS Credits & Registry System
VCS credits are issued and listed in a state-of-the-art registry system that allows the tracking of all Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) from issuance to retirement.
The central VCS Project Database is the hub through which approved VCS registry operators obtain unique serial numbers and issue, hold, transfer and retire VCUs.
This transparent and centralized system provides a robust chain of custody that is key to ensuring all VCUs are real, additional, permanent, independently verified, unique and traceable.
In addition, VCS program requirements ensure the risk of double counting is addressed. See Double Counting Policy Brief
Flexibility and Scalability
The VCS system was the first multiple-registry system in the voluntary carbon market, allowing market participants to choose a registry and transfer credits between registries instead of having to open multiple accounts.
It is a flexible and scalable system that can readily be expanded to connect VCU buyers and suppliers with new markets. VCS registry operators must meet strict capitalization, transparency and other requirements.
The system currently consists of three international registry operators:
- NYSE Blue: a leading environmental market infrastructure provider
- Markit: a leading international financial markets meta-registry
- CDC Climat: a subsidiary of Caisse des Dépôts, a leading French financial institution and developer of CO2 registries in Europe
Interested in becoming a VCS registry? See the registry application procedures
