Methodologies

VCS methodology elements provide the framework for the development of projects and quantification of GHG emission reductions and removals. Specifically, methodology elements describe one of the following:

• Methodologies and methodology revisions;
• Additionality performance tests; or
• Tools/modules.

The following methodology elements are approved under the VCS Program:

Voluntary Carbon Standard methodology elements

Clean Development Mechanism methodology elements

Climate Action Reserve methodology elements

The current and valid versions of such methodology elements shall be used, though revised, withdrawn or on hold methodology elements can be used with the following grace periods:

• VCS methodology elements. For non-AFOLU projects, the VCS validation report shall be issued no later than 12 months after the date the methodology element was revised, withdrawn or put on hold. For AFOLU projects, the VCS validation report shall be issued no later than 18 months after the date the methodology element was revised, withdrawn or put on hold.
• Methodology elements approved under a VCS-approved GHG program. The validity period is the period specified by the GHG program under which the methodology element was approved. For example, in the case of a revised or withdrawn CDM methodology, the (VCS or VCS-approved GHG program) validation report shall be issued before the date and time by which any requests for registration would have to be submitted under the CDM.

VCS Methodology Elements under Development

VCS methodology elements under development

New methodology elements developed under the VCS double approval process are posted on the VCS website for global stakeholder consultation, before independent assessment by two VCS validation/verification bodies and final approval by the VCSA. More information about the double approval process may be found in the Double Approval Process normative document.

Proposal for Compensation Mechanism for Methodology Elements

The VCSA has convened a working group to develop a proposal for a mechanism by which developers of methodology elements would be compensated for the use of their methodology elements. The proposal was issued for public consultation on 13 April 2010 for a period of 60 days and the VCSA held a number of webinars to provide people with further information on the proposal:

Compensation Mechanism Consultation Document
VCS consultation document on the proposal for the compensation mechanism for methodology elements

Webinar Presentation
Slides from the webinar held by the VCSA on 22 April 2010 that provided an overview of the compensation mechanism

New Requirements and Rules Being Developed by the VCSA

The VCSA is working on the following new requirements and rules. The VCS policy on how new requirements and rules impact project and methodology development under the VCS Program is set out here.