All Program Documents
All VCS requirements are included in the Version 3 documents below.
Documents are updated periodically. Please check this page quarterly to be sure you are using the latest version of a given document. For a running catalogue of all updates, see the Updates to VCS Version 3.
Requirements
| VCS Program Guide, v3.2 |
Current Version: v3.2 Issued: 1 February 2012 The VCS Program Guide is the overarching VCS Program document. It sets out all rules and requirements governing the VCS Program, including the project registration process, the methodology approval process, the accreditation requirements for validation/verification bodies, and the functioning of the VCS registry system. |
| VCS Standard, v3.2 |
Current Version: v3.2 Issued: 1 February 2012 The VCS Standard sets out all specific requirements for developing projects and methodologies, and for the validation, monitoring and verification of projects and GHG emission reductions and removals. Four sub-documents elaborate on specific aspects of VCS Standard, setting out detailed requirements for AFOLU and ODS projects and methodologies, as well as program definitions and fees. |
| AFOLU Requirements, v3.2 |
Current Version: v3.2 Issued: 1 February 2012 The AFOLU requirements document sets out detailed requirements for developing projects and methodologies in the Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sector. |
| ODS Requirements, v3.1 |
Current Version: v3.1 Issued: 19 October 2011 Sets out detailed requirements for developing ozone-depleting substances (ODS) projects and methodologies. |
| Program Definitions, v3.2 |
Current Version: v3.2 Issued: 1 February 2012 Program Definitions is a reference that defines all terms used in VCS Program documents. |
| Program Fee Schedule, v3.3 |
Current Version: v3.3 Issued: 1 February 2012 The Program Fee Schedule sets out the fees applicable under the VCS Program. |
Procedural
| Registration & Issuance Process, v3.2 |
Current Version: v3.2 Issued: 1 February 2012 The Registration & Issuance Process documents sets out the procedures and rules for registering projects and issuing verified carbon units. |
| Methodology Approval Process, v3.3 |
Current Version: v3.3 Issued: 1 February 2012 The Methodology Approval Process document sets out procedures and rules for the approval of VCS methodology elements. |
| AFOLU Non-Permanence Risk Tool, v3.1 |
Current Version: v3.1 Issued: 1 February 2012 The AFOLU Non-Permanence Risk Tool sets out the procedure for conducting non-permanence risk analysis and buffer determination for AFOLU projects. |
Templates & Forms
| Project Description, v3.0 |
Current Version: v3.0 Issued: 8 March 2011 Project description template |
| Monitoring Report, v3.1 |
Current Version: v3.1 Issued: 1 February 2012 Monitoring report template |
| Registration Representation, v3.0 |
Current Version: v3.0 Issued: 8 March 2011 Deed of representation issued in respect of the project |
| Registration Representation (multiple PPs), v3.0 |
Current Version: v3.0 Issued: 8 March 2011 Deed of representation issued in respect of the project with multiple project proponents |
| Issuance Representation, v3.0 |
Current Version: v3.0 Issued: 8 March 2011 Deed of representation issued in respect of GHG emission reductions or removals |
| Issuance Representation (multiple PPs), v3.0 |
Current Version: v3.0 Issued: 8 March 2011 Deed of representation issued in respect of GHG emission reductions or removals from projects with multiple project proponents |
| Validation Report, v3.1 |
Current Version: v3.1 Issued: 1 February 2012 Validation report template |
| Validation Representation, v3.0 |
Current Version: v3.0 Issued: 8 March 2011 Deed of representation issued in respect of validation |
| Verification Report, v3.1 |
Current Version: v3.1 Issued: 1 February 2012 Verification report template |
| Verification Representation, v3.0 |
Current Version: v3.0 Issued: 8 March 2011 Deed of representation issued in respect of verification |
| Non-Permanence Risk Report, v3.0 |
Current Version: v3.0 Issued: 8 March 2011 Risk report template for describing and analyzing the non-permanence risk for AFOLU projects |
| Loss Event Report, v3.1 |
Current Version: v3.1 Issued: 1 February 2012 Loss event report template for estimating an unplanned loss of carbon stock for AFOLU projects |
| Loss Event Representation, v3.0 |
Current Version: v3.0 Issued: 1 February 2012 Deed of representation issued in respect of the loss event report, for project proponents |
| Methodology, v3.1 |
Current Version: v3.1 Issued: 1 February 2012 Methodology template |
| Module, v3.1 |
Current Version: v3.1 Issued: 1 February 2012 Module template (for tools and modules) |
| Methodology Approval Process Submission Form, v3.0 |
Current Version: v3.0 Issued: 8 March 2011 Form for submitting a methodology element to the VCSA |
| Methodology Element Approval Request Form, v3.0 |
Current Version: v3.0 Issued: 8 March 2011 Form for requesting final approval of a methodology element from the VCSA |
| Methodology Assessment Report Template, v3.0 |
Current Version: v3.0 Issued: 19 October 2011 Report template for validation/verification bodies conducting a first or second methodology assessment. |
| Methodology Expert Application Form, v3.2 |
Current Version: v3.2 Issued: 1 February 2012 Form for submitting an application to become a methodology assessment expert |
| Accession Representation, v3.0 |
Current Version: v3.0 Issued: 8 March 2011 Deed of representation issued in respect of project proponents joining a project |
| Partial Release Representation, v3.0 |
Current Version: v3.0 Issued: 8 March 2011 Deed of representation issued in respect of project proponents leaving a project |
| VCU Conversion Representation, v3.0 |
Current Version: v3.0 Issued: 8 March 2011 Deed of representation issued in respect of conversion of GHG credits into VCUs |
