Program Documents

VCS Program Documents are a complete reference setting out all guidelines and requirements for using VCS.

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VCS Version 3

is the current version of program documents, from 8 March 2011. All Version 3 documents are labeled v3.0, v3.1, v3.2, etc. Individual documents may be updated (ie, v3.1 or v3.2) but will remain part of Version 3. When v3 documents are updated they will include an appendix clearly listing all versions and effective dates. Please check to be sure you are using the latest version of any document. 

VCS 2007.1

is the previous version and may be used until 8 September 2011. However, all project documents (such as validation and verification reports) wholly or partially reliant upon VCS 2007.1 must be issued on or before 8 September 2011. 

VCS 2007 and VCS Version 1

are no longer in use but remain posted online for reference.

Document Types

VCS Program Guide

provides a complete overview of how to use the VCS Program and where to find information in specific program documents. Under the Program Guide, there are three types of program documents:

Requirements documents

set out the core principles and requirements for developing projects and generating GHG credits that are real, additional, permanent, independently verified and transparently registered in the VCS database.

Procedural documents

describe in detail how to develop projects and credits for specific project types or how to address specific issues such as registering projects and issuing credits.

Templates & Forms

include all templates and forms needed to develop projects and credits, from the project description template to validation and verification templates.