VCS Programs
VCS Approved GHG Programs
To recognize the work that has gone into developing credible GHG offset programs around the world, the VCS Program has a process for recognizing such programs that meet VCS criteria. GHG offset programs must pass a gap analysis against the VCS in order to be approved.
The following programs are approved under the VCS:
Approval of a GHG program has three implications:
- GHG credits under the approved GHG offset program may be cancelled and issued as VCUs (converted into VCUs).
- Validator verifier bodies under the approved GHG offset program are approved for VCS validation and verification (for the corresponding sectoral scopes for validation and verification respectively, and provided they have signed the VCSA Validator Verifier Agreement).
- Methodology elements under the approved program may be used for VCS projects.
Note that under Joint implementation, there are no approved methodologies. A VCS project must use a methodology approved for VCS projects (see methodologies) and therefore projects claiming GHG credits sequentially under the VCS Program and Joint Implement must use a CDM or other VCS-approved methodology.
