What is Verified Carbon Standard (VCS)?
The world's most widely used voluntary GHG program. VCS provides a robust quality assurance standard for carbon offset projects, ensuring they deliver real, measurable, and permanent emission reductions.
Why it matters
When purchasing offsets, VCS certification provides assurance that the credits represent genuine emission reductions. Using uncertified credits exposes businesses to greenwashing accusations and undermines the credibility of carbon neutrality claims.
Example
A corporate events company purchases 200 VCS-certified credits from a landfill methane capture project. Each credit is traceable on the Verra registry with a unique serial number, providing an auditable record.
Related terms
Carbon Offsets
Credits purchased to compensate for emissions by funding projects that reduce, avoid, or remove greenhouse gases elsewhere. Examples include reforestation, renewable energy projects, and methane capture. One offset typically equals one tonne of CO₂e.
Gold Standard
A certification standard for carbon offset projects that ensures they deliver verified climate and sustainable development benefits. Gold Standard projects must demonstrate additionality and stakeholder consultation.
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