Voluntary Carbon Standard (VCS)

Launched in November 2007, the VCS marks the end of a two year consultation with the industry, NGOs and carbon market specialists. Led by The Climate Group, the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the VCS provides a robust, global standard for voluntary offset projects. It ensures that carbon offsets can be trusted and have real environmental benefits.

The VCS is leading the efforts for a market-wide voluntary registry. Unless a credit is registered in one of the four VCS registries, it does not meet the VCS definition of a Voluntary Carbon Unit (VCU). This creates a robust system of transparent voluntary offset credits and provides a clear chain of ownership.