Carbon crediting standard-setter Rainbow has launched a 30-day public consultation on the newest version of its core governance documents, including the Standard Rules V7.0 and the Procedures Manual V3.0.
The consultation marks the latest step in Rainbow’s effort to align its framework with emerging global requirements while increasing transparency and stakeholder engagement.
The updated versions were developed to incorporate criteria from the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM), the EU’s Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) and its implementing rules, as well as CORSIA compliance needs.
Rainbow said the consultation aims to ensure the documents remain practical, clear, and aligned with best practice as the voluntary carbon market undergoes rapid regulatory and credibility-focused shifts.
Aligning with global integrity benchmarks
The consultation process is structured into two sections: the first focused on Rainbow’s revised Standard Rules, and the second on the updated Procedures Manual.
The latter now includes requirements for validation and verification bodies (VVBs), which had previously been maintained as a separate standalone document. Integrating VVB requirements is meant to streamline oversight and improve operational clarity as Rainbow expands its methodology suite.
Stakeholders are encouraged to submit feedback via an online form that can be completed in multiple sessions, with responses automatically saved.
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Rainbow noted that the consultation window will remain open until at least December 28, and that final versions of the documents are expected to be published by February 2026, though the organization emphasized that the timeline is indicative rather than fixed.
The revision comes as standards bodies across the VCM move toward greater interoperability with compliance systems. With the EU preparing to operationalize the CRCF and ICAO tightening CORSIA eligibility in its pilot phase, programs like Rainbow are under increased pressure to demonstrate methodological rigor, strong assurance pathways, and transparent rulemaking.
Rainbow said broad feedback is essential to shaping the next iteration of its standard and ensuring its crediting framework remains aligned with market expectations.
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