Verra‘s latest version of its Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) has been recognized as meeting the Core Carbon Principles criteria, giving the widely used voluntary carbon market program a new designation from the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market.
The recognition applies to VCS Version 5, which Verra released in December 2025. The Integrity Council, known as ICVCM, describes the Core Carbon Principles (CCPs) as its highest benchmark for quality in the voluntary carbon market.
The approval, announced on Wednesday, marks another step in Verra’s effort to strengthen the standards governing carbon credits while maintaining a program used by projects around the world.
Verra is a nonprofit organization that develops and manages standards for environmental and social markets, including the VCS Program.
Its registry currently includes more than 2,500 VCS projects across more than 130 countries, according to the organization.
A Higher Bar For Voluntary Carbon Markets
VCS Version 5 was developed following extensive engagement with market participants and draws on two decades of experience running the carbon crediting program, Verra said.
The new version is designed to improve integrity and usability while giving communities a more central role in climate action.
Relevant: Verra Launches Rebuilt Carbon Registry With S&P Global In Biggest Platform Upgrade In Its History
The CCP recognition comes as Verra continues to align parts of its program with the Integrity Council’s framework.
Earlier approvals have covered individual VCS methodologies, including projects involving methane, renewable energy and other emissions reduction activities.
The development also gives projects using eligible VCS methodologies a pathway toward the CCP label, a designation intended to help distinguish credits that meet the Integrity Council’s quality criteria.
Read more: ICVCM Clears BioCarbon Standard, Cercarbono, And Plan Vivo, Pushing CCP Coverage Past 95%
