Program Definitions

22 June 2022 v4.2

 About Verra

ABOUT VERRA
Verra supports climate action and sustainable development through the development and management
of standards-based certification programs that credibly, transparently, and robustly assess
environmental and social impacts and deliver funding for sustaining and scaling up these impacts. As a
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standards and an opportunity to achieve environmental and social good.

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and Nested REDD+ (JNR) framework, the Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standards (CCBS)
Program, the Sustainable Development Verified Impact Standard (SD VISta) Program, and the Plastic
Waste Reduction Program.

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 1 Introduction & 2 Definitions

1 INTRODUCTION
This document provides the definitions for terms used in the VCS Program documents. In addition, the
definitions set out in ISO 14064-2:2006, ISO 14064-3:2006 and ISO 14065:2016 shall apply to the
VCS Program. Note that defined terms in the VCS Program documents, in common with ISO convention,
are used without capital first letters. Section 3 lists acronyms used in the VCS Program documents.
This document will be updated from time-to-time and readers shall ensure that they are using the most
current version of the document.

2 DEFINITIONS
Aboveground Biomass
Living biomass above the soil, including the stem, stump, branches, bark, seeds and foliage

Accession Representation
• The deed issued by the project proponent, and an acceding entity, made in respect of an
acceding entity joining a project as project proponent, and which is prepared using the VCS
Deed of Accession in Respect of Registration Deed of Representation Template; or

• The deed issued by the jurisdictional proponent, and an acceding entity, made in respect of an
acceding entity joining a jurisdictional baseline or program as jurisdictional proponent, and
which is prepared using the VCS Deed of Accession in Respect of JNR Baseline Registration
Deed of Representation Template or the VCS Deed of Accession in Respect of JNR Program
Registration Deed of Representation Template, respectively

Activity Method
A methodological approach that determines additionality for a given class of project activity in
accordance with the VCS Program rules

Afforestation
The direct human-induced conversion of land that has not been forested for a period of at least 50
years to forested land through planting, seeding and/or the human-induced promotion of natural seed
sources

Afforestation, Reforestation and Revegetation (ARR)

Activities that increase carbon stocks in woody biomass (and in some cases soils) by establishing,
increasing and/or restoring vegetative cover through planting, sowing and/or the human-assisted
natural regeneration of woody vegetation
 2 Definitions

AFOLU Expert
A person with expertise and experience in AFOLU methodologies, tools, modules and/or projects, and
who is approved by Verra for methodology element assessments within a given AFOLU project category

AFOLU Pooled Buffer Account

The account in the Verra Registry containing non-tradable AFOLU buffer credits for covering the risk of
unforeseen losses in carbon stocks across the AFOLU project portfolio

Agricultural Land Management (ALM)

Activities that increase carbon stocks in soils and woody biomass and/or decrease CO2, N2O and/or
CH4 emissions from soils on croplands and/or grasslands

Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use (AFOLU)

The sectoral scope that covers GHG emissions and emission reductions and/or removals from project
or program activities in the agriculture, forestry, and other land use/land use change sectors and for
which the VCS Program has established rules and requirements with respect to specific project
categories

Agro-ecological zones
Geographic areas based on similar characteristics such as combinations of soil, landform and climatic
conditions

Agroforestry
An ecologically-based natural resource management system in which trees are integrated in farmland
and rangeland

Approved GHG Program

A GHG program that has been approved by the Verra Board, through a gap analysis, as demonstrating
alignment with VCS Program principles and requirements. The VCS Program Guide and VCS Standard
further set out the implications of being an approved GHG program.

Authorized Representative
An entity authorized by the project or jurisdictional proponent to communicate with and provide
instructions to the Verra Registry on its behalf, with such authorization granted through a
communications agreement signed by both/all parties and submitted to the Verra Registry

Belowground Biomass
Living biomass of live roots, sometimes excluding fine roots of less than 2 mm diameter because these
often cannot be distinguished empirically from soil organic matter or litter

Cancelation
The permanent removal of a VCU from circulation in the Verra Registry system for purposes other than
retirement (e.g., converting VCUs into another form of GHG credit, compensating for excess VCU
issuance)
 2 Definitions

Capacity Limit
A limitation on any quantity in relation to the project imposed by a methodology applied to the project,
the GHG program under which the methodology applied to the project was developed or the GHG
program under which the project was developed

Capital Expenditure
The costs to the project activity of acquiring new assets or improving existing assets that are utilized for
the duration of the project crediting period

Carbon Pools
A reservoir of carbon that has the potential to accumulate (or lose) carbon over time, which for AFOLU
projects or programs encompasses aboveground biomass, belowground biomass, litter, dead wood, soil
and wood products

Carbon Stock
The quantity of carbon held within a pool, measured in tonnes of CO2

Catastrophic Reversal
A type of reversal caused by disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding, drought, fires,
tornados or winter storms, or man-made events over which the project proponent has no control such
as acts of terrorism or war

Climatic Impact Driver (CID)

Physical climate system conditions (e.g., means, events, extremes) that affect an element of society or
ecosystems

Commercially Sensitive Information

See “Sensitive Information”

Communications Agreement
The agreement by which the project or jurisdictional proponent authorizes a third party to communicate
with and provide instructions to the Verra Registry on its behalf, the form and scope of which shall be
determined solely by the Verra Registry and the signatories to the agreement

Crediting Period
• The time period for which GHG emission reductions or removals generated by the project are
eligible for issuance as VCUs, the rules with respect to the length of such time period and the
renewal of the project crediting period being set out in the VCS Standard. Also referred to as
“Project Crediting Period”; or

• The time period for which GHG emission reductions or removals generated by the jurisdictional
REDD+ program are eligible for issuance as VCUs, the rules with respect to the length of such
time period and the renewal of the program crediting period being set out in the VCS Program
document JNR Requirements. Also referred to as “Program Crediting Period”
 2 Definitions

Crediting Period Start Date

The date on which the project or jurisdictional REDD+ program began generating GHG emission
reductions or removals; equal to “Project Start Date”

Cropland
Arable and tillage land and agro-forestry systems where vegetation falls below the threshold used for
the forest land category

Dead Wood
Non-living woody biomass not contained in the litter, either standing, lying on the ground or in the soil.
Dead wood includes wood lying on the surface, dead roots, and stumps larger than or equal to 10 cm in
diameter or any other diameter used by the host country for its UNFCCC national inventory accounting

Deemed Savings Factor

A type of default factor used to estimate the GHG emission reductions or removals associated with a
unit of activity implemented by the project, such as a project activity instance

Default Factor
A parameter value that is specified in a methodology with the intention of standardizing the calculation
of net GHG emission reductions and/or removals and providing greater consistency of calculations
across projects

Deforestation
The direct human-induced conversion of forest land to non-forest land

Degradation
The persistent reduction of canopy cover and/or carbon stocks in a forest due to human activities such
as animal grazing, fuelwood extraction, timber removal or other such activities, but that does not result
in the conversion of forest to non-forest land, and falls under the IPCC 2003 Good Practice Guidance
land category of forest remaining forest

Double Counting
The scenario under which a singular GHG emission reduction or removal is monetized separately by two
different entities or where a GHG emission reduction or removal is sold to multiple buyers

Drained Peatland
A peatland having a lower than natural average annual water level due to accelerated water loss or
decreased water supply resulting from human activities and constructions, both on- and off-site

Emission Trading Program

A voluntary or regulatory program that allows for trading in GHG credits or allowances
 2 Definitions

Free-rider
An activity that is undertaken without requiring any intervention from the carbon market but that
nonetheless receives credit for the GHG emission reductions or removals that it generates

Forest
Land with woody vegetation that meets an internationally accepted definition (e.g., UNFCCC, FAO or
IPCC) of what constitutes a forest, which includes threshold parameters, such as minimum forest area,
tree height and level of crown cover, and may include mature, secondary, degraded and wetland
forests

GHG Program
A formal or organized program, system or arrangement for the recognition of activities leading to GHG
emission reductions or removals, and/or the crediting or issuance of instruments representing, or
acknowledging, GHG emission reductions or removals

Grassland
Areas dominated by grasses with a density of trees too low to meet an internationally accepted
definition of forest, including savannas (i.e., grasslands with scattered trees). Grasslands also include
managed rangeland and pastureland that is not considered cropland where the primary land use is
grazing, and which may also include grass-dominated systems managed for conservation or
recreational purposes

Grouped Project
A project to which additional instances of the project activity, which meet pre-established eligibility
criteria, may be added subsequent to project validation

Implementing Partner
The individual or organization operating the project or program activity (or activities) in partnership with
the project or jurisdictional proponent, respectively

Improved Forest Management (IFM)

Activities that change forest management practices and increase carbon stock on forest lands
managed for wood products such as saw timber, pulpwood and fuelwood

Internal Allocation Mechanism

The mechanism for the distribution of GHG credits and/or other benefits, established by the
jurisdictional proponent as part of the jurisdictional REDD+ program

Issuance Representation
• The unilateral representation issued by the project proponent at each VCU issuance request, made
in respect of the GHG emission reductions and/or removals generated by the project, and which is
prepared using the VCS Issuance Deed of Representation Template; or

• The unilateral representation issued by the jurisdictional proponent at each VCU issuance request,
 2 Definitions

made in respect of the GHG emission reductions and/or removals generated by the jurisdictional
program, and which is prepared using the VCS JNR Program Issuance Deed of Representation
Template

JNR Expert
A person with expertise and experience in jurisdictional baselines and/or REDD+ programs who is
approved by Verra for participation on expert panels for the validation/verification of jurisdictional
REDD+ programs

JNR Program Description (Program Description)

The document that describes the jurisdictional baseline and/or program GHG emission reductions or
removals and that uses the VCS JNR Baseline Description Template (for jurisdictions registering only a
jurisdictional baseline) or the VCS JNR Program Description Template (for jurisdictional REDD+
programs), respectively

Jurisdiction
The administrative unit such as a nation, state, province, region, department or district, or an eco-
region or other defined area, specified in the jurisdictional program description

Jurisdictional and Nested REDD+ (JNR)

The approach under the VCS Program by which reduced emissions from deforestation, reduced
emissions from degradation and removals from carbon stock enhancements can be credited at the
jurisdictional and/or nested project levels

Jurisdictional Approval Authority

The government agency, department or organization that has control of and responsibility for reviewing
and giving approval, or the no-objection letter, to lower-level jurisdictional REDD+ programs and/or
projects, and that may or may not be the same entity as the jurisdictional proponent

Jurisdictional Baseline Period

The time period for which the baseline for a jurisdictional REDD+ program is valid

Jurisdictional Proponent
The government agency, department or organization that has overall control and responsibility for the
jurisdictional REDD+ program, or a government agency, department or organization that together with
others, each of which is also a jurisdictional proponent, has overall control of or responsibility for the
jurisdictional REDD+ program. The entity(s) that can demonstrate program ownership in respect of the
jurisdictional REDD+ program.

Jurisdictional Pooled Buffer Account

The account in the Verra Registry containing non-tradable jurisdictional and nested REDD+ buffer
credits for covering the risk of unforeseen losses in carbon stocks across the jurisdictional REDD+
program and REDD+ project portfolio
 2 Definitions

Jurisdictional REDD+ Program and Jurisdictional Program

See “Program”

Label (VCU Label, Verra Unit Label)

A permanent marker on a Verra unit, representing that the unit has met the requirements of another
certification or is eligible or approved for use under a national, sectoral or investor-specific market

Land-Based Accounting
A method of GHG accounting in which all land in an entire geographic area or jurisdiction is included in
the accounting through categorization of land-use types and a sampling or modeling approach
sufficient to capture carbon stocks and changes in carbon stocks, irrespective of activity

Large Project
A project that generates 300,000 tonnes CO2e or more of GHG emissions reductions or removals per
year

Large-Scale Commercial Deforestation

An area of deforestation that exceeds 1,000 ha, cleared in a single monitoring period (or, between two
points of remotely sensed historical data), that has a single post-deforestation land use (e.g.,
commercial agriculture or timber plantation), not including areas covered by the footprint of large
infrastructure (such as a dam) or those affected by natural disturbances (i.e., due to geologic or
weather-related events)

Leakage
Net changes of anthropogenic emissions by GHG sources that occur outside the project or program
boundary, but are attributable to the project or program

Listing Representation
• The unilateral representation issued by the project proponent at the time of the project pipeline
listing request, made in respect of the project, and which is prepared using the VCS Listing
Representation Template; or

• The unilateral representation issued by the jurisdictional proponent at the time of the jurisdictional
baseline or program listing request, made in respect of the jurisdictional baseline or program, and
which is prepared using the VCS JNR Baseline Listing Deed of Representation Template or the VCS
JNR Program Listing Deed of Representation Template, respectively

Litter
Non-living biomass, with a size less than a minimum threshold diameter (e.g., 10 cm) chosen by the
host country for its UNFCCC national inventory accounting, lying dead, in various states of
decomposition above the mineral or organic soil, including litter, fumic and humic layers. Live fine roots
(of less than the threshold diameter for belowground biomass) are included in litter where they cannot
be distinguished from it empirically.
 2 Definitions

Loss Event
• In an AFOLU project, any event that results in a loss of more than five percent of previously verified
emission reductions and removals due to losses in carbon stocks in pools included in the project
boundary that is not planned for in the project description (e.g., harvesting as set out in
management plans and described in the project description is not a loss event). Examples include
catastrophic events (see definition of catastrophic reversal) as well as human-induced losses such
as those caused by poor management, tillage, over-harvesting or encroachment by outside actors
(e.g., illegal logging or fuelwood collection); or

• In a jurisdictional program, any event that results in a loss of more than five percent of previously
verified emission reductions and removals due to losses in carbon stocks in pools included in the
program boundary that is not planned for in the program description (e.g., harvesting as set out in
management plans and described in the program description is not a loss event). Examples include
harvesting beyond levels predicted in the baseline, construction of roads or other infrastructure not
included in the baseline, or significant natural disturbances .

Loss Event Report

The document that describes and records a loss event using the Loss Event Report Template

Loss Event Representation

• The unilateral representation issued by the project proponent, prepared using the VCS Loss Event
Deed of Representation Template and made in respect of the carbon stock loss estimate in a loss
event report; or

• The unilateral representation issued by the jurisdictional proponent, prepared using the VCS JNR
Program Loss Event Deed of Representation Template and made in respect of the carbon stock
loss estimate in a loss event report

Market Leakage Evaluation

The evaluation by the project or jurisdictional proponent of the project’s or program’s market leakage
impacts and discount factor, documented in the project description, program description or monitoring
report, as applicable

Materiality
The concept applied to determine if errors, omissions and misstatements in information could affect
the GHG assertion and influence decisions resulting from it

Methodology
A specific set of criteria and procedures, which apply to specific project activities, for identifying the
project boundary, determining the baseline scenario, demonstrating additionality, quantifying net GHG
emission reductions and/or removals, and specifying the monitoring procedures

Methodology Approval Process

The process by which new methodology elements are approved under the VCS Program
 2 Definitions

Methodology Deviation
A deviation from the criteria and procedures for monitoring or measurement set out in a methodology
applied to the project

Methodology Element
A methodology, methodology revision, module or tool (including additionality tools, performance
benchmarks and technology benchmarks)

Methodology Element Developer

An entity that develops a methodology element

Methodology Revision
A revision to the criteria and procedures of an existing methodology

Model
A formula or set of formulae that uses parameters and input values to establish the value of one or
more output variables

Module
A component of a methodology that can be applied to perform a specific methodological task

Monitoring Report
• The document that records data to allow the assessment of the GHG emission reductions or
removals generated by the project during a given time period in accordance with the monitoring
plan set out in the project description, and which is prepared using the VCS Monitoring Report
Template or an approved combined monitoring report template available on the Verra website; or

• The document that records data to allow the assessment of the GHG emission reductions or
removals generated by the program during a given time period in accordance with the monitoring
plan set out in the jurisdictional program description, and which is prepared using the VCS JNR
Monitoring Report Template available on the Verra website

Native Ecosystem
A landscape composed of indigenous vegetation not established by planting and/or seeding

Natural Disturbance
Non-anthropogenic events or non-anthropogenic circumstances that cause significant emissions from
forests and are beyond the control of, and not materially influenced by, a project or jurisdictional
proponent, such as wildfires, insect and disease infestations, extreme weather events and/or
geological disturbances. Harvesting and prescribed burning are not considered natural disturbance.

Nested Project
A registered REDD+ project, that is not currently subject to a grandparenting period, and that is located
within a jurisdiction covered by a registered jurisdictional REDD+ program
 2 Definitions

Nested Subnational Jurisdiction

A subnational jurisdiction that is located within a national jurisdiction covered by a jurisdictional REDD+
program that is also registered under the VCS Program

Non-Permanence Risk Analysis

• The assessment of the risk of a potential loss in carbon stock in the project over a period of 100
years, prepared by the project proponent using the VCS Non-Permanence Risk Report Template; or

• The assessment of the risk of a potential loss in carbon stock in the jurisdictional program over a
period of 100 years, prepared by the jurisdictional proponent using the VCS JNR Non-Permanence
Risk Report Template

Non-Project Areas
Forest areas (or areas converted to forest or otherwise revegetated) within a jurisdiction, but outside
project boundaries or nested subnational jurisdiction boundaries, that are included in the accounting of
GHG emissions and emission reductions and/or removals (e.g., areas where GHG emission reductions
and/or removals are generated through the implementation of government policies and programs,
rather than by projects or activities implemented within nested subnational jurisdictions)

No-Objection Letter
A written letter or other written communication from the jurisdictional approval authority of the higher-
level jurisdiction stating that it does not object to a specific (lower-level) jurisdictional REDD+ program
element or project being submitted for registration under the VCS Program

Official Translation
A translation by a member of a member body of the International Federation of Translators

Partial Release Representation

• The deed issued by the project proponents and the Verra Registry, made in respect of a project
proponent leaving a project, and which is prepared using the VCS Deed of Partial Release in
Respect of Registration Deed of Representation Template; or

• The deed issued by the jurisdictional proponent and the Verra Registry, made in respect of a
jurisdictional proponent leaving a jurisdictional baseline or jurisdictional program, and which is
prepared using the VCS Deed of Partial Release in Respect of JNR Baseline Registration Deed of
Representation Template or the VCS Deed of Partial Release in Respect of JNR Program
Registration Deed of Representation Template, respectively

Peatland
An area with a layer of naturally accumulated organic material (peat) that meets an internationally
accepted threshold (e.g., host-country, FAO or IPCC) for the depth of the peat layer and the percentage
of organic material composition. Peat originates because of water saturation. Peat soil is either
saturated with water for long periods or is artificially drained. Common names for peatland include
mire, bog, fen, moor, muskeg, pocosin and peat swamp (forest).
 2 Definitions

Performance Benchmark
A benchmark against which the performance of individual projects is assessed for the purpose of
determining additionality and/or the crediting baseline

Performance Benchmark Metric

The indicator, specified in terms of tonnes of CO2e per unit of output, tonnes of CO2e per unit of input
or as a sequestration metric, used to define the performance benchmark

Performance Method
A methodological approach that establishes a performance benchmark to determine additionality
and/or the crediting baseline in accordance with the VCS Program rules

Program
The program established by a national or subnational jurisdictional proponent that establishes and
operationalizes rules and requirements to enable accounting and crediting of REDD+ policies and
measures and/or nested projects, implemented as GHG mitigation activities, and described in the
jurisdictional program description. Also referred to as “Jurisdictional REDD+ Program” or “Jurisdictional
Program”.

Program Activity
The specific set of REDD+ policies and measures, specified by the jurisdictional REDD+ program, that
alter the conditions identified in the baseline scenario and which result in GHG emission reductions or
removals

Program Crediting Period

See “Crediting Period”

Program Crediting Period Start Date

See “Crediting Period Start Date”

Program Ownership
The legal right to control and operate the program activities. Distinct from proof of right.

Program Start Date

See “Start Date”

Program Sensitive Information

See “Sensitive Information Project”. The project activity or activities implemented as a GHG project and
described in the project description.

Project Activity
The specific set of technologies, measures and/or outcomes, specified in a methodology applied to the
project, that alter the conditions identified in the baseline scenario and which result in GHG emission
reductions or removals
 2 Definitions

Project Activity Instance (Instance)

A particular set of implemented technologies and/or measures that constitute the minimum unit of
activity necessary to comply with the criteria and procedures applicable to the project activity under the
methodology applied to the project

Project Crediting Period

See “Crediting Period”

Project Crediting Period Start Date

See “Crediting Period Start Date”

Project Description
The document that describes the project’s GHG emission reduction or removal activities and that uses
either the VCS Project Description Template, an approved combined project description template
available on the Verra website or the project description template specified by the relevant approved
GHG program

Project Description Deviation

A deviation from the project design, procedures and other specifications set out in the project
description

Project Documents
The documents required to register the project and/or issue VCUs, as set out in the VCS Program
document Registration and Issuance Process

Project Longevity Period

The number of years beginning from the project start date, that project activities will be maintained. In
some cases, project longevity period can be longer than a project’s crediting period.

Project Method
A methodological approach that uses a project-specific approach for the determination of additionality
and/or the crediting baseline in accordance with the VCS Program rules

Project Ownership
The legal right to control and operate the project activities. Distinct from proof of right.

Project Pipeline
The list of projects on the Verra Registry, which are either under development or under validation

Project Proponent
The individual or organization that has overall control and responsibility for the project, or an individual
or organization that together with others, each of which is also a project proponent, has overall control
or responsibility for the project. The entity(s) that can demonstrate project ownership in respect of the
project.
 2 Definitions

Project Proponent Representation

A unilateral deed of representation issued by the project proponent(s) and/or individuals or
organizations accorded certain rights in respect of a project

Project Start Date

See “Start Date”

Proof of Right
The document(s) demonstrating the entity’s right to all and any GHG emission reductions or removals
generated by the project or program during the crediting period or verification period, as the case may
be. Distinct from project ownership and program ownership.

Proxy
A parameter that is monitored or measured to determine the value of a strongly correlated parameter
that is not monitored or measured

Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD)

Activities that reduce GHG emissions by slowing or stopping conversion of forests to non-forest land
and/or reduce the degradation of forest land where forest biomass is lost

REDD+
Activities that reduce GHG emissions from deforestation and/or degradation by slowing or stopping
conversion of forests to non-forest land and/or reducing the degradation of forest land where forest
biomass is lost; and/or activities that enhance carbon stocks through improved forest management
and/or afforestation, reforestation or revegetation

Reforestation
The direct human-induced conversion of non-forested land to forested land through planting, seeding
and/or the human-induced promotion of natural seed sources on land that was once forested but has
been converted to non-forested land

Registration Representation
• The unilateral representation issued by the project proponent at the time of the project registration
request, made in respect of the project, and which is prepared using the VCS Registration Deed of
Representation Template; or

• The unilateral representation issued by the jurisdictional proponent at the time of the program
registration request, made in respect of the jurisdictional baseline or program, and which is
prepared using the VCS JNR Baseline Registration Deed of Representation Template or the JNR
Program Registration Deed of Representation Template, respectively

Remote Sensing (RS)

The use of an instrument, such as a radar device or camera, to scan the earth from a distance in order
to collect data (e.g., for forest inventory or monitoring)
 2 Definitions

Retirement
The permanent removal of a VCU from circulation in the Verra Registry system which represents an
offset of one metric tonne of CO2 equivalent

Revegetation
A direct human-induced activity to increase carbon stocks of woody biomass on sites through the
establishment of vegetation that covers a minimum area of 0.05 hectares and does not meet the
definitions of afforestation and reforestation

Reversal
A situation where the net GHG benefit, taking into account project or program emissions, removals and
leakage, in any monitoring period is negative. The amount of a reversal is calculated as the difference
between the current total to-date net GHG benefit of the project or program, compared to the total to-
date net GHG benefit of the project or program at the previous verification event.

Rewetting
The elevation of the average annual water table in drained peatland by partially or entirely reversing the
existing drained state

Sensitive Information
• Trade secrets, financial, commercial, scientific, technical or other information whose disclosure
could reasonably be expected to result in a material financial loss or gain, prejudice the outcome of
contractual or other negotiations or otherwise damage or enrich the person or entity to which the
information relates. Also referred to as “Commercially Sensitive Information”; or

• Internal policy decisions, classified, financial, commercial, scientific, technical or other information
whose public disclosure could reasonably be expected to undermine or negatively affect the
development and/or implementation of a program, or damage national security. Also referred to as
“Program Sensitive Information”.

Shrubland
Areas dominated by shrubs, with a density of trees too low to meet an internationally accepted
definition of forest, including chaparral, scrubland, heathland and thickets

Soil organic carbon

Organic carbon in mineral and organic soils (including peat) to a specified depth chosen by the host
country for its UNFCCC national inventory accounting and applied consistently through the crediting
period. Live fine roots (of less than the threshold diameter limit for belowground biomass) are included
with soil organic matter where they cannot be distinguished from it empirically. In organic soils, soil
organic carbon encompasses the entire depth of the organic layer (i.e., up to the depth of the mineral
substrate). In the case of peatland, this depth can be several meters.
 2 Definitions

Standardized Method
A methodological approach that standardizes elements of additionality and/or the crediting baseline,
for a given class of project activity, via a performance method or activity method

Standardized Methods Expert

A person with expertise and experience in standardized approaches to baselines and additionality, and
who is approved by Verra for assessments of methodology elements that use standardized methods

Start Date
• The date on which the project began generating GHG emission reductions or removals; equal to
“Project Crediting Period Start Date”. Also referred to as “Project Start Date”; or

• The date on which the jurisdictional REDD+ program began generating GHG emission reductions or
removals; equal to “Project Crediting Period Start Date”. Also referred to as “Program Start Date”

Subnational Jurisdiction
An administrative- or other sub-unit within a country, such as a state, province, region, department,
district, or an eco-region or other defined area, specified in the jurisdictional program description

Sustainable Development (SD) Contribution

A demonstration of how project activities, or additional activities implemented by the project proponent,
contribute to sustainable development, as defined by and tracked against the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Tool
A type of module that provides a procedure for performing a specific analysis

Uncertainty
Uncertainty is a parameter associated with the result of measurement that characterizes the dispersion
of the values that could be reasonably attributed to the measured amount

Validation Report
The written report of validation prepared by the validation/verification body in accordance with the VCS
Program rules

Validation Representation
• The deed issued by the validation/verification body, referencing the validation report to which it
relates, containing a unilateral representation that it has validated the project’s compliance with
the applicable VCS Program rules, and which is prepared using the VCS Validation Deed of
Representation Template; or

• The deed issued by the validation/verification body, referencing the validation report to which it
relates, containing a unilateral representation that it has validated the jurisdictional baseline’s or
program’s compliance with the applicable VCS Program rules, and which is prepared using the VCS
 2 Definitions

JNR Baseline Validation Deed of Representation Template or the VCS JNR Program Validation Deed
of Representation Template, respectively

Validation/Verification Body (VVB)

An organization approved by Verra to act as a validation/verification body in respect of providing
validation and/or verification services in accordance with the VCS Program rules

VCS Program
The GHG program operated by Verra which establishes rules and requirements that operationalize the
VCS Standard to enable the validation of GHG projects and programs, and the verification of GHG
emission reductions and removals

VCS Program Rules

The rules and requirements set out in the VCS Program Guide, the VCS Standard and the other VCS
Program documents; such rules and requirements may be updated from time–to-time

VCU Conversion Representation

The unilateral representation issued by the project proponent, prepared using the applicable VCS
Program template and made in respect of cancelation of GHG credits under another GHG program
and/or conversion of GHG credits issued under an approved GHG program into VCUs

VCU Issuance Levy

The fee charged by Verra at the time of VCU issuance to cover the administration costs of the VCS
Program

Verification Period
The time period specified in a verification report during which the GHG emission reductions or removals
were generated and have been verified by a validation/verification body

Verification Report
The written report of the verification prepared by the validation/verification body in accordance with the
VCS Program rules

Verification Representation
• The deed issued by the validation/verification body, referencing the verification report to which it
relates, containing a unilateral representation that it has verified the relevant GHG emission
reductions or removals in accordance with the applicable VCS Program rules, and which is
prepared using the VCS Verification Deed of Representation Template; or

• The deed issued by the validation/verification body, referencing the verification report to which it
relates, containing a unilateral representation that it has verified the relevant GHG emission
reductions or removals in accordance with the applicable VCS Program rules, and which is
prepared using the VCS JNR Program Verification Deed of Representation Template
 2 Definitions

Verified Carbon Unit (VCU)

A unit issued by and held in the Verra Registry representing the right of an accountholder in whose
account the unit is recorded to claim the achievement of a GHG emission reduction or removal in an
amount of one (1) metric tonne of CO2 equivalent that has been verified by a validation/verification
body in accordance with the VCS Program rules. Recordation of a VCU in the account of the holder at
the Verra Registry is prima facie evidence of that holder’s entitlement to that VCU.

Verra Registry
The platform that records all projects and programs (listed and registered) and VCUs issued under the
VCS Program. Provides public access to all project, program and VCU information, including retirement
and tracking of the AFOLU and jurisdictional pooled buffer accounts, and provides project and
jurisdictional proponents with the ability to list and register projects and programs, and issue, hold and
retire VCUs.

Verra Unit
A unit issued or assigned by and held in the Verra Registry representing the right of an accountholder in
whose account the unit is recorded to claim the achievement of a specific type of environmental or
social benefit (i.e., SD VISta Asset, Verified Carbon Unit, Waste Collection Credit, or Waste Recycling
Credit)

Verra Website
The Verra website: www.verra.org

Vintage
The set of GHG emission reductions or removals generated by a project or program during a single
vintage period

Vintage Period
The time period for which a particular set of GHG emission reductions or removals generated by the
project or program are verified, which may be any subset of a verification period

Wetland
Land that is inundated or saturated by water for all or part of the year (e.g., peatland), at such
frequency and duration that under natural conditions they support organisms adapted to poorly
aerated and/or saturated soil. Wetlands (including peatlands) cut across the different AFOLU
categories. Project activities may be specific to wetlands or may be combined with other AFOLU
activities.

Wood products
Products derived from wood harvested from a forest, including fuelwood and logs and the products
derived from them such as sawn timber, plywood, wood pulp and paper
 3 Acronyms

3 ACRONYMS
ACoGS Avoiding Conversion of Grasslands and Shrublands

AFOLU Agriculture, Forestry and Other Land Use

ALM Agricultural Land Management

ANSI American National Standards Institute

APC Avoiding Planned Conversion

APDD Avoiding Planned Deforestation and Degradation

APWD Avoiding Planned Wetland Degradation

ARR Afforestation, Reforestation and Revegetation

AUC Avoiding Unplanned Conversion

AUDD Avoiding Unplanned Deforestation and Degradation

AUWD Avoiding Unplanned Wetland Degradation

CDM Clean Development Mechanism

CGLC Cropland and Grassland Land-use Conversions

CID Climatic Impact Driver

CIW Conservation of Intact Wetlands

DBH Diameter at Breast Height

DSH Diameter at Stump Height

ERA Extended Rotation Age

FAO Food and Agriculture Organization

GHG Greenhouse Gas

GWP Global Warming Potential

ICM Improved Cropland Management

IFM Improved Forest Management

IGM Improved Grassland Management

IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

ISO International Organization for Standardization

 3 Acronyms

JNR Jurisdictional and Nested REDD+

LtHP Low-productive to High-productive Forests

LtPF Logged to Protected Forests

ODS Ozone-Depleting Substances

PDT Peat Depletion Time

REDD Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation

RIL Reduced Impact Logging

RS Remote Sensing

RWE Restoring Wetland Ecosystems

SDT Soil Organic Carbon Depletion Time

UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

VVB Validation/Verification Body

VCS Verified Carbon Standard

VCU Verified Carbon Unit

WRC Wetlands Restoration and Conservation

 Appendix 1 Document History

APPENDIX 1 DOCUMENT HISTORY

Version Date Comment

v4.0 19 Sep 2019 Initial version released under VCS Version 4.

v4.1 20 Jan 2022 Revised definition of ‘approved GHG program’ as follows:

A GHG program that has been approved by the Verra Board, through a gap analysis,
as a VCS Program approved GHG program demonstrating alignment with VCS
Program principles and requirements. The VCS Program Guide and VCS Standard
further set out the implications of being an approved GHG program.

Added definition of ‘Sustainable Development (SD) Contribution’

Main updates (all effective on issue date, unless otherwise stated):

v4.2 22 Jun 2022
1) Incorporated revised definition of ‘start date’ from Clarification to VCS
Program Rules and Requirements, v4.0, published 19 April and updated 21
April 2022, as follows (effective 19 April 2022):

• The date on which the project began generating GHG emission reductions or
removals; equal to “Project Crediting Period Start Date”. Also referred to as
“Project Start Date”; or

• The date on which the jurisdictional REDD+ program began generating GHG
emission reductions or removals; equal to “Project Crediting Period Start
Date”. Also referred to as “Program Start Date”

2) Revised definition of ‘project crediting period start date’ as follows:

The date on which the first monitoring period commences the project began
generating GHG emission reductions or removals; equal to “Project Start Date”

Added definitions for ‘Climate Impact Driver,’ ‘Label (VCU Label, Verra Unit
Label),’ ‘Project Longevity Period,’ and ‘Verra Unit’
Standards for a Sustainable Future