Program Definitions

21 December 2022 v4.3

ABOUT VERRA
Verra sets the world’s leading standards for climate action and sustainable development. We build
standards for activities as diverse as reducing deforestation, to improving agricultural practices, to
addressing plastic waste, and to achieving gender equality. We manage programs to certify that these
activities achieve measurable high-integrity outcomes. And we work with governments, businesses, and
civil society to advance the use of these standards, including through the development of markets.
Everything we do is in service of increasingly ambitious climate and sustainable development goals –
and an accelerated transition to a sustainable future.

Verra’s certification programs include the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program and its Jurisdictional
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

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, ISO 14064-3, and ISO 14065 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

2 DEFINITIONS
Aboveground Biomass
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
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
 2 Definitions

Agroforestry
An ecologically-based natural resource management system in which trees are integrated into farmland
and rangeland
Agro and Forest Residue
Agro residues are organic material produced as a by-product after harvesting and processing agricultural
crops; examples include bagasse, stover, chaff, and straw. Forest residues are organic materials as a by-
product of forest harvesting; examples include chips, sawdust, branches, and bark
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
Area of Review (AOR)
The maximum areal extent that CO2 could impact underground sources of drinking water for a GCS
project. This includes the area where potential natural and/or induced migration pathways could exist
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
Blue Carbon
Organic carbon stored in above- and below-ground biomass and soil pools in tidal and marine ecosystems
(e.g., mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and tidal marshes)
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)
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
 2 Definitions

Caprock
A layer of impermeable rock that acts as a trapping mechanism, overlying a geologic reservoir that is the
target for permanent CO2 storage for a GCS project and has a fracture stress higher than the reservoir
fracture stress
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
GHG emission reduction or removal activities that capture CO2 and sequester it into saline aquifers or into
depleted oil or gas reservoirs with the intention of permanent sequestration on geological timescales.
CCS is a type of geological carbon storage.
Captured Flare or Vent Gas
CH4 that was previously flared or vented in a project activity’s baseline and that is captured and used
during the project activity
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 carbon 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
Confining Layer
Single or multiple geological formations that are a barrier to substance movement
Containment
A characterization of overall storage site integrity in a GCS project, whereby the geologic seals, caprock, or
other trapping mechanisms contain the injected fluids
 2 Definitions

Cooperative Hub Project

A GCS project in which pore space tenure holders, storage site operators, and other entities with interests
in capture sites and the transportation network have agreements to connect plants, equipment, and
processes, and share common infrastructure that collectively serves to store CO2
Crediting Period

• The time period for which GHG emission reductions or removals generated by the project are eligible
for issuance as VCUs, not including any potential crediting period renewals. Also referred to as the
“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, not including any potential crediting period
renewals. Also referred to as the “Program Crediting Period”
Crediting Period Start Date
The start date of a non-AFOLU project is the date on which the project began generating GHG emission
reductions or removals. The start date of an AFOLU project or jurisdictional REDD+ program is the date on
which activities that led to the generation of GHG emission reductions or removals are implemented (e.g.,
planting, changing agricultural or forestry practices, rewetting, restoring hydrological functions, or
implementing management or protection plans).; Equivalent to “Project Start Date” and “Program
Crediting Period 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 to standardize the calculation of net GHG emission
reductions and/or removals and provide 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
 2 Definitions

Distributed Mini-Grid
Localized grid-connected electricity generation units that facilitate the delivery of electricity to the user but
do not displace fossil fuels from the grid or sell electricity to the grid
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
Facility
A single installation, set of installations, or production processes (stationary or mobile), which can be
defined within a geographical boundary, organizational unit, or production process
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
Geological Carbon Mineralization (GCM)
GHG emission reduction or removal activities that store CO2 in underground sinks through mineralization
processes. It relies on chemical reactions of injected CO2 with reservoir rock and fluids to immobilize and
trap CO2 permanently as carbonates or other solids. GCM is a type of Geological Carbon Storage.
Geological Carbon Storage (GCS)
GHG emission reduction or removal activities that store CO2 in underground sinks with the intention of
permanent sequestration on geological timescales. It includes CCS, GCM, and utilization of CO2 in
underground reservoirs
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
GHG Statement
A clearly identifiable, factual, and objective declaration made by the project proponent of the project’s
GHG emission reductions or removal enhancements, and which provides the subject matter for the
verification or validation body’s opinion. Such a statement could be presented at a point in time or could
 2 Definitions

cover a period of time and must be capable of consistent evaluation or measurement against suitable
criteria by the validator or verifier
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
Grid-Connected Electricity Generation
The generation of electricity primarily for delivery to a national or regional grid where at least 50% of
annual electricity generation (by quantity of energy, not capacity) is planned to be delivered to such a
grid. Generation of electricity for on-site self-consumption, delivery to a micro-grid, distributed mini-grid, or
off-grid consumption is not included in this definition.
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
Harvesting activity
The harvest of trees, vegetation, or other biomass, which results in a reduction by more than 20% of
carbon stocks over a five-year period that starts when a reduction of carbon stocks occurs. In the case of
grouped projects, the 20% threshold applies to each project activity instance
Impacted Goods and Services
All goods and services whose GHGs are directly impacted by the technologies and measures specified as
project activities in the project description for which VCUs have been or will be sought. For example, for
an improved forest management project where the forest manager implements the project activities and
sells felled logs to a sawmill, the felled logs would be considered impacted goods, whereas processed
lumber and other downstream products such as furniture would not
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
Injection Zone
The geological interval in the subsurface into which a substance is injected for GCS projects
Instance
See “Project Activity Instance (Instance)”
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
 2 Definitions

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, 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 of 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
Leakage Area
The sum of individual leakage belts. Such leakage belts need not be contiguous
Leakage Belt
The geographical area around the project area where leakage is expected
Leakage Management Area
The discrete geographical area outside of the project area where project activities are implemented to
mitigate deforestation drivers in the project area (i.e. sustainable agriculture)
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
 2 Definitions

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
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 statement 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
 2 Definitions

Methodology Development and Review Process

The process by which new or revised methodologies, modules, and tools are developed and reviewed
under the VCS Program
Methodology Deviation
A deviation from the criteria and procedures for monitoring or measurement set out in a methodology
applied to the project
Methodology Developer
An entity that develops a methodology, tool, or module
Methodology Revision
A revision to the criteria and procedures of an existing methodology
Micro-Grid
A localized grid that facilitates the delivery of electricity to discrete and often remote sets of infrastructure
that do not otherwise have reliable access to electricity
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 disturbances
 2 Definitions

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
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-Negligible CO2 Containment Loss
Movement of CO2 from a GCS site(s) to the atmosphere or above the injected zone, greater than 0.001%
(one part in 100,000) of accumulated injected volumes, or 1 tCO2, whichever is higher
Non-Permanence Risk
The risk that carbon stored in a carbon pool (e.g., above-ground biomass, soil, geologic reservoirs) is
released back into the atmosphere as CO2 or CH4. This risk may be associated with natural events such
as fires, pests, extreme weather events, leaks from geologic réservoirs, or human-caused events such as
tree harvests or changes in soil management practices
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
 2 Definitions

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 artificially drained. Common names for peatland include mire, bog, fen,
moor, muskeg, pocosin, and peat swamp (forest)
Performance Benchmark
A benchmark against which the performance of individual projects is assessed to determine 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 rule
Pore Space Tenure
The legal instrument that provides the exclusive subsurface right to inject CO2 into the target geologic
reservoir for permanent CO2 storage in a GCS project
Pore Space Tenure Holder
The person(s) or organization(s) legally entitled to pore space tenure for a GCS project
Post-Injection Assessment Period (PIAP)
The period extending 1000 years from the end of injection, used as the timeframe over which GCS
permanence is assessed
Post-Injection Site Care
The activities required at a GCS storage site during the closure and post-closure monitoring periods,
typically including monitoring, any site remediation, and closure activities.
Post-Injection Site Care Period (PISC Period)
The period extending from the end of injection at a GCS storage site to the end of post-closure monitoring
Post-Closure Period
The period extending indefinitely after GCS storage site closure.
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
 2 Definitions

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 “Crediting Period 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
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 Area
The geographic area in which the project activities are implemented.
Project Boundary
The specification of GHG sources, sinks, and reservoirs associated with the project and baseline
scenarios

Project Crediting Period

See “Crediting Period”
Project Crediting Period Start Date
See “Crediting Period Start Date”
 2 Definitions

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.
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 “Crediting Period Start Date”
Project Zone
The area where AFOLU project activities aim to generate or maintain net climate benefits, which includes
the project area, WRC buffer zone, leakage belt(s), and leakage management area(s)
 2 Definitions

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
Reference Region
The region from which historical and current deforestation and degradation quantities and trends are
ascertained to predict future deforestation and degradation quantities in the baseline scenario
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
Regulatory Surplus
Project activities are not mandated by any law, statute, or other regulatory framework, or for UNFCCC non-
Annex I countries, any systematically enforced law, statute, or other regulatory framework.
Remedial Liability
The responsibilities and resourcing associated with any site remediation activities and/or costs
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

Reservoir Model
A model of the subsurface for GCS projects which incorporates geological characteristics of the storage
reservoir
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
Scope 3 Emissions Double Claiming
The situation where an organization reports in its Scope 3 emissions statement a GHG emission
reduction or removal that is also associated with an issued VCU
Scope 3 Inventory Emissions
All indirect GHG emissions (including both upstream and downstream emissions not included in Scope 2)
that occur in an organization’s Scope 3 emissions inventory boundary, as defined in the Corporate Value
Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard1
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”

1Greenhouse Gas Protocol. (2011). Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard.
https://ghgprotocol.org/sites/default/files/standards/Corporate-Value-Chain-Accounting-Reporing-Standard_041613_2.pdf
 2 Definitions

Sequestration Zone
The subsurface intended for permanent storage of CO2 for GCS projects
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
Site
The location where a Project Proponent (or a representative on their behalf or at their direction) carries
out work or a service. A site may include one or several facilities
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
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
Storage Site
The surface facilities, wells, subsurface, and geologic formations that allow pore spaces in a geologic
reservoir to be assessed and used for permanent CO2 storage in a GCS project
Storage Site Closure
A milestone at the end of a GCS project’s lifecycle, denoted by the end of CO2 injection and demarcating
the time when closure activities initiate. Storage site closure is determined by the regulating authority in
the jurisdiction where the storage site(s) is/are located
Storage Site Operator
The person(s) or organization(s) that have approval for drilling, constructing, and operating a storage site
issued from the regulating authority in the jurisdiction where the GCS site(s) is located
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
Supply Chain
A network of organizations (e.g., manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) involved in the
production, delivery, and sale of a product or service to the consumer. Supply chain entities include
organizations upstream and downstream of the goods and services whose GHGs are impacted by project
activities.
 2 Definitions

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
Underground Source of Drinking Water (USDW)
An aquifer or source of water with a quantity sufficient to supply a water system for local use cases, and
for human consumption with less than 10,000 mg/L total dissolved solids
Validation
The independent assessment of the project by a validation/verification body that determines whether the
project conforms with the VCS Program rules and evaluates the reasonableness of assumptions,
limitations, and methods that support a claim about the outcome of future activities
Validation Report
The written report of validation prepared by the validation/verification body in accordance with the VCS
Program rules which contains the validation opinion
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 conformance
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 conformance with the applicable VCS Program rules, and which is prepared using the
VCS 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
 2 Definitions

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
The periodic ex-post independent assessment by a validation/verification body of the GHG emission
reductions and removals that have occurred as a result of the project during the monitoring period. The
assessment is based on historical data and information to determine whether the claim is materially
correct and conforms with specified requirements and is conducted in accordance with the VCS Program
rules
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 removal claims 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 removal claims in accordance with the applicable VCS Program rules, and which is
prepared using the VCS JNR Program Verification Deed of Representation Template
Verified Carbon Unit (VCU)
A unit issued by and held in the Verra Registry representing the right of an account holder 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
 2 Definitions

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 account holder 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
Vertically Integrated Project
A GCS project in which the operator of the storage site(s) and the pore space tenure holder is the project
proponent and is the controlling entity for all the capture site(s) and transport infrastructure associated
with the project
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
WRC Buffer Zone
A discrete geographic area within or outside the project area of a WRC project that is established to
mitigate potential negative impacts to the hydrology in the project area
 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
AOR Area of Review
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
CCS Carbon Capture and Storage
CDM Clean Development Mechanism
CGLC Cropland and Grassland Land-use Conversions
CID Climatic Impact Driver
CIW Conservation of Intact Wetlands
CAR Climate Action Reserve
CORSIA Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation
CRT Climate Reserve Tonne
DBH Diameter at Breast Height
DSH Diameter at Stump Height
ERA Extended Rotation Age
ERU Emission Reduction Unit
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization
GCS Geologic Carbon Storage
GCM Geologic Carbon Mineralization
GHG Greenhouse Gas
GWP Global Warming Potential
ICM Improved Cropland Management
 3 Acronyms

IFM Improved Forest Management

IGM Improved Grassland Management
IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
ISO International Organization for Standardization
JI Joint Implementation program
JNR Jurisdictional and Nested REDD+
lCER Long-term Certified Emission Reduction
LtHP Low-productive to High-productive Forests
LtPF Logged to Protected Forests
ODS Ozone-Depleting Substances
PDT Peat Depletion Time
PIAP Post-Injection Assessment Period
PISC Post-Injection Site Care
REDD Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation
RIL Reduced Impact Logging
RS Remote Sensing
RWE Restoring Wetland Ecosystems
SDT Soil Organic Carbon Depletion Time
tCER Temporary Certified Emission Reduction
UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
USDW Underground Sources of Drinking Water
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’

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

v4.3 21 Dec 2022
1) Definitions for terms related to Table 1 in the VCS Standard Section 2.1. have
been added and/or edited, including ‘Grid-Connected Electricity Generation,’
‘Micro-grid,’ ‘Distributed mini-grid,’ ‘Power Plant,’ ‘Aboveground Biomass,’ ‘Agro
and Forest Residue,’ and ‘Capture flare or vent gas.’
2) Definitions related to GCS projects have been added to support new program
requirements related to GCS projects seeking to register under the VCS program.
3) Definition for ‘Blue Carbon’ has been added.
4) Definitions for terms related to leakage area, leakage belt, leakage management
area, project area, project boundary, project zone, and reference region have
been added and/or updated for greater clarity.
5) Definition for ‘GHG statement’ has been added.
6) Definition of ‘Harvesting activities’ has been added.
7) Definitions related to double-counting of scope-3 emissions have been added,
including: impacted goods and services, Scope 3 emissions double claiming,
Scope 3 inventory emissions, and supply chain.
8) Definitions pertaining to the new Methodology Development and Review Process,
v4.2 have been added and/or updated.
 Appendix 1 Document History

9) Definition for ‘Non-Permanence Risk-‘ has been added.

10) Definition for 'Regulatory Surplus’ has been added.
11) Definitions related to ‘Validation’ and ‘Verification’ have been added and/or
updated in line with updated definitions and content in Section 4.1 of the VCS
Standard to align with ISO 14064-3:2019.
12) Definition for ‘WRC Buffer Zone’ has been added.
Standards for a Sustainable Future