ICVCM Approval Boosts Verra Carbon Methodologies

In a major development for the voluntary carbon market, the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) has approved two of Verra’s main methodologies. These methods meet the Core Carbon Principles (CCP) for scientific accuracy and environmental integrity. The approved methodologies, VM0044 Biochar Utilization in Soil and Non-Soil Applications, version 1.2, and VM0045 Improved Forest Management Using Dynamic Matched Baselines from National Forest Inventories, version 1.2, now rank among the top global standards for climate integrity.

The ICVCM’s decision is another step in Verra’s mission to build trust and credibility in carbon credit creation. This approval follows previous endorsements of the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program itself, several other VCS methodologies, and various Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) methodologies that remain active under the VCS Program, such as landfill methane recovery and leak detection in gas systems.

The first newly approved methodology, VM0044, marks a breakthrough in converting waste biomass into a stable form of carbon called biochar. By responsibly producing biochar and adding it to soil or using it in durable products, this carbon can stay trapped for centuries, making it a potent tool in the fight against climate change. This methodology establishes a new global standard for using waste biomass, providing a way to cut emissions while also enhancing soil health, agricultural productivity, and sustainable land management.

On the forestry side, the VM0045 Improved Forest Management methodology is pioneering with its use of dynamic matched baselines. Unlike traditional static, model-based baselines that often depend on historical averages or assumptions, this method utilizes continuously updated data from real-world forest inventories. By tapping into national forest inventories, the methodology offers a more precise, credible, and transparent way to measure carbon storage and sequestration in managed forests. This innovation boosts the credibility of forest carbon credits, ensuring they reflect actual conditions rather than outdated or theoretical estimates.

For those involved in the voluntary carbon market, the ICVCM’s endorsement holds significant importance. The Core Carbon Principles aim to provide a global quality standard, ensuring that carbon credits deliver real, measurable, and lasting climate benefits. Meeting these standards means the methodologies have passed rigorous evaluations for scientific validity, transparency, environmental and social safeguards, and their overall contribution to climate efforts.

Mandy Rambharos, CEO of Verra, called the ICVCM’s approval a defining milestone for nature-based solutions and carbon markets. She stressed that both methodologies represent real-world efforts designed to achieve meaningful climate results. “Whether it’s turning waste biomass into carbon-storing biochar or improving forests through smarter management, these methodologies focus on real actions for real impact. This decision strongly endorses high-integrity climate solutions that not only reduce emissions but also provide tangible benefits to communities and ecosystems globally,” Rambharos stated.

The endorsement comes at a time when the voluntary carbon market faces increasing scrutiny from governments, investors, and environmental groups. Many are asking for stricter standards to ensure credits fulfill their promised climate benefits. By approving VM0044 and VM0045, the ICVCM sends a clear message that innovation in methodology design, supported by transparency and scientific integrity, can help address long-standing concerns over credibility in the sector.

Verra’s history of developing and upholding high-integrity methodologies further highlights the significance of this approval. In recent years, the organization has broadened its portfolio to include methodologies for afforestation and reforestation, improving cookstove efficiency, and reducing energy-related emissions. Recently, Verra introduced its Just Transition Carbon Credit Methodology to assist in phasing out coal-fired power plants in a manner that protects workers’ rights and community livelihoods.

The biochar methodology especially aligns with the growing global interest in carbon removal technologies that surpass temporary sequestration. By ensuring that carbon captured in biomass waste turns into a form that resists decay for hundreds or even thousands of years, biochar presents a highly effective climate mitigation approach. This durability is essential for reaching net-zero and climate stabilization goals, where long-term carbon storage is necessary to offset residual emissions from difficult-to-abate sectors.

Meanwhile, the improved forest management methodology tackles one of the most ongoing criticisms of forestry-based carbon credits: the reliability of baseline scenarios. By substituting static models with dynamic, data-based baselines, the methodology lowers the risk of over-crediting or under-crediting projects. This ensures that the claimed climate benefits are both cautious and verifiable. This is particularly relevant as the world’s forests confront increasing threats from climate change, deforestation, and degradation, making accurate monitoring and reporting more crucial than ever.

The ICVCM’s recognition of these methodologies is likely to boost confidence among project developers, buyers, and investors in the voluntary carbon market. High-quality credits that align with Core Carbon Principles are expected to command a premium in the market, especially as companies strive to meet ambitious climate goals amid rising public and regulatory pressure.

As the voluntary carbon market evolves, the combination of innovative methodologies, independent oversight, and strict quality standards will be vital in delivering climate solutions that are both effective and reliable. With the endorsement of VM0044 and VM0045, Verra has solidified its role as a leading standard-setter in the global fight against climate change through nature-based and technology-driven solutions.