Verra’s Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program has received approval from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to supply eligible emission units under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) during its second phase, covering the first compliance period from 2027 to 2029.
The endorsement reinforces the VCS Program’s reputation as one of the world’s most trusted and rigorously governed carbon credit systems.
“This approval validates the work of our team and partners around the world who continue to raise the bar for climate finance and environmental integrity. We remain committed to aligning with international frameworks and evolving in step with the needs of the global climate challenge,” said Mandy Rambharos, Chief Executive Officer of Verra.
Under ICAO’s decision, Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) will remain eligible for use in CORSIA’s second phase, provided they meet all other applicable conditions. Eligible credits include those from projects that began crediting from 1 January 2016, and VCUs issued for emission reductions or removals occurring between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2029.
The announcement follows ICAO’s earlier approvals of the VCS Program for both the CORSIA pilot phase (2021–2023) and first phase (2024–2026).
In addition, ICAO has lifted several previous exclusions and restrictions. Notably, the exclusion of VCUs from projects using methodologies AMS.II.G.: Energy Efficiency Measures in Thermal Applications of Non-Renewable Biomass (external) and VMR0006 Energy Efficiency and Fuel Switch Measures in Thermal Applications (for improved cookstove projects) has been removed. This revision not only applies to CORSIA’s second phase but is also retroactively extended to the first phase (2024–2026).
Similarly, the exclusion of VCUs from projects applying VM0049 Carbon Capture and Storage has been lifted for certain projects, underscoring growing recognition of high-integrity engineered carbon removal initiatives.
With ICAO’s continued endorsement, Verra’s VCS Program remains a cornerstone of international efforts to ensure environmental integrity and transparency in the global carbon market.
