The Voluntary Carbon Standard was launched today, intended as a benchmark standard for the voluntary carbon market to improve credibility and ensure strong growth.
It has been developed by three key organisations with expertise in climate policy, emissions trading and sustainable business respectively: The Climate Group, the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBSD).
A provisional version was launched two years ago. Input from a huge range of experts as well as feedback from the application of the standard in practice has led to a final version that represents environmental quality, promotes market credibility and encourages technological innovation.
Mark Kenber, Policy Director of The Climate Group and co-chair of the VCS Steering Committee, says: “The Voluntary Carbon Standard means business and consumer buyers can now trust the offsets they buy. Its robust quality assurance will trigger a new global confidence in the voluntary market from corporate buyers, consumers, and policy-makers. The VCS is vital for the environment and for growth of an important global market.”
