Verra’s New Climate Methodologies Earn Key Global Approval

Verra, the nonprofit behind the world’s leading carbon crediting program, has announced that two of its latest climate solutions have been officially approved by the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM). This approval means the new methods meet global best-practice standards for environmental credibility, known as the Core Carbon Principles.

The two endorsed methods focus on biochar and improved forest management, both natural climate solutions that help reduce carbon in the atmosphere.

The first methodology, VM0044 (Biochar Utilization in Soil and Non-Soil Applications, v1.2), promotes the safe and effective use of biochar—a charcoal-like substance made from plant waste. When added to soil or used in products like building materials, biochar stores carbon for hundreds of years. This prevents it from re-entering the atmosphere, helping to slow climate change.

The second, VM0045 (Improved Forest Management Using Dynamic Matched Baselines from National Forest Inventories, v1.2), aims to boost carbon storage in forests by tracking them more accurately. Rather than using outdated or static models, it relies on ongoing data collection from national forest inventories to reflect real-time forest conditions. This new approach offers a more reliable way to measure and reward improved forest management practices.

“This is a big moment for carbon markets,” said Verra CEO Mandy Rambharos. “These tools help turn climate action into measurable results, whether that’s turning waste into long-lasting carbon stores or protecting and improving our forests.”

The ICVCM’s endorsement assures buyers and investors that carbon credits tied to these methods deliver real climate benefits. The announcement follows earlier ICVCM approvals of other Verra standards, reinforcing the group’s role as a leader in trustworthy carbon crediting.

Source: verra.org