The aviation industry is celebrating a significant milestone with the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) formal recognition of the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS). This landmark decision paves the way for airlines to proactively address their carbon footprint and contributes to the burgeoning voluntary carbon market.

 

The Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program, a cornerstone of the voluntary carbon market, has achieved a significant milestone. The United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has approved the VCS Program for eligibility in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) First Phase (2024-2026). This decision marks a pivotal moment for the aviation industry's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and underscores the growing importance of high-quality carbon credits in the global climate action landscape.

 

The ICAO's approval underscores the stringent environmental and social safeguards of the VCS Program, ensuring that Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) represent real, additional, and verifiable emission reductions.This recognition reinforces Verra's commitment to delivering high-integrity climate solutions and promoting trust in the voluntary carbon market.

Expanded Opportunities for Climate Action

Boosting the Voluntary Carbon Market

Collaboration Between Stakeholders

Benefits for Airlines

• By utilizing VCS-certified carbon credits, airlines can demonstrate their commitment to reducing carbon emissions and contribute to the aviation industry's sustainability goals.
• The approval of the VCS Program under CORSIA provides airlines with a reliable and transparent source of high-quality carbon credits, simplifying their compliance efforts.

Next Steps and Considerations

• To ensure the smooth integration of VCS credits into CORSIA, projects will need to collaborate with host country governments to obtain necessary authorizations under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
• Verra is committed to providing clear guidance and support to project developers and airlines to facilitate the operationalization of ICAO's decision within the VCS Program.