The Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), administered by the nonprofit Verra, is recognized as the world's leading greenhouse gas (GHG) crediting program. It enables organizations and project developers to certify activities that reduce or remove carbon emissions — such as reforestation, renewable energy, or carbon capture — and convert these verified results into tradable Verified Carbon Units (VCUs). Each VCU represents one metric tonne of CO2 reduced or removed from the atmosphere. Projects undergo independent third-party auditing, must follow peer-reviewed accounting methodologies, and are publicly tracked on the Verra Registry, ensuring transparency and credibility. To date, VCS-certified projects have reduced or removed more than 1.3 billion tonnes of GHG emissions across over 2,500 projects in more than 130 countries. Companies and individuals use VCUs to offset emissions they cannot yet eliminate, while also supporting sustainable development benefits like improved livelihoods and biodiversity protection. The VCS Program is endorsed by ICROA and aligned with the Core Carbon Principles, making it a trusted benchmark in voluntary and compliance carbon markets worldwide.