VCS vs Gold Standard vs CDM: How to Choose the Right Standard
The three frameworks that issue carbon credits differ in scope, methodology and how buyers recognise them.
Verra's Verified Carbon Standard (VCS)
Verra operates the Verified Carbon Standard, the largest voluntary carbon registry by the number of credits issued. It covers a wide range of project types, including forestry, agriculture, renewable energy and cookstoves, through published methodologies.
The Gold Standard
The Gold Standard is a voluntary standard that places particular weight on sustainable development co-benefits, such as health, energy access and gender equality, alongside emissions reductions. Projects must show how they contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
The CDM was a UN mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol that issued Certified Emission Reductions. It was linked to compliance obligations. Its role has shrunk since the Kyoto Protocol's commitment periods ended, and most new voluntary purchases now use VCS or Gold Standard credits.
How to choose
Start with the purpose. If your claim has to meet a specific compliance rule, check which standards that rule accepts. For voluntary claims, compare methodologies for the project type you are buying, the registry's transparency (public project pages and issuance records), and whether buyers and rating agencies in your sector recognise the standard.
Co-benefit reporting is a plus for some buyers and irrelevant for others. Focus first on whether the methodology is credible for the activity.