This page publicly tracks changes and updates to the Certification Standard. These updates may happen as a result of the annual technical stakeholder review process, to clarify ambiguous language, or to correct errors identified in the requirements.
May 9, 2025
Added guidance for software eligibility for Scope 3.15 emissions, which can be found here.
May 7, 2025
Clarified requirement to provide Lower carbon documentation for VCA direct cost Tier 3 and 4 projects
May 2, 2025
Clarified language about excluded contributions to charitable organizations. Charitable organizations must have an explicit mission to reduce or remove GHG emissions for contributions to count towards OC spending.
April 18, 2025
Adopted new guidance for the treatment of multi-use expenditures (capex or opex) to clarify eligibility of certain capital/service/leases costs. This guidance creates a tiered system to align eligible VCA spending with expected carbon benefit, based on groups of technologies. Read the guidance here.
March 7, 2025
Fixed confusing wording about EAC eligibility in 2025 Standard to align with intended meaning, which is compatible with Green-e and GHGP guidelines.
Original: "Vintages of all EACs used to make market adjustments must match the emissions year or the certification year. For example, when considering 2024 Scope 2 emissions, EACs must have a vintage of 2024 or 2025."
Correction: "Vintages of all EACs used to make market adjustments must fall within the three years up to and including the certification year. For example, when pursuing certification in 2025, EACs must have a vintage of 2023, 2024, or 2025."
January 1, 2025
Released the final 2025 Certification Standard, now available at changeclimate.org/standards.