Senseible

Can a Verra project use the quick additionality test that comes with a Clean Development Mechanism methodology?

Only if the project proponent shows the simplified procedure is appropriate for the project's characteristics and context. Where a methodology came from another greenhouse gas programme and uses an activity method or simplified procedure, Verra's Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) says otherwise another appropriate additionality method shall be used.

What section 3.13.2 says

  1. Additionality is shown as the applied methodology requires.
  2. Exception 1: where a VCS module uses an activity method, additionality may be shown with the module instead of the methodology's own requirements.
  3. Exception 2: where the methodology was developed under another greenhouse gas programme and uses an activity method or other simplified procedure, the proponent shall demonstrate the procedure is appropriate to the project, considering its characteristics and the context. Otherwise another appropriate method shall be used.

What an activity method is

Verra's footnote explains it by example: a module that uses an activity method, a positive list, deems a project activity additional. The proponent then shows the project meets the applicability conditions and criteria of the activity method instead of following the methodology's own additionality steps.

Verra's own example of why exception 2 exists

A project in the United States applying a Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) methodology with a simplified procedure must show it is appropriate, given it was developed for a developing country context.

What this means in India

Our reading, not Verra's wording: the requirement applies to a methodology from another programme only where it uses an activity method or other simplified procedure. If your CDM-origin method does, show why that step fits your project. Verra's own example is a US project, and the Standard does not say how the test applies to an Indian one, so ask your verification body. Write a short paragraph in the project description on why the simplified step fits your project: size, technology, who else has done it nearby and what the investment looks like without carbon income.

The Standard also has a separate rule on regulatory surplus, which has to be shown whichever additionality route is used.

What Senseible does here

Senseible reads fuel invoices and electricity bills into monthly records that you can keep with your project evidence. Its in-house check is not an accredited third-party verification, and Senseible is not part of Verra's process.

Sources: Verra, VCS Standard v5.0 (16 December 2025)

Last reviewed 2026-11-05. Check the current VCS Standard, Registration and Issuance Process and Program Guide on Verra's site before you rely on this; Verra updates them periodically.