The standard

Scaling circular economy projects

The Riverse Standard is Europe's leading carbon crediting program for technology-based, circular economy projects. It outlines the criteria that projects must meet to achieve certification.

Our rules and methodologies are grounded in science, developed collaboratively with project developers, and adhere to the fundamental principles of carbon credit certification.

Understanding the Riverse Standard Certification Process

The five steps of the certification process strike a balance between rigorous scientific methodology and efficiency, ensuring project developers experience a thorough yet streamlined certification journey.

Step 1 - Eligibility  evaluation
Step 2 - Pre-certification
Step 3 - Third-party validation and certification
Step 4 - Monitoring & verification
Step 5 - Credit Transactions

The standard

Documentation

Standard Rules

We are pleased to announce that the most up-to-date version of the Standard Rules we're currently following is Version 6.1. This iteration represents our continued commitment to enhancing the scientific basis and transparency of the certification process.

By consistently updating our rules, we aim to ensure the highest integrity for projects under our purview.

As always, we are deeply appreciative of the community's feedback and collaboration. We aim to ensure that the Riverse Standard remains compliant with the highest requirements of integrity and quality that are being set in the voluntary carbon market.

Public consultations

There are currently no open public consultations.

Would you like to be notified of future consultations? Please contact us.

Public consultations, when held, are open for a minimum of 30 days. All relevant details can be accessed on our website, and the results of these consultations are displayed on the designated page.

Closed public consultations

Document

Start date

Closing date

Useful links

Biomass Carbon Removal Storage v1.0

10/9/24

11/10/24

Biogas from anaerobic digestion

27/5/24

28/6/24

Electronic device refurbishing v2.0

23/4/24

24/5/24

Riverse Standard Rules v6

12/3/24

12/4/24

Biobased Construction Materials Methodology v2.0

24/1/24

1/3/24

Riverse Standard Rules for European Greentechs v5

1/2/23

8/3/23

Historical Versions of the Standard Rules:

Document

Description

August 2024

  • New Appendix with Riverse Registry IT security requirements
  • Removed Appendix summarizing available Riverse Methodologies
  • Minor text clarifications

May 2024

This version fully aligns with CORSIA and ICROA requirements. 
Notably through:

  • Revised additionality assessment requirements and templates
  • Revised permanence and reversal risks requirements and templates
  • Revised ESDNH requirements and templates
  • Alignment of GHG quantification with ISO14064-2:2019

October 2023

  • Restructure standard documentation to move all procedures to “Procedure Manual”
  • Revised Environmental and social do no harm assessment method
  • Baseline choice approach to be based on WBCSD
  • Introduction of new appendix on Ramp up effects

June 2023

  • Clarification of the text on multidecadal monitoring
  • Permanence risk assessment introduced

May 2023

  • Restructure all eligibility criteria under 14 distinct criteria
  • Added section on General LCA methodology
  • Introduction of Key Impact Indicators in verification mechanism
  • Revised rules of buffer and provision pool

September 2022

  • In-depth eligibility criteria and project requirements have been established, including Technology Readiness Level (TRL), Rebound effects, Leakage, and the "Do no harm" principle.
  • A new "provision fund" has been introduced.
  • Provided more a detailed procedure regarding Validation and Verification Body (VVB) audits.

2021-2022

These represent the historical methodology used in the Riverse Standard. Projects that were initially certified under these earlier versions have undergone a re-evaluation to ensure they meet the criteria of the program's most current version.

Methodologies

The Riverse standard issues science-driven credits, signifying genuine CO2 that has either been prevented from entering or actively removed from the atmosphere. Beyond CO2 mitigation, we also ensure that projects deliver additional positive environmental and social impacts, without instigating any adverse effects. Our validation process mandates a scientific evaluation and quantification of the carbon reductions, from cradle-to-grave.

By updating and sharing our methodologies, we aim to ensure the highest integrity for projects.

Document

Description

This methodology covers projects producing biogas through anaerobic digestion. Most projects here use agricultural waste as a main input. This offers a low-impact energy alternative to fossil fuels, and allows for the circular use of agri-food waste.(Current version: v3.0)

This methodology, tailored to processes including pyrolysis and gasification, focuses on projects creating energy while simultaneously sequestering carbon in biochar (or bio-oil). Projects are usually optimized for producing one or the other, and either setup is eligible. (Current version: v1.0)

This methodology covers projects that refurbish electronic devices, extend their usable lifetime, reduce electronics waste and avoid production of new devices. The eligible device types include smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktop computers, and screens. (Current version: v2.1)

This methodology focuses on projects producing construction materials derived from renewable biological resources. Accounting for full life cycle emissions and biogenic carbon storage, it guides projects on precise removal calculations. (Current version: v2.2)

Standard reference documents

Procedures

Document

Description

This manual describes the rules and procedures for registering and operating Riverse projects and issuing Riverse Carbon Credits (RCC).It should be used together with the latest versions of the Riverse Standard Rules, Sector-specific Methodologies, and Validation and Verification Body Requirements
(Current version: v2.1)

Standard revision procedure diagram

Methodology creation procedure diagram

The aim of this document is to present guidelines for Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs) for conducting comprehensive evaluations of greenhouse gas emission avoidance and/or removals of project developers under the Riverse Standard. This document delineates the standards and procedures necessary for ensuring compliance with the Riverse Standard Rules.

Requirements for avoiding double counting the same greenhouse gas emission reductions certified by the Riverse Standard.

Procedure templates

Document

Description

Detailed Project Description

Annual monitoring report

Stakeholder consultation letter

Methodology creation proposal

Letter of authorization Article 6/CORSIA

Disputes and grievances

Document

Description

Template for the Conflict of Interest (COI) policy signed by Riverse Standard and Riverse Ecosystem members subject to COI, to ensure all new members respect Riverse’s independence

The Complaints and Appeals Policy ensures fair and transparent procedures for addressing grievances and contesting decisions related to carbon credit certification, fostering trust and accountability in the certification process.

SAB meetings minutes

Document

Description

Riverse’s Standard Advisory Board #1 - Meeting minutes

Riverse’s Standard Advisory Board #2 - Meeting minutes

Riverse’s Standard Advisory Board #3 - Meeting minutes

Other

Document

Description

Terms of Reference for the Riverse Standard Advisory Board

Terms of Reference for the Riverse Technical Advisory Committee

The KYC policy ensures rigorous identity verification of all participants in carbon credit transactions, maintaining legal compliance and safeguarding against fraud and financial risks.

Overview of certification and credit issuance fees associated with the Riverse Standard and Tech Infrastructure.

Terms of Use of the Impact Certification Platform and Terms of Use of the Riverse Registry

Terms & Conditions Agreement - Terms of Use of the Riverse Registry for Riverse Carbon Credit Purchasers

Privacy Policy of the Riverse MRV platform and the Riverse Registry

Validation and Verification Bodies

Document

Description

Guidelines outlining the criteria and process for VVB accreditation under the Riverse Standard.

Application form for entities seeking accreditation as VVBs under the Riverse Standard.

The aim of this document is to present guidelines for Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs) for conducting comprehensive evaluations of greenhouse gas emission avoidance and/or removals of project developers under the Riverse Standard. This document delineates the standards and procedures necessary for ensuring compliance with the Riverse Standard Rules.

Current list of Riverse-accredited VVB

Verifavia

Verifavia

Verifavia

Website

Nicolas Duchêne

Sectorial Scope:

global

KPMG

KPMG

KPMG

Website

Clément Le Gouvello

Sectorial Scope:

global

Finexfi

Finexfi

Finexfi

Website

Isabelle Lhoste

Sectorial Scope:

Bioenergies(2) and BiCRS(3)

RSM FRANCE

RSM FRANCE

RSM FRANCE

Website

Vincent Valette

Sectorial Scope:

Industrial circular economy(1), Bioenergies (2), BiCRS(3) and Construction(4)

Enviance

Enviance

Enviance

Website

Pankaj Kumar

Sectorial Scope:

1.Industrial circular economy, 2.Bioenergies, 3.BiCRS and 4.Engineered Removals