PCS 2.0
Launch of PCS 2.0 – Public Consultation
The development of PCS 2.0 is currently underway as a comprehensive upgrade of the Planetary Carbon Standard. This next-generation framework is being designed to ensure the highest levels of environmental integrity, transparency, and technological innovation, while maintaining full alignment with both international compliance mechanisms and voluntary carbon market requirements.
At this stage, PCS is releasing the complete list of PCS 2.0 documents that will form the new standard. The documents themselves will be issued for public comment once they receive formal approval from the PCS Board.
Why PCS 2.0?
Carbon markets have grown rapidly, but legacy systems still face major challenges:
Integrity risks (double counting, over-crediting, inconsistent baselines).
Limited technology integration (manual MRV, static documents, weak transparency).
Compliance gaps (misalignment with Article 6.2, ICVCM CCP+, and CORSIA).
PCS 2.0 addresses these challenges by embedding blockchain-backed registries, AI/ML-enabled MRV, IoT sensor networks, and geospatial monitoring (satellite, LiDAR, drones) directly into its governance and project cycle.
With these innovations, PCS 2.0 is designed to be the most advanced, future-ready standard, delivering trust for investors, buyers, host countries, and local communities.
Expert Team Behind PCS 2.0
PCS 2.0 is being developed through the combined expertise of a multi-disciplinary team to ensure the framework is technically sound, environmentally credible, and socially inclusive. The team includes:
A Methodology Technical Supervisor ensuring consistency, accuracy, and alignment with international best practice.
A Renewable Energy Specialist advancing methodologies for solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, and hybrid systems.
A Biodiversity and Habitat Expert safeguarding ecosystems and embedding nature-positive outcomes.
A UNSDG Specialist ensuring projects contribute measurably to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Accredited GHG Verifiers with ISO/UNFCCC expertise overseeing validation and verification processes.
A GIS & Remote Sensing Expert applying geospatial monitoring, satellite analysis, and LiDAR/drone integration into MRV systems.
A Community Program Lead for UNSDGs supporting co-benefits and ensuring Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) from local stakeholders.
This interdisciplinary approach ensures PCS 2.0 reflects the highest standards of science, technology, and community engagement.
PCS 2.0 Documentation Set
PCS 2.0 introduces a complete library of standards, methodologies, tools, and guidance documents, structured into 10 categories.
1. Governance & Core Standards
PCS-FR-001 – Program Framework
PCS-MN-002 – Program Manual
PCS-DF-003 – Program Definitions
PCS-PS-004 – Project Standard
PCS-VVS-005 – Validation & Verification Standard (VVS)
PCS-ESS-006 – Environmental & Social Safeguards Standard
PCS-SDG-007 – Project Sustainability / SDG Standard
PCS-DC-008 – Standard on Avoidance of Double Claiming
PCS-COR-009 – Standard on CORSIA Eligibility
PCS-ICV-010 – Standard on ICVCM Eligibility
PCS-A62-011 – Standard on Article 6.2 Eligibility
PCS-MD-012 – Standard for Development of Methodologies
PCS-PP-013 – Program Processes
PCS-VVB-014 – Procedure for Approval of VVBs
PCS-GA-015 – Grievance & Appeals Procedure
PCS-CL-016 – Clarifications
PCS-BND-017 – Bundling Guidelines
2. Methodologies
Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)
PCS-MA-001 – Forestry Methodology
PCS-MA-002 – Mangrove Methodology
CCS / Negative Emissions
PCS-MT-001 – CCS/BECCS/DACCS Methodology
PCS-MT-002 – Geological Storage Guidance
Technology Mitigation (TR Track)
PCS-TR-001 – Solar Methodology
PCS-TR-002 – Wind Methodology
PCS-TR-003 – Hydropower Methodology
PCS-TR-004 – Geothermal Methodology
PCS-TR-005 – Renewable Hybrid Systems
PCS-TR-006 – Industrial Energy Efficiency
PCS-TR-007 – Efficient Lighting & Appliances
PCS-TR-008 – Fuel Switch Methodology
PCS-TR-009 – Landfill Methane Capture
PCS-TR-010 – Waste-to-Energy Methodology
PCS-TR-011 – Tyre Waste Devulcanization & Recycling
PCS-TR-012 – Electric Mobility Projects
PCS-TR-013 – Public Transport Modal Shift
3. Methodological Tools
PCS-TA-001 – Biomass Burning Tool
PCS-TA-002 – Soil Organic Carbon Tool
PCS-TA-003 – Fertilizer Emissions Tool
PCS-TA-004 – Peat Oxidation Tool
PCS-TA-005 – Non-Permanence Risk Assessment Tool (Guide)
PCS-TA-006 – User Input Tool for Risk Assessment
PCS-TA-007 – Sample Plot Calculation Tool
PCS-TA-008 – Dead Wood & Litter Carbon Stock Tool
PCS-TA-009 – Trees & Shrubs Carbon Stock Tool
4. Methodology Lifecycle Docs
PCS-METH-Intro – Introductory Note
PCS-METH-CN – Concept Note
PCS-METH-TPL – Methodology Template
PCS-METH-AF – Methodology Assessment Form
PCS-METH-CL – Clarification Request Form
PCS-METH-RR – Revision Request Form
PCS-METH-DEV – Deviation Request Form
5. Project Cycle Forms & Reports
NBS Track
PCS-PSF-NBS – Project Submission Form (NBS)
PCS-PSF-NBS-Inst – Instructions (NBS)
PCS-PMR-NBS – Monitoring Report (NBS)
PCS-PMR-NBS-Inst – Instructions (NBS)
PCS-PVR-NBS – Validation Report (NBS)
PCS-ERVR-NBS – Emission Reduction Verification Report (NBS)
Regular Projects (Type A/B)
PCS-PSF-REG – Project Submission Form (Regular)
PCS-PSF-REG-Inst – Instructions (Regular)
PCS-PMR-REG – Monitoring Report (Regular)
PCS-PMR-REG-Inst – Instructions (Regular)
PCS-PVR-REG – Validation Report (Regular)
PCS-ERVR-REG – Emission Reduction Verification Report (Regular)
Post-Registration Changes (PRC)
PCS-PRC-Req – PRC Request Form
PCS-PRC-App – PRC Approval Request
PCS-PRC-VR – PRC Validation Report
Other Project Cycle Docs
PCS-CLoss-Not – Carbon Loss Event Notification (NBS)
PCS-CLoss-Rep – Carbon Loss Event Report (NBS)
PCS-LOA-REG – Letter of Authorization Template (Regular)
PCS-LOA-NBS – Letter of Authorization Template (NBS)
PCS-LOA-Change – Change in LOA Guidance
6. Safeguards & SDG Forms
PCS-ESS-F1 – Safeguards Form (Scopes 1–15)
PCS-ESS-F2 – Safeguards Form (Scopes 1–13 Legacy)
PCS-ESS-F3 – Safeguards Form (CCS/Tech)
PCS-SDG-F1 – SDG Impact Form (Legacy)
PCS-SDG-F2 – SDG Impact Form (Current)
7. VVB Applications & Agreements
PCS-VVB-MOU – VVB Application (MOU Track)
PCS-VVB-ISO – VVB Application (UNFCCC/ISO Track)
PCS-VVB-AGR – VVB Agreement Template
8. Registry Infrastructure
PCS-REG-UG – Registry User Guide
PCS-REG-TC – Registry Terms & Conditions
PCS-REG-FAQ – Registry FAQs
PCS-REG-ACCT – Registry Account Application Manual
9. Finance, Transition & Reports
PCS-FIN-001 – Default Cost of Equity Note
PCS-FEE-001 – Fee Schedule
PCS-WKP-001 – Annual Workplan
PCS-RPT-001 – Annual Report
PCS-INFO-001 – GWP Values of GHGs (Info Note)
PCS-TRN-001 – Transition Plan (Registration)
PCS-TRN-002 – Transition Plan (Issuance)
PCS-TRN-003 – Transition Example (ESS)
10. Operational Guidance Manuals
PCS-GD-PCF – Prior Consideration Form Guidance
PCS-GD-LOA – LOA Creation Manual
PCS-GD-PSF – PSF Manual
PCS-GD-PMR – PMR Manual
PCS-GD-PRC – PRC Manual
PCS-CM – Consolidated Manual
PCS-ACC-GD – Account Opening Guide
PCS-LOA-GD – Change in LOA Manual
Consultation & Next Steps
The PCS 2.0 document list has now been released publicly.
The draft documents themselves will be published upon final approval by the PCS Board.
Once published, they will be opened to public review and comment before final adoption.
Stakeholders, project developers, governments, civil society, and market participants will be invited to provide input via the PCS Portal.
This open consultation process reflects PCS’s commitment to:
Transparency – all comments will be logged and responded to.
Integrity – ensuring science-based, and technology-driven standards.
Collaboration – building trust across governments, private sector, and communities.
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