PCS VVB Agreement Template_v1.0

Document Control

• Document code: PCS-VVB-Agreement

• Title: Validation & Verification Body (VVB) Agreement Template

• Scope: Template agreement establishing the terms and conditions under which an accredited/recognized VVB is authorized to conduct validation and verification services under PCS across applicable tracks and project types.

• Outcome: Creates a formal, auditable authorization instrument for VVB participation, including compliance, confidentiality, integrity, termination, and digital signature/ledger recording provisions.

Version history and change log

Table DC-1. Revision history

Version	Date	Status	Summary of changes	Prepared by	Approved by
v1.0	TBD	Draft	Release for public consultation	PCS	TBD

Superseded versions

No superseded versions for v1.0.

Governance note on versioning and archiving

Only the latest approved version of this template shall be used. Superseded versions shall be archived and retained for traceability and audit purposes. Printed or downloaded copies are uncontrolled; the PCS published version is the authoritative current version.

Purpose

This Agreement establishes the terms and conditions under which an accredited or recognized Validation and Verification Body (VVB) is authorized to conduct validation and verification services under the Planetary Carbon Standard (PCS).

Section A – Agreement Parties and Background

This Agreement is made and entered into on this _____ day of __________, 2025, by and between:

• Planetary Carbon Standard Secretariat (hereinafter referred to as 'PCS Secretariat'), having its principal office at _______________________.

• ____________________ (hereinafter referred to as 'the Validation and Verification Body' or 'VVB'), a duly registered organization with its principal office at _______________________.

The Parties hereby acknowledge that the VVB has been assessed and approved for accreditation under the PCS Accreditation Framework.

Section B – Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this Agreement is to define the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of the VVB in providing validation and verification services for projects seeking registration, issuance, or continued certification under the Planetary Carbon Standard (PCS).

This Agreement applies to all PCS Tracks and project types, including Regular (Type A/B) and Nature-Based Solutions (Type C) projects, unless otherwise specified.

Section C – Term and Renewal

1

Term

This Agreement shall remain in effect for a period of three (3) years from the date of execution, unless terminated earlier in accordance with Section H.

2

Renewal

The Agreement may be renewed upon mutual written consent, following a review of the VVB’s performance, accreditation status, and compliance with PCS policies.

3

Automatic Termination

The Agreement automatically terminates if the VVB’s accreditation is suspended, revoked, or expires without renewal.

Section D – Obligations of the Validation and Verification Body (VVB)

The VVB hereby undertakes to perform its duties in accordance with the following obligations:

1

Maintain impartiality, independence, and technical competence at all times.

2

Conduct validation and verification activities in compliance with PCS methodologies, procedures, and sectoral scopes.

3

Ensure that assigned personnel possess the necessary technical expertise, training, and ethical standards.

4

Avoid conflicts of interest and immediately disclose any potential or actual conflicts to the PCS Secretariat.

5

Submit all required reports, findings, and documentation through the PCS digital registry platform.

6

Cooperate with PCS oversight reviews, audits, and compliance assessments as required.

7

Refrain from making any public claims implying endorsement or partnership with PCS beyond the accreditation scope.

Section E – Obligations of the PCS Secretariat

The PCS Secretariat agrees to fulfill the following obligations:

1

Maintain transparent and equitable oversight of all accredited VVBs.

2

Provide timely updates to the VVB regarding relevant standards, frameworks, and procedural revisions.

3

Ensure confidentiality of proprietary information shared by the VVB, subject to disclosure requirements for public reporting.

4

Record and verify all executed agreements, validations, and verifications on the PCS Blockchain Registry.

Section F – Confidentiality, Integrity, and Conflicts of Interest

Both Parties agree to maintain confidentiality regarding proprietary and sensitive information obtained during the course of this Agreement. The VVB shall implement internal mechanisms to prevent undue influence, conflicts of interest, or misuse of confidential project data.

Section G – Fees, Reporting, and Compliance

1

The VVB shall pay applicable accreditation and annual maintenance fees as prescribed by PCS policies.

2

PCS Secretariat reserves the right to suspend or terminate accreditation for non-payment, misconduct, or non-compliance with PCS requirements.

3

The VVB shall maintain accurate records of all validation and verification activities and make them available for PCS review upon request.

Section H – Termination, Suspension, and Dispute Resolution

1

Either Party may terminate this Agreement by providing sixty (60) days’ written notice.

2

PCS Secretariat may suspend or revoke this Agreement immediately upon finding of serious non-compliance, fraud, or breach of ethics.

3

Disputes arising under this Agreement shall be resolved amicably through consultation. If unresolved, disputes shall be referred to arbitration in accordance with the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules.

Section I – Digital Signature and Blockchain Verification

The Parties agree to execute this Agreement electronically. Each Party’s authorized representative shall digitally sign this document, which will be timestamped and permanently recorded on the PCS Blockchain Registry as proof of authenticity and execution.

For the PCS Secretariat
Name / Position
Signature / Authorization Token
Date
PCS Blockchain Verification Hash