A Verified Carbon Unit (VCU) is a standard unit of measurement for carbon emissions reductions or removals that has been verified and certified by a third-party organization under a specific carbon offset standard.

VCUs are used in carbon offset projects, such as afforestation, reforestation, and renewable energy projects, that aim to reduce or remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

Each VCU represents one metric tonne of CO2 equivalent emissions reduction or removal.

Obtaining VCUs involves measuring and monitoring the project’s emissions reduction and removal, then having the results verified and certified by an independent third-party expert.

Once generated and certified, organizations can purchase and trade VCUs, often called carbon credits, until they are retired.