CCP Rule Architecture
Consultation on a proposed framework for structuring and evolving the CCP rule base
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This consultation is currently open
Background
The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) is consulting on a proposal for a rule architecture to support the consistent interpretation, application and evolution of the Core Carbon Principles (CCPs) and the Assessment Framework over time.
Since the CCPs and Assessment Framework were adopted, ICVCM has gained practical experience through assessments, Continuous Improvement Work Programs (CIWPs), ongoing engagement with stakeholders, and developments in science, regulation and market practice. The proposal responds to the need for a more structured, transparent and predictable approach to addressing questions of interpretation, technical application and operational evolution as they arise.
The proposed approach is intended to strengthen integrity over time while preserving stability and predictability in the CCP rule base. It does this by setting out clear processes, defined roles and a limited set of regulatory instruments for addressing different types of issues, without reopening the CCPs or Assessment Framework themselves.
ICVCM welcomes feedback from across the voluntary carbon market, civil society, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, policymakers, academics and other stakeholders.
Scope of the consultation
This consultation focuses on the design and operation of the proposed CCP rule architecture, including:
- the overall structure and principles of the framework;
- the proposed regulatory instruments (including Interpretations, Technical Notices and Clarifications);
- the decision pathways, roles and oversight arrangements associated with those instruments; and
- supporting and companion documents intended to improve clarity and usability.
The consultation does not propose changes to the Core Carbon Principles or the Assessment Framework, and does not reopen existing CCP criteria or requirements. Any future amendments to those primary rules would be subject to a specific process and decisions of the ICVCM Governing Board, and are outside the scope of this consultation.
The public consultation document outlines the proposed rule architecture and its underlying rationale.
What happens next
Feedback received through this consultation will be reviewed and summarised to inform an ICVCM process document. A final proposal, together with a summary of consultation responses, will be submitted to the ICVCM Governing Board for consideration.
If approved, the proposal would then be adopted as a procedural framework to guide how future regulatory instruments are developed, consulted on and issued. It would not in itself introduce immediate changes to existing CCP requirements or assessment outcomes.
Documentation
CCP Rule Architecture - May 2026
Consultation Draft – CCP rule architecture: a system for Interpretations, Technical Notices, and Clarifications for the Core Carbon Principles Assessment Framework.
Architecture des règles du CCP - mai 2026
Projet de consultation – Architecture réglementaire du CCP : un système d’interprétations, d’avis techniques et de clarifications pour le cadre d’évaluation des Principes fondamentaux du carbone.
Arquitetura de Regras do CCP - maio de 2026
Projet de consultation – Estrutura normativa do CCP: um sistema de interpretações, notas técnicas e esclarecimentos para o Quadro de Avaliação dos Princípios Fundamentais do Carbono.
Arquitectura normativa del CCP - Mayo de 2026
Borrador de consulta – Estructura normativa de los CCP: un sistema de interpretaciones, notas técnicas y aclaraciones para el Marco de Evaluación de los Principios Básicos del Carbono.