ICVCM Opens Consultation on Proposed CCP Rule Architecture Through June 2026

The Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market has launched a public consultation on a proposed Core Carbon Principles rule architecture, designed to govern how the CCPs and the CCP Assessment Framework will be consistently interpreted, applied, and evolved over time. The consultation is open from 5 May to 7 June 2026.

The proposed rule architecture addresses three elements: the overall structure and guiding principles of the architecture, the role of different instruments including Interpretations, Technical Notices, and Clarifications, and how transition measures are designed and implemented. The ICVCM stated that the proposal responds to practical experience gained through program and methodology assessments, Continuous Improvement Work Programs, and evolving science and regulation. The architecture is intended to provide a more structured, transparent, and predictable approach to addressing interpretation and technical questions without reopening or rewriting the CCPs themselves at this stage.

The consultation is open to all stakeholders across the voluntary carbon market, civil society, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, policymakers, academics, and others. The ICVCM has framed the consultation as process-oriented — focused on establishing the governance, decision pathways, and instruments of the architecture rather than on specific rule changes. Any future amendments to the CCPs or the Assessment Framework would be subject to a separate process and Governing Board decisions, which are outside the scope of this consultation. The proposed architecture includes prospective application and appropriate transition measures.

The ICVCM described the approach as phased and sequenced: the governance architecture is established first, and specific instruments addressing CCP rule evolution will be developed only after the architecture is adopted, starting from Q4 2026. If approved by the Governing Board following the consultation, the rule architecture would operate as a procedural framework and would not introduce immediate changes to existing CCP requirements or assessment outcomes. The Integrity Council will review all feedback received and publish a summary of consultation responses alongside a final proposal for Governing Board consideration.

Key figure — Consultation open 5 May to 7 June 2026