In this post we will provide further clarification on the relationship between SustainCERT and Value Change Initiative (VCI).  

SustainCERT was founded in 2018 by the Gold Standard Foundation as an independent organization focused on increasing the credibility of climate action. Their technology and climate expertise allows them to offer climate impact verification, with scalable and accurate verification services for both carbon markets and decarbonization projects within value chains. SustainCERT has already helped to validate and verify numerous interventions projects from across the globe from a wide range of companies and organizations. 

Meanwhile, VCI was co-founded by Gold Standard and SustainCERT in 2017, with the goal of making net-zero value chains a reality by 2050. VCI is a peer-to-peer learning forum, bringing together 550+ climate experts, developing solutions to implement and achieve value chain emission reductions and removals. 

To ensure full integrity and credibility of its work, the VCI operates completely autonomously from SustainCERT (including the SustainCERT Value Chain team), with a distinct governance and objectives. This includes a separate leadership structure with a separate vision and focus.  

Most importantly of all, VCI strategy and content development are guided by its members themselves. Voting during both corporate advisory meetings and the general meetings which take place every three months determines the activities and direction for VCI to begin, continue, or stop working on a topic. 

Despite the independent nature of the two parties, SustainCERT and VCI do have technical collaboration in several areas. This includes: 

–  Operational support from SustainCERT to ensure the VCI website and online platform run smoothly.  

– VCI can make use of the knowledge of SustainCERT climate and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) specialists. 

– SustainCERT has also adapted the VCI guidance to set the rules and regulations used for verification and validation with clients. 

– SustainCERT’s marketing and business development teams support the commercialisation of the VCI. 

Despite the collaboration between the two parties, VCI members are not obligated to have their project verified with SustainCERT, with freedom to choose any validation or verification partner. 

Should you have any further questions about the relationship between SustainCERT and VCI, please do not hesitate to get in contact with info@valuechangeinitiative.com. In addition, all VCI work is available to download from our website for full transparency.