The Global Carbon Council (GCC) has taken a pioneering step in the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) by publishing Version 1.0 of its “Procedure for Approval of DMRV Solution Providers” — a landmark initiative that sets a new benchmark as the first carbon standard to formalize a DMRV Solution provider approval pathway in the VCM.
Why this matters: addressing market needs
The VCM is evolving rapidly, but project monitoring and verification remain complex, time-consuming, and prone to delays due to elaborate verification procedures and data gaps. By enabling DMRV-based projects to be fully integrated into the Standard’s Project Workflow, GCC addresses these challenges head-on — providing real-time data monitoring, transparency through data visualization for stakeholders, and tamper-proof data acquisition for projects. For the first time in VCM history, DMRV-based projects can be seamlessly integrated into the standard Project workflow.
Pioneering integration of DMRV-based projects
This innovative procedure enables vetted Digital Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (DMRV) Solution providers to support GCC-registered projects with high-integrity, real-time data flows thus enabling easy and faster issuances. Positioned as a market-shaping step for digital assurance, the procedure details how DMRV Solution Providers can apply, be assessed, and—if successful—be listed to serve projects under the GCC Program. Approved providers will be visible on the GCC web portal, giving Project Developers a list of approved Solution providers. Each of the DRMV systems deployed by these approved DRV Solution Providers would have to be certified by DRMV certifiers based on GCC’s Acceptance Criteria.
Two application tracks, seven DMRV sectoral scopes, mapped with GHG sectoral Scopes.
DMRV Solution Providers can apply via:
- Track 01 — GCC Project–Associated: Demonstrate capability on a GCC project using a DMRV-enabled GCC methodology.
- Track 02 — Stand-Alone Solution Provider: Demonstrate capability on a relevant project aligned to the requested sectoral scope and applied on projects using any other methodology and not part of the GCC Program.
What GCC looks for
Submission to GCC with all information inputs as required by the Procedure. Some of them include data points, details of devices/sensors, data acquisition protocols, transfer protocols, risk controls, analytics/validation of data, reporting to GCC, transparent information on confidentiality and access rights, encryption/backup of data, legal/regulatory compliance aligned to the host country where the program is hosted, and Security Incident response and logging.
After an initial completeness check, the GCC DMRV Expert Review Team undertakes a detailed review. This stage
- Requires a live demonstration of the solution.
- Requires payment of an Assessment fee (invoiced prior to evaluation).
- Allows up to three iterations (with ~60 days for resubmission after feedback).
Outcomes, validity, and ongoing assurance
Following expert review, GCC may approve (by DMRV sectoral scope) or reject the application, or request a fresh re-application after comments are addressed. Approvals are valid for three years, after which providers re-apply for the next cycle. Approved providers are listed on the GCC portal.
Post-approval, GCC conducts performance monitoring and spot checks (including triggered assessments based on risk signals or stakeholder input). This milestone cements GCC’s leadership in innovation — bridging climate markets with next-gen digital MRV.
Impact and benefits
By formalizing this pathway, GCC enables:
- Confidence in Project developers by way of providing a pre-approved list of DMRV solution providers.
- Enabling real-time data acquisition from projects that are tamper-proof and are available to stakeholders for transparency.
- Faster, more accurate carbon credit issuance.
- Enhanced transparency and credibility for project developers and buyers.
- Scalable adoption of next-generation digital MRV solutions.
- Strengthened trust across the voluntary carbon market.
Call to action
DMRV solution providers interested in applying can access the procedure and make an initial application to GCC for approval.
At-a-glance
- Document: GCC 2.0 Procedure for Approval of DMRV Solution Providers (V1.0) — in force 1 Sep 2025
- Apply via two tracks: Project-associated (Track-01) or Stand-alone (Track-02)
- Scopes: 7 DMRV sectoral scopes aligned with GCC GHG Sectoral scopes
- Assessment: Application fee; live demo; up to three iterations
- Approval: Listed on GCC portal; valid 3 years; performance monitoring & spot checks
