Registry Guidelines
In addition to the requirements laid out in the ERS Programme, the ERS Registry complies with the following rules.
TRANSPARENCY AND ACCESSIBILITY
- Maintain a publicly accessible online platform where participants can access documentation and operations regarding Restoration Units.
- Make public any disputes or challenges related to unit issuance or retirement. More details can be found on the ERS Website.
- Ensure that data privacy and security measures are in place to protect confidential information. More details can be found in ERS’ Privacy Policy.
ACCURACY AND VERIFICATION
- Allow a robust Validation & Verification process, in collaboration with third-party Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs), to confirm the accuracy and legitimacy of Restoration Units submitted for registration, via independent audits of ERS-certified Projects. More details can be found in the Validation and Verification Procedure.
- Maintain the history of every Restoration Unit and its equivalent net GHG removal.
RETIREMENT AND DOUBLE COUNTING PREVENTION
- Maintain a secure system for retiring VRUs, preventing double counting (double issuance, double claiming and double use) and double selling of Restoration Units.
- Enable mechanisms to track retired VRUs and ensure they are not reintroduced into the market.
GOVERNANCE AND OVERSIGHT
- Enable a clear governance structure with independent oversight.
- Define roles, rights, responsibilities and accountabilities for registry administrators, users and Account Holders.
- Enable procedures for handling conflicts of interest among registry administrators, users and Account Holders. More details can be found in ERS Anti-Fraud Policy.
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT
- Regularly review and update its procedures and guidelines to align with evolving best practices and market developments.
- Seek participant, stakeholder, and expert feedback to improve registry operations and transparency. More details can be found in the Standard Setting and Methodology Development Procedure.