In principle the criteria for VER+ are in line with those for the Kyoto Protocol project based mechanisms (JI and CDM), including the requirement on project additionality proving that the project is not a business as usual scenario.

The main difference to regular JI and CDM activities comprises that VER+ projects are not brought to registration with UNFCCC and therefore will not be accounted on any Annex-I-country’s Kyoto balance. For projects in developing countries larger flexibility is provided on the choice of the applied methodologies, which may be composed according to the guidelines applied for JI projects.