CCB / CCBS

Full explainer

The Climate, Community & Biodiversity Standards (CCB Standards, frequently CCBS) are an overlay certification originally developed by the Climate, Community & Biodiversity Alliance and now stewarded by Verra. CCB does not by itself issue carbon credits — it is layered on top of a host carbon standard such as the VCS — and certifies that the project delivers credible co-benefits beyond emissions reductions.

Projects can additionally earn Gold-level designations: Climate Gold, Community Gold, or Biodiversity Gold, awarded for exceptional performance in each domain. Projects achieving Gold in multiple domains are colloquially described as Double Gold or Triple Gold and are sought after by buyers prioritising co-benefit narratives. CCB certification is common among Indonesian peatland REDD+ projects.