We’re pleased to share that Verra’s VM0042.v3 is now open for public consultation. This landmark methodology for soil organic carbon (SOC) projects has been updated in a collaborative effort by Seqana, TerraCarbon, and Verra.

The new version of VM0042 strengthens clarity and scientific rigor across the methodology. In regards to Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV) of SOC projects, VM0042.v3 brings greater transparency to uncertainty deductions, helping projects maintain robust scientific standards and credible claims. Improving project economics were also a central focus throughout the development VM0042.v3 and VMD0053.v3, with the aim of enabling better financial viability through clearer guidance at every step of the process and introducing new concepts, such as cumulative accounting and clear requirements for the Model True-up requirements. 

Another key priority was adapting the methodology to accommodate emerging approaches, such as Digital Soil Mapping and Model-assisted Estimations, ensuring VM0042 remains relevant as measurement technologies evolve.

By March 2, the Soil Sampling and Analysis (SSA) Handbook and the templates for model calibration and validation reports will also be open to public consultation. The goal for these documents is provide clear, practical guidance on the topics of soil sampling and model calibration and validation, making it easier for project developers to conduct high quality MRV for their VM0042.v3 projects.

Seqana is proud to have contributed to the development of this updated methodology. Our team is committed to strengthening trust in soil carbon projects by helping address key challenges identified in previous versions.

Our Co-Founder and CTO, Julian Kremers, reflected on the process: 

“Rooted in the robust methodologies of VM0042.v2, this updated VM0042.v3 shines a light on some of the previously opaque and complex issues of SOC MRV. It enables cumulative accounting, brings transparency to the Model True-up validation requirements, and provides a clear path for transitioning between quantification approaches over time. In doing so, VM0042.v3 delivers on the full triad of trustworthy MRV: integrity in outcome quantification, economic viability for projects and farmers, and transparency and clarity for all stakeholders.”

Collaborating with Verra and our partners to improve one of the most important soil carbon methodologies in the voluntary carbon market has been a valuable opportunity to bring in insights from our work with project developers around the world. We look forward to stakeholders engaging with VM0042.v3, VMD0053.v3, as well as the future SSA Handbook and sharing their feedback over the course of the public consultation. Public consultation will run through March 31, 2026. You can submit feedback or questions here.

Seqana will explore the updates in more detail during a webinar hosted by Verra on March 11 at 11:00 EST (16:00 CET), along with other panelists. Participants will gain insights into the key changes to the methodology, what they mean for projects in practice, and will have the chance to ask questions.

You can sign up for the webinar here.