Program Manuals and Policies

The Reserve Offset Program Manual summarizes the Reserve’s overarching principles, its general project accounting guidelines, and its rules and procedures for registering projects and creating offset credits. It also describes the process used by the Reserve to develop protocols for carbon offset projects.

Program Manual Revision

The Program Manual (March 12, 2021) is currently undergoing revision. It is expected the revised Program Manual will be released for public comment in the fall of 2022. One minor revision was made to the March 2021 version that did not warrant a public comment period. A public comment period was last held September 3, 2019 to October 4, 2019 while the Reserve Offset Program Manual was undergoing substantial revisions.
The Reserve may release policy memos that update or replace guidance in the Reserve Offset Program Manual, protocols, and other guidance documents. These memos are considered effective on the date they are posted on the Reserve website. All account holders and verification bodies will be notified if a policy memo is released.
The Reserve Verification Program Manual provides verification bodies with a standardized approach for the independent and rigorous verification of GHG emission reductions and removals. It gives insight into the verification process, the requirements for conducting verification (like accreditation and training), conflict of interest and confidentiality provisions, and the expected core verification activities. Verification Program Manual Revision The Verification Program Manual was most recently revised in 2020. A public comment period was held from November 30 – December 18, 2020. 

The Reserve User Guide provides information on the general use of the Reserve software, including rules and guidelines for performing common tasks and what you can expect as a user of the system.

El propósito de este documento es proporcionar información sobre el uso general del sistema de registro de la Reserva de Acción Climática (Reserva), incluidas las reglas y pautas para realizar tareas comunes.

A document regarding general use of the Reserve software, including rules and guidelines for performing common tasks and what you can expect as a user of the system.

El propósito de este documento es proporcionar información sobre el uso general del sistema de registro de la Reserva de Acción Climática (Reserva), incluidas las reglas y pautas para realizar tareas comunes.


Please contact the Reserve with questions or comments.