> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-handbook/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-handbook/handbook-version-history-+-public-commentary.md). # Handbook Version History + Public Commentary This Handbook is always open for public commentary. Any comments or concerns on the guidance provided in this Handbook should be sent to [admin@ocp.earth](mailto:admin@oneshot.earth) or [at this link](https://form.jotform.com/251804696997376). 30 days of public commentary on v4.0 ran between 15/05/2026 and 15/06/2026 and was notified via [our email newsletter](https://us18.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=0ddbb1bad4bc51e9dd515c842\&id=72ddd834ef). No public commentary was received during this period. #### OCP Handbook Version History
Version 4.1 published June 2026, including updates to: * Additional clarification on '[Credit Cancellation](/ocp-handbook/registry/credit-cancellation.md)', including responsible entity and scope of policy * Projects using the AUP validation pathway are not eligible for ICVCM's CCP labelling; we have added this to the '[Third-Party Validation and Verification](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md)' and '[Working as a VVB on the OCP](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification/working-as-a-vvb-on-the-ocp.md)' pages. We look forward to working with ICVCM's Continuous Improvement process to build an ICVCM-compliant assurance process in the future.
Version 4.0 published April 2026, including updates to: * Added comprehensive diagrams and flow charts and additional information to outline OCP Processes * Added Process Flow Charts to: [Methodology Development](/ocp-handbook/methodologies/methodology-development-process.md#methodology-proposal-expert-feedback-and-approval-process), [Project Proposal](/ocp-handbook/projects/project-proposal-process.md#project-proposal-validation-and-verification-and-credit-issuance-process), [Validation and Verification](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md#validation-and-verification-process), [Credit Issuance](/ocp-handbook/registry/credit-issuance-transfer-retirement.md#credit-issuance), [Credit Transfer](/ocp-handbook/registry/credit-issuance-transfer-retirement.md#credit-transfer), [Credit Retirement](/ocp-handbook/registry/credit-issuance-transfer-retirement.md#credit-retirement), [CCP Labelling Application Process](/ocp-handbook/registry/certifications-and-labels/ccp-core-carbon-principles.md#applying-for-the-ccp-approved-label-for-credits) * Added [Project Lifecycle /Status Diagram](/ocp-handbook/projects/project-proposal-process.md#project-lifecycle-status) * Added [Glossary](/ocp-handbook/glossary.md), aligned all terms across OCP Handbook, [OCP Methodology Requirements](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-methodology-requirements/) and [OCP Platform](https://ocp.earth). * **Governance** * Uploaded [2025 Annual Report ](/ocp-handbook/welcome-to-the-open-carbon-protocol.md#annual-reports)and [2025 Annual Audit](/ocp-handbook/welcome-to-the-open-carbon-protocol.md#annual-audits) * Moved [KYB, AML and ABC policies](/ocp-handbook/governance/know-your-business-kyb-anti-money-laundering-aml-anti-bribery-and-corruption-abc.md) onto one page. * **Methodologies** * Updated links to new [OCP Methodology Requirements](https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-methodology-requirements/) documentation * Refined navigation and section organization between [Methodology Development Process](/ocp-handbook/methodologies/methodology-development-process.md), [The Expert Community](/ocp-handbook/methodologies/the-expert-community.md), [Methodology Updates](/ocp-handbook/methodologies/methodology-updates.md), [Uncertainty](/ocp-handbook/methodologies/uncertainty.md) * **Projects** * Updated [Third Party Validation and Verification](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md) to clarify terminology, roles and processes * **Validation** * Copied '[Minimum Requirements for Project Validation](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md#minimum-requirements-for-project-validation)’ from Validation Report Template to Handbook, improved wording and scope * Added additional detail to [Site Visit](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md#site-visit) requirement * Added additional detail to ‘[Output: Validation Statement and Validation Report](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md#output-validation-statement-and-validation-report)’ to match information already in the Validation Report Template and on the OCP Platform * **Verification** * Clarified and added additional detail to the [3 Verification Pathways](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md#selecting-from-the-3-verification-pathways), including requirements for selecting between them. * Added ‘[Minimum Requirements for Verification](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md#minimum-requirements-for-data-verification)’, ‘[Output: Verification Statement and Verification Report](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md#output-validation-statement-and-validation-report)’ and template for Verification Report * Added ‘[Minimum Requirements for dMRV Verification](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md#minimum-requirements-for-dmrv-verification)’ and ‘[Output: dMRV Statement and dMRV Report’](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md#output-dmrv-statement-and-dmrv-report) and template for dMRV Report * Added detail on OCP Checks * Separated information on [**Working as a VVB/Auditor on the OCP**](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification/working-as-a-vvb-on-the-ocp.md) onto a new page * Added process for OCP review of new accreditations, and how ISAE3000 was assessed to be functionally equivalent to ISO 14065 * Added detailed process and check list for VVB/Auditor onboarding * Created virtual VVB/Auditor training. Previously, this was done over zoom. * **Registry** * Added page [Credit Cancellation](/ocp-handbook/registry/credit-cancellation.md), aligned information with [Mitigating Risk: Insurance and Buffer Pool](/ocp-handbook/projects/mitigating-reversal-risk-insurance-and-buffer-pool.md) * Added overview page on [Certifications and Labels](/ocp-handbook/registry/certifications-and-labels.md), including current application status * Added detailed page on [CCP Labelling](/ocp-handbook/registry/certifications-and-labels/ccp-core-carbon-principles.md)
Version 3.0 published January 2026, including updates to: * [Project Proposal Flow](/ocp-handbook/projects/project-proposal-process.md) * [Third Party Validation and Verification](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md) * [Safeguards, Co-Benefits & SDGs](/ocp-handbook/projects/safeguards-co-benefits-and-sdgs.md) * [Buffer Pool Policy](/ocp-handbook/projects/mitigating-reversal-risk-insurance-and-buffer-pool.md) * [Credit Issuance Process](/ocp-handbook/registry/credit-issuance-transfer-retirement.md) and Credit Retirement (*v3.0 moved onto same page)* * [CORSIA](/ocp-handbook/registry/certifications-and-labels/corsia.md) * Other minor wording changes
Version 2.0 published June 2025, including updates to: * [Organizational structure](/ocp-handbook/governance/ocp-governance-structure.md) * [Third-Party Validation and Verification](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md) * [Our approach to uncertainty and credit value](/ocp-handbook/methodologies/uncertainty.md) * [Safeguards and SDGs](/ocp-handbook/projects/safeguards-co-benefits-and-sdgs.md) * [Stakeholder engagement and complaints policy](/ocp-handbook/governance/stakeholder-engagement-and-complaints.md) * Other minor wording changes
Version 1.0 published May 2024
If you'd like to request a detailed list of version updates, please contact ****. *** **Public Commentary Received :** * Jacqueline Krikorian, RMI, 8 August 2025 (v2.0) * *"Thanks for inviting us to submit feedback during your consultation period. First, I wanted to congratulate you all on such a wonderful, robust set of safeguards within your handbook. It was exciting and hopeful to read how thought has been placed into this aspect of your platform/work. I have a few comments listed below after reviewing your safeguards and stakeholder engagement sections.* \ *It has been great to see some our open-source research make its way into your safeguards, co-benefits, and SDGs framework. It would be great if RMI’s research could be referenced in your source notes or as a place to learn more about implementing a framework built on the safeguard principles outlined in your handbook. We have just published our*[ *Carbon Crediting Data Framework*](https://rmi.org/our-work/climate-intelligence/carbon-markets-initiative/the-carbon-crediting-data-framework/)*, inclusive of a revamped version of the Socio-environmental data fields you saw earlier, informed by sources that were used to build out the safeguard pieces of the OCP handbook."* * Updates made: Added reference to RMI research and Carbon Crediting Data Framework to the Handbook page "[Safeguards, Co-Benefits & SDGs](/ocp-handbook/projects/safeguards-co-benefits-and-sdgs.md)". We continue to work with RMI on integrating their work. *** ### Archived Handbook Files Validation Report Template * [v1.0 \[June 2024\]](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gkJbL7d-l0kqyAEpMDCv7qF6pm5giAUgCw4c7JSs9Bs/edit?tab=t.0#heading=h.1hiaod8s4ur3) --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://open-carbon-protocol.gitbook.io/ocp-handbook/handbook-version-history-+-public-commentary.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.