We are introducing simplifications to the the Technologies and Practices to Displace Decentralized Thermal Energy Consumption’s (TPDDTEC) methodology to reduce monitoring requirements and transaction costs for project developers, whilst maintaining the highest level of rigour associated with Gold Standard. The updates are being applied in a three-step process and reflect the latest developments made in the relevant sectors. 

STEP 1: Safe Water Supply

As a first step, we held a consultation to update and review Annex 3 of the TPDDTEC methodology for safe water supply projects, culminating in the release of a new methodology for emission reductions from safe drinking water supply. This methodology was published 03 May 2021 and will come into effect on 02 August 2021.  

Further guidance on the timelines and requirements for project developers currently applying Annex 3 of the TPDDTEC methodology can be found in this recent rule update.

STEP 2: Improved Cookstoves

The next step is to gain inputs from stakeholders on aspects of the methodology related to improved cookstoves, including a new approach to quantify emission reductions from metered cooking devices. The consultation for this is now open through to 13 June 2021.  

STEP 3: Household Biogas Digesters

The final (future) step will be to gather feedback on the methodology with regards to household biogas digesters. The methodology is currently being updated and will be published for consultation in the coming weeks.  

The aim of these methodology developments is to enable carbon finance to continue to support the delivery of distributed energy to communities with the highest levels of integrity and impact. 

We thank all those organisations and individuals that have contributed to the development of this methodology and to previous versions of the methodology.  

TECHNICAL CONSULTATION STEP 2
TPDDTEC Methodology revision – application of the methodology for improved cookstoves
 

We are seeking inputs on the following two improved cookstove methodologies.  
 

TECHNOLOGIES AND PRACTICES TO DISPLACE DECENTRALIZED THERMAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Methodology to quantify emission reductions from improved cookstove project activities 

The key updates made to the existing TPDDTEC methodology are as follows:  

1. Methodology structure
   All annexes of the existing methodology pertaining to distinct technology types are planned to be released as individual methodologies. 
    
2. Methodology applicability
   a) Double counting: Requirements have been updated to ensure that projects are able to demonstrate that their cooking devices are part of only one project activity. This is even more relevant as we move towards more robust reporting and accounting under the Paris regime.  
   b) Requirements introduced to ensure that the project devices are durable, the thermal efficiency is higher than 20% and that indoor air quality doesn’t deteriorate as a result of the project intervention.
    
3. Safeguards
   - The methodology introduces requirements to align projects with host country regulatory frameworks for provision of thermal energy services. 
   - Clarification provided on already existing Gold Standard principle, that large scale projects are not eligible for Suppressed Demand when establishing the baseline. 
   - Projects will be required to demonstrate that end-users are provided access to similar/better replacement technologies at the end of the project technology’s lifetime.
    
4. Emission reduction calculation  
   - The existing emission reduction calculation approach is updated to simplify and provide clarity on quantification methods applicable to a wider range of applications. Default values, where available, have been provided for some of the input parameters and may be used to streamline the monitoring and verification process.  
   - Caps have been introduced for some of the input parameters to ensure that VVBs are able to cross-check project values and ensure that claims remain credible.  
   - Ex-ante factors are updated to align with the latest IPCC defaults.
   - Simplified method to calculate ERs for small-scale projects has been introduced (see Annex 4).
    
5. Sampling
   - Requirements for cross-VPA  sampling have been added.
   - Clarity has been provided on the sampling approach, including sample size, for monitoring parameters of interest.
    
6. Simplification
   Previously published rule updates and clarifications have now been integrated into the methodology to streamline review, including the Cookstove Usage Rate Guidelines.

METHODOLOGY FOR METERED ENERGY COOKING DEVICES 
​​​​​​​New approach to quantify emission reductions from metered cooking devices 

This new methodology has the following key features:

1. GHG impact quantification approach for cooking devices through direct measurement of energy or fuel consumed in households, communities, and/or institutions
2. Actual amount of energy or fuel used in the project scenario measured directly in real-time for every device or otherwise monitored via measurement

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS CONSULTATION 

The consultation is open to comment until 13 June 2021. 
 

We are seeking feedbacking on the changes made to the methodology as highlighted above, plus more specific inputs including:  

TPDDTEC methodology

• Consideration of the crossover-effects between Improved Cookstove and Safe Water Supply projects when implemented in the same household. Specifically, how can it be ensured that the baseline emissions are conservatively determined?  

• Caps introduced in the methodology  

Methodology for metered energy cooking devices  

• The emission reduction calculation approach  

• The cap of 0.49 kWh per capita per day for project scenario electricity consumption  

You can provide feedback directly in the draft methodology documents and submit to  standards@goldstandard.org or email us for more information.
 

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