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We’ve updated our rules to better support high-impact projects that are at risk of discontinuation and faced with uncertainty related to the continuation of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). These updates support our commitment to environmental integrity and channeling carbon finance where it has the greatest impact.
The objectives of these updates are to:
- Streamline requirements to enable a smoother transition for eligible climate projects/PoAs seeking to move from other certification schemes, including CDM, to Gold Standard for the Global Goals
- Ensure that work already completed within previous standards is retained to the extent possible when transitioning to Gold Standard – lowering time and costs
- Provide more clarity on the different pathways that are possible for projects wanting to transition
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REQUIREMENTS UPDATE
ANNEX B: REQUIREMENTS + PROCEDURES TO TRANSITION PROJECTS FROM OTHER STANDARDS TO GOLD STANDARD FOR THE GLOBAL GOALS
SUMMARY
Annex B of the GHG Emission Reduction + Sequestration Project Requirements -- which sets out the procedures to transition projects from other standards to Gold Standard for the Global Goals -- has been streamlined to enable a smoother transition for eligible climate projects/PoAs seeking to move from other certification standards.
KEY UPDATES + BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- REDUCING COMPLEXITY
Projects transitioning from other standards can continue using their current methodology until the time of renewal of their crediting period.
BENEFITS
This update reduces the administrative burden and the complexity currently associated with transitioning projects. Projects that are eligible and meet our core principles for safeguards, stakeholder engagement and contributing to multiple SDGs, can transition and quickly progress through the certification cycle.
- REVISION TO THE RETROACTIVE CREDITING PERIOD START DATE DEFINITION
Projects that transition to Gold Standard for the Global Goals are eligible for retroactive crediting prior to the preliminary review submission date, rather than the transition approval date.
BENEFITS
This ensures continuity and provides more certainty for projects developers on when you can start claiming credits.
- TRANSITION REQUEST FORM UPDATED TO SIMPLIFY PRELIMARY REVIEW PROCESS
A new template helps you submit a transition request in a simple, standardised way. A transition checklist helps you identify any gaps in requirements, specifying the information you need to provide for a prompt preliminary review.
BENEFITS
This allows project developers to demonstrate potential compliance with the transition requirements without the need to re-design their project documentation e.g. Project Design Document (PDD). It also enables quick and easy review by SustainCERT. To further reduce the time and cost for transitioning projects, we have introduced an option to combine preliminary review, validation and design review for transition projects.
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STANDARD UPDATE TRAINING WEBINARS
Our official certification provider, SustainCERT will provide training and support for you in upcoming webinars for Project Developers and VVBs that will cover the rule updates published here as well as:
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WEBINAR
Project Developer Standard Updates Training
– led by SustainCERT
07 April 2021, 13:00 CEST
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WEBINAR
VVB Standard Updates Training
– led by SustainCERT
08 April 2021, 13:00 CEST
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CONSULTATION: Last chance to provide feedback
Integrity for scale: Aligning Gold Standard projects with the Paris Agreement
The consultation for aligning Gold Standard projects with the Paris Agreement is open to comment for just two more weeks. We’re proposing these updates to:
- Ensure your projects continue to represent best practice and maintain the premium associated with Gold Standard
- Be eligible in as many market opportunities as possible, including CORSIA, ITMO transfer under Article 6.2 as well as Article 6.4
We are seeking input and feedback on the following two documents:
1 - Integrity for scale: Aligning Gold Standard-certified projects
with the Paris Agreement
This document outlines how we expect the voluntary carbon market to evolve in light of developments and provides an overview of the main areas of change that Gold Standard believes will be necessary for projects to support the Paris Agreement’s overall goals and align with the emerging rules under Article 6. It covers:
- Transitions and renewal of existing projects – determining the vulnerability of projects and ongoing additionality
- Using voluntary carbon credits in the post-2020 era – including the use of corresponding adjustments and opportunities for alternative claims
- Aligning with the Paris Agreement – integrity of other provisions such as ensuring emission reductions are real, contributing to sustainable development and to overall mitigation efforts
2 - Treatment of Double Counting and Corresponding Adjustments in Voluntary Carbon Markets
This document proposes how corresponding adjustments can work in practice. This is a work in progress and we welcome feedback on the approach and any areas where information could be added or clarified.
This consultation is open to comment until 15 April 2021. Input received will inform how Gold Standard updates its rules, requirements and criteria to reflect the new context, and in particular emerging UN requirements under the Paris Agreement. We're also releasing a new hub on our main website to provide you with the most up-to-date information on the Voluntary Carbon Market Transition. This will be live from next week.
Comments should be addressed to: standards@goldstandard.org
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WEBINAR RECORDING
TECHNICAL CONSULTATION
Integrity for scale: Aligning Gold Standard projects with the Paris Agreement
Recorded 03 March 2021
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PILOTING THE SDG IMPACT TOOL:
LAST CALL FOR FEEDBACK
The piloting phase for the new SDG Impact Tool, which helps projects more efficiently monitor, quantify and verify its contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is due to draw to a close, please provide any feedback on this tool to Kranav Sharma by 04 April 2021.
Feedback received will be incorporated to refine the tool and will be released as part of our standard updates mid-year. In parallel, we are working to further automate and digitalise the tool, so they seamlessly integrate into the standard documents and certification workflows and enhance impact reporting capabilities.
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