Requirements for Paris Agreement Alignement
Scope: Mandatory procedural framework for transitioning all GS4GG activities to PA-aligned methodologies.
Overview This core standard operationalises the transition to the Paris Agreement era. It mandates that all carbon credits (GSVERs) with a vintage of 1 January 2026 and onwards must be quantified using PA-aligned methodologies.
Key Mandates & Timeline
- Mandatory Cut-off: The use of non-PA aligned methodologies for issuance of GSVERs ends strictly on 31 December 2025.It would mean that GSVERs Vintage 2026 onwards can only be issued with a PA aligned methodology.
- Sunset Clause: New projects wishing to use non-PA aligned methodologies for design certification and pre 2026 vintage issuance can submit project for preliminary review until 30 June 2026.
- PA-Alignment Design Change: Existing projects shall undergo a mandatory “PA-Alignment Design Change” validation to be eligible for 2026+ vintages.
- Deferred Issuance: If a required PA-aligned methodology is not yet published when a project is ready for verification, the project enters “Deferred Issuance” status. This pauses issuance but does not penalise the project; credits are issued retroactively once the methodology is available and applied.
- VVB Requirements: Auditors (VVBs) must undergo specific PA-alignment training and examinations to be authorized to validate these transitions.