For identifying risks with regards to Land Use & Forest projects. ...
The projects transitioning from CDM or other Standards to Gold Standard for Global Goals (GS4GG) shall submit the transition request form and PDD (this document). The Transition Request Form is also to be completed for projects that are already registered with GS4GG for CER labelling and seek to move to GSVER stream to issue Gold Standard VERs. ...
A guidance note to help prepare the conversion of POAs/CPAs/Projects from other standards to GS4GG. To be used alongside GHG Emissions Reduction & Sequestration Product Requirements – Annex B and the Transition Request Form, it also contains annexes for frequently asked project specific technology types, which include improved cookstoves (ICS), rice cultivation and A/R projects. ...
This form is not valid anymore. Authorisation Letter to fill in ...
Authorisation Checklist ...
This form is developed to request CCP labeling of eligible GS VERs issued to previously certified projects. ...
This rule update revises the application of fNRB values for GS4GG certification, mandating all projects to transition to new eligible estimation methods by mid-2025. Existing fNRB values expire by December 31, 2025, for certified projects and June 30, 2025, for new ones using CDM Tool 30. The update overrides all previous GS4GG fNRB requirements and restricts retroactive value changes for issued GSVERs. ...
Gold Standard is changing its certification processes with comprehensive updates, effective December 5, 2024. These changes aim to enhance efficiency, transparency, and robustness, reinforcing Gold Standard's commitment to excellence in climate action and sustainable development ...
This Rule Update is applicable to the methodology for Carbon Sequestration through Accelerated Carbonation of Concrete Aggregate (V1.0). ...
This Rule Update expands the scope of the Methodology for Biomass Fermentation with Carbon Capture and Geologic Storage V1.0 beyond fermentation so that it may cover emissions from additional industrial processes (e.g., anaerobic digestion, combustion, gasification and pyrolysis), thus making it applicable to additional project activities such as Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS). The Gold Standard welcomes all feedback. In particular, we welcome feedback on any additional industrial processes that should be included, and any further provisions that should be highlighted at high-level in this document. ...
This Rule Update introduces the mandatory use of digital SDG Impact Tool for the quantification and reporting of SDG impacts and assessment against Safeguarding Principles and Requirements by Project Developers (PD) and Coordinating and Managing Entities (CME); validation/verification by Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs) and design and performance review by Gold Standard/Certification Body (CB). ...
The rule update outlines: • Revisions to Paragraph 2.1.7 in the Renewable Energy Activity Requirements (V1.4), which pertain to the pre-approved exception for eligibility of grid-connected renewable energy projects with distributed installations. • Eligibility criteria for grid-connected projects that feature a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). ...
Following the publication of the Procedure for Development, Revision, and Certification of Methodologies and Methodological Tools v.2.0, the Gold Standard has conducted a review of status of approved methodologies. ...
With this rule update, the scope of the fast-track preliminary review is extended to include most project types, the document requirements have been reduced and the timelines for review expedited. The revised requirements and procedures are summarised in this rule update document. ...
The Gold Standard Microscale Scheme offers a simplified certification option i.e., internal validation and verification for Microscale standalone projects (henceforth projects), and Programme of Activities and Voluntary Project Activities (PoAs/VPAs). ...
The new safe water supply methodology will come into effect on 02 August 2021. This rule update provides guidance on the timelines and requirements for project developers currently applying Annex 3 of the TPDDTEC methodology, including information on registry submission, and changes + flexibilities provided for the issuance of Gold Standard Verified Emission Reductions (GSVERs). ...
The Gold Standard has put in place interim Covid-19 measures to provide as much flexibility as possible to enable the ongoing success of Gold Standard projects. Interim measures have been extended from 30/06/2022 to 31/12/2022 for only those projects which are located at a place where COVID-19 related restrictions still exist. ...
Applied to the Gold Standard Principles and Requirements, this rule update provides information on the scope, applicability and entry into force for the SDG Impact Tools. ...
Gold Standard version 2.0 instituted minimum site visit frequency requirements for Validation/Verification Bodies (VVBs) as part of the project verification process, subject to reasonable exceptions. This rule update provides requirements and guidelines for VVBs to address the instances when the project/VPAs are in non-compliance with the minimum site visit requirements. ...
The Global Warming Potential values - for calculating the carbon dioxide equivalence of anthropogenic emissions and removals - have been updated as per the IPCC Fifth Assessment report (AR5). These updates have been implemented by the Gold Standard Technical Advisory Committees (TACs) and apply to all vintages of Gold Standard credits on or after 01 January 2020. ...
This methodology update expands the scope of applicability of the current usage requirements and guidelines to include Household Biogas Digesters. This update ensures consistency, and sound monitoring and reporting. ...
This rule update introduces flexibility to the Gold Standard Programme of Activities (PoAs) requirements through changes to the VVB compliance check requirements with regards to the inclusion of project activities, the documentation required for PoA design change requests and the time of submission for design change requests. ...
Gold Standard for the Global Goals is regularly updated in accordance with ISEALs Code of Best Practice. A 60-day public consultation was held between 17/06/19 and 18/09/19. Comments received were consolidated and fed into the Standard’s rule update. The main updates to the standard documents are summarized in this document. ...
This rule update is for Verification and Validation Bodies (VVBs) conducting both the validation and verification of the same project/Programme of Activity (POA). ...
RELATED TEMPLATE : Transition CDM Other Standard to GS4GG ...
This rule update introduces changes to harmonize requirements on the maximum crediting period allowed with regards to projects transitioning from another carbon crediting scheme, including CDM, to issue Gold Standard VERs under Gold Standard for the Global Goals (GS4GG) or CDM projects applying for GS4GG labelling. ...
This rule update introduces changes to the eligibility requirements of Small Scale (SSC) projects and Voluntary Project Activities (VPAs) accounting Suppressed Demand Scenario to establish baseline. ...
This rule update relaxes eligibility requirements for transition projects seeking GS VERs or labelling of emission reductions under Gold Standard for the Global Goals. ...
Introduces new eligibility requirements specifically for Programme of Activities (PoAs) with Voluntary Project Activities (VPAs)/Component Project Activities (CPAs) involving renewable energy technologies. ...
Outlines the requirements for CDM projects seeking to transition to Gold Standard for the Global Goals (GS4GG). ...
Gold Standard expands the scope of its Renewable Energy Requirements to include Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) incineration project activities. Gold Standard has developed a set of new requirements for MSW incineration project activities seeking certification under Gold Standard for the Global Goals. ...
To encourage more renewable energy projects, Gold Standard has expanded its RENEWABLE ENERGY LABEL REQUIREMENTS to provide more flexibility for retroactive Renewable Energy projects applying to certify just Renewable Energy Labels. The new rule update also aligns our Renewable Energy Label requirements with eligible renewable energy labelling schemes, such as iRECs. ...
Gold Standard has released the standard procedure for Impact Quantification methodology approval under the Gold Standard for the Global Goals (GS4GG). ...
The rule update allows GS-CER projects to become eligible for Gold Standard Renewable Energy Labels provided certain conditions are met to mitigate the risk of issuing carbon credits and renewable energy certificates from the same MWh. ...
The methodology “Reducing Vessel Emissions Through the Use of Advanced Hull Coatings” has been put on hold to address the inconsistencies in GHGs emission reductions quantification approaches. ...
Gold standard has introduced exemptions for retroactive projects from LUF and Shipping sector. ...
The following clarifications are relevant to all Project Proponents, regardless of the version of the standard under which your project is Registered. It provides a clarification to the ‘Gold Standard for the Global Goals Transition Requirements’ document in the following areas: - Certification Renewal and maximum certification periods for existing projects (i.e. those Registered under earlier versions of the Standard) - Use of existing sustainable development monitoring indicators Also clarifies Requirements concerning Additionality and Ongoing Financial Need ...
The document clarifies the applicable crediting period, and renewal of certification as mentioned in the methodology: Methane Emission Reduction by adjusted Water management practice in rice cultivation. The rule clarification is applicable to all versions of the methodology. ...
This document provides clarification on the inclusion of international flights and the accounting of emissions across different host countries within a single project activity or Verified Project Activity (VPA) (hereafter referred as “project”) under GS-approved CDM Methodology AM0116: Electric Taxiing Systems for Airplanes, Version 2.0. ...
The document clarifies the definition of the first submission date for the regular VPAs submitted for inclusion in a design certified PoA via regular or fast track inclusion pathways. ...
This clarification provides further information on requirements for conducting the speed trials to demonstrate compliance with Methodology for Retrofit Energy Efficiency Measures in Shipping V2.0. ...
This rule clarification provides further guidance on specific project information and documents that need to be made publicly and transparently available for each certification stage. It also prescribes the approach for treating confidential information in project documents required to be made public. ...
To ensure the transparency and traceability of the emission reduction claims from carbon project, the project developer shall maintain an accurate and complete sales record ...
GS4GG follows crediting cycles that are different from CDM. This document provides further clarification regarding the application of GS4GG crediting period rules to CDM projects that are transitioning to GS4GG (GS VER) including the transitioning GSCER projects. ...
Landfilling and dumping of waste is practiced extensively in many regions of the world and causes significant environmental concerns. ...
This document outlines the approach to be followed by the Validation/Verification Bodies (VVBs) when ex-post emission reductions (SDG 13) are consistently reported above the ex-ante estimations and the underlying cause may have a direct influence on project’s investment analysis e.g., IRR applied for project additionality demonstration. ...
This rule clarification provides further guidance on specific project situations that were not clearly covered by version 2.0 of the Transition Requirements for projects transitioning from previous versions of the Gold Standard to the Gold Standard for the Global Goals. ...
This rule clarification outlines a provision to demonstrate compliance with CORISA Emissions Unit Eligibility Criteria (EUC) for projects applying methodology or methodological standards that allows exemptions for situations where legally binding mandates are systematically not enforced and non-compliance is widespread in a country. ...
The Water Boiling Test is used to calculate the thermal efficiency of cookstoves. It consists of three phases that immediately follow each other. This rule clarification outlines which phases can be used for calculating high-power thermal efficiency. ...
Transitioning Programme of Activities (PoAs) are allowed to retain their 7 year crediting period at the time of transition to Gold Standard for the Global Goals, however, subsequent PoA crediting period renewals shall follow the GS4GG certification cycle, i.e. 5 year cycle. ...
This rule clarification is applicable to Programme of Activities (PoA) version for inclusion of Verified Project Activities (VPAs) after PoA renewal. ...
Applies to projects and PoAs using current or previous versions of the Gold Standard’s improved cooking solutions methodology (TPDDTEC). It clarifies that the levels of Usage Monitoring Requirements and corresponding caps now apply to each monitored cookstove age group. ...
Performance Shortfall Guidelines present a set of requirements and follow-up actions to address the performance shortfall scenario associated with a Gold Standard certified Land Use and Forests project. This rule clarification introduces a few editorial changes to remove errors in these guidelines. ...
Performance Shortfall Guidelines present a set of requirements and follow-up actions to address the performance shortfall scenario associated with a Gold Standard certified Land Use and Forests project. This rule clarification introduces a few editorial changes to remove errors in these guidelines. ...
This rule clarification provides further clarity on applicability of the eligibility criteria pertaining to waste to energy and biomass based project activities supplying electricity to grid. ...
This rule clarification confirms the maximum retroactive certification period allowed for projects seeking combined design certification with the first verification/performance certification under Gold Standard for the Global Goals. ...
Gold Standard projects shall not introduce GMO crops, trees, and/or livestock; however, the continuation of use of GMOs already in place in the baseline is allowed. This document provides further clarification. ...
This rule clarification confirms that Annex B “Requirements for A/R smallholder & microscale projects” apply to all eligible LUF projects including Afforestation & Reforestation Projects (A/R) and Agriculture Projects (AGR). The title of Annex B, LUF Activity Requirements, has been amended to reflect this. ...
Clarification on issuances of PERs ...
This rule clarification provides guidelines on the applicability of the Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) Tool 32 – Positive list of technologies in the context of Gold Standard for the Global Goals (GS4GG) certification for waste handling and disposal projects. ...
Clarification on definition of Erroneous Inclusion and requirements for managing Non- Conformity have been included in these documents. ...
Clarification on issuance of Gold Standard VERs related to eligible Soil Carbon component ...
Clarification on applicability of Global Warming Potential for Gold Standard for Global Goal projects ...
Clarification on eligibility of credits that can be used to meet the Gold Standard Conformity Buffer requirements. ...
RECORDED 11 February 2025 The impact and importance of blue carbon and freshwater wetland activities in reaching global climate goals, and how best to drive sustainable growth in the sector. In August 2024, Gold Standard released our Activity Requirements for Blue Carbon and Freshwater Wetlands, complimented by the release the Sustainable Management of Mangroves Methodology, along with a new Nature Activities Hub, to support the development and expansion of nature activities for climate mitigation and adaptation. During this webinar, we have hosted a panel discussion on the impact and importance of blue carbon and freshwater wetland activities in reaching global climate goals, and how best to drive sustainable growth in the sector. ...
Registered 4 March 2025 Gold Standard has hosted a session for VVBs and Auditors dedicated to the topic of Social safeguards and Auditing techniques. This session is designed to foster engaging discussions and provide practical insights into the effective validation and verification of social safeguards in development projects. Here is what you can expect during the session: ...
Gold Standard is hosting a training session for VVBs and Auditors dedicated to Blue Carbon Activity Requirements and Mangroves Methodology. Here is what you can expect during the session: To get the most out of this session, please review the following documents in advance to familiarize yourself with the topic : Blue Carbon and Freshwater Wetlands Activity Requirements Sustainable Management of Mangroves Methodology ...
Recorded 17 December 2024 ...
Q1 -2025 Training - Recorded 24 April 2025 ...
Recorded 14 January 2025 ...
Recorded 28 January 2025 ...
Recorded 10 December 2024 Gold Standard announced a new digital assurance platform that launches for new project reviews from 05 December 2024, alongside an update to its processes to allow broader applications of its standard, Gold Standard for the Global Goals. This is part of a wider digitalisation strategy and will help project developers deliver verified impact faster and more efficiently while maintaining the integrity that Gold Standard-certified projects are known for. For more information about this change you can visit Gold Standard announcement This webinar is intended to provide details of the change, introduce the platform, and answer any questions that stakeholders may have. ...
Training Webinar for VVBs recorded 28 November 2024 ...
Training Webinar for VVBs recorded 26 November 2024 ...
Assurance Platform ApplicationVideo demonstration for Validation and Verification Bodies – VVBs. The Platform will be accessible from 5 December 2024. ...
Assurance Platform video demonstration for Project Developers. The Platform will be accessible from 5 December 2024. ...
Training Webinar for Project Developers recorded 20 June 2024 ...
Gold Standard hosted a training webinar for Validation and Verification Bodies (VVB) Auditors on the 27 June which covered a range of important topics related to the digital SDG Impact Tool and Dashboard, including: - How to easily access and best use of tool - Key functions of the tool and benefits for auditors and project reviewers - Introduction to the dashboard - Open Q&A session ...
Webinar on new Gold Standard methodology - Methane Emission Reduction by adjusted Water Management practice in rice cultivation Presented by Hugh Salway, Owen Hewlett, Ashwin Shailaja and Lokesh Dube from Gold Standard and Reiner Wassmann from Climate Change and Agriculture Expert, International Rice Research Institute ...
Webinar Recorded 1 March 2022 + Q&A session ...
As our official certification provider, SustainCERT will provide training and support for you in considering or implementing these updates. Upcoming webinars for Project Developers and VVBs will cover: Recent Rules Updates: Eligible crediting period for projects transitioning to GS4GG or seeking labelling under GS4GG VPA/CPA Inclusion Requirements Eligibility Requirements for Renewable Energy Project transitioning to or seeking labelling under GS4GG Refresher on other important rule updates and clarifications Demo on new features within the SustainCERT Application Knowledge base resource What’s coming up – including revised templates Overview of the new website for standard documents ...
As our official certification provider, SustainCERT will provide training and support for you in considering or implementing these updates. Upcoming webinars for Project Developers and VVBs will cover: Recent Rules Updates: Eligible crediting period for projects transitioning to GS4GG or seeking labelling under GS4GG VPA/CPA Inclusion Requirements Eligibility Requirements for Renewable Energy Project transitioning to or seeking labelling under GS4GG Refresher on other important rule updates and clarifications Knowledge base resource Overview of the new website for standard documents ...
This webinar is hosted by SustainCERT and Gold Standard and provides training and support on the latest Gold Standard updates. The webinar covers: 1. Rules Updates & Clarifications including; Eligibility Requirements for Renewable Energy PoAs; Applicability of CDM programmes of activities procedure and requirements to gold standard PoAs; And a refresher on some important updates from GS4GG v1.2 2. Knowledge Base resource 3. Preview to new features to support Project Developers 4. Other important updates from the March TAC meeting, including Covid-19 support ...
This webinar, hosted by Gold Standard and presented by SustainCERT, provides VVBs with the latest Gold Standard rule updates. The webinar includes: 1. Rules Updates & Clarifications; Eligibility Requirements for Renewable Energy PoAs; Applicability of CDM programmes of activities procedure and requirements to gold standard PoAs; And a refresher on some important updates from GS4GG v1.2 2. Knowledge Base resource 3. Performance Management Scheme for VVBs 4. Other important updates from the March TAC meeting, including Covid-19 support ...
NOTE: The Cookstove IQ Tool is currently in the process of being upgraded and will be re-released in the future. ...
The Gold Standard Strategy 2025 includes a focus on nature based climate solutions, with a specific focus on sequestration or ‘carbon removals.’ This webinar will provide more details about the recently published Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) Framework Methodology. Introduction and trends in scientific need and market demand for removals Overview of the Framework Methodology Process for approval of an Activity Module and eligible SOC activities How the SOC Framework Methodology differs from the ValueChange SOC guidance for corporate Scope 3 emissions. ...
Introduction Q3 2019 ...