Article 6.4 /PACM Methodologies

22.12.2025 Methodology

UPDATE


Gold Standard is updating all existing methodologies to align with the principles of the Paris Agreement (PA). Non-Paris aligned methodologies will be retired, and PA-Aligned versions must be applied for all vintage 2026 issuances. Please read the full update here and associated FAQs.


Gold Standard Methodologies will be revised in accordance with the PA Alignment Schedule and prioritised based on usage. Paris aligned methodologies will be published on our Paris Agreement Alignment Documents page.


To leverage existing assessments, Gold Standard is actively following the UNFCCC process to republish CDM methodologies under Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM). If there are significant delays with PACM publication, Gold Standard will include and update any relevant methodologies within its workplan.


Eligible PACM methodologies applicable under GS4GG 

A6.4-AMM-001: Flaring or use of landfill gas | UNFCCC

Methodology Tools: The following PACM tools shall be applied as required by methodology: 

View Methodology

Article 6.4 /PACM Methodology – Eligible PACM methodologies applicable under GS4GG 

Scope: Approval of the first Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM) methodology and associated tools for application under GS4GG. 

Overview: Gold Standard has approved the PACM methodology, A6.4-AMM-001: Flaring or use of landfill gas for application under GS4GG. The approval applies to the methodology and associated PACM tools for activities that capture landfill gas (LFG) and flare and/or use it to produce energy (heat, electricity) and/or use to supply consumers through natural gas distribution network. This PACM methodology officially replaces the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) methodology ACM0001 for new projects under GS4GG. 

Approved Eligibility Conditions: 

  1. Activities associated with methane avoidance, including from the flared biogas fraction, and activities involving substitution of non-renewable fuel are eligible only where the developer demonstrates that the system is designed to make use of recovered biogas for energy services, including heat and/or power generation. 
  2. Flaring-only activities are NOT eligible. 
  3. Backup or safety flares are eligible only up to ≤10% of recovered methane annually for the first crediting period. Any fraction above this threshold is subject to either: 
  4. a minimum 10% annual baseline contraction, or 
  5. ineligibility for the excess flared volume. 

Methodology Tools: The following PACM tools shall be applied as required by methodology: 

  1. A6.4-AMT-001: Common practice analysis 
  2. A6.4-AMT-002: Investment analysis  
  3. A6.4-AMT-003: Emissions from solid waste disposal sites 
  4. A6.4-AMT-004: Project emissions from flaring 
  5. A6.4-AMT-005: Mass flow of a greenhouse gas in a gaseous stream 

Transition/Validation and Verification requirements: 

  • New projects: All new landfill gas projects submitted for Preliminary Review must apply A6.4-AMM-001 and its associated tools effective immediately. 
  • Existing projects: Existing projects shall transition to the PACM methodology for all vintages from 2026 onwards. This transition will require a PA-Alignment Validation as part of the issuance process for 2026+ credits. 
  • The validation and Verification requirements for mid-CP transition will be released soon by Gold Standard soon.