Energy

How important is energy?
Energy is everywhere. It embodies every object we produce, consume or use. Currently, fossil fuels supply the vast majority of our energy needs, releasing greenhouse gases into our atmosphere that significantly contribute to climate change. We need to rectify this and according to the International Energy Agency, to avoid the worst effects of climate change, investments in low-carbon energy technologies will need to reach $1 trillion by 2030.

What is our goal?
Our goal is to generate a clean energy future. However, we don’t just focus on reducing emissions, we believe that improving the lives of people is just as critical. That’s why our energy standard takes a participatory approach, using social and environmental safeguards, to ensure that the communities involved can develop successfully and sustainably on a low carbon pathway.

To ensure we maintain the highest standards our Technical Advisory Committee meets on a regular basis to discuss regulatory decisions for methodologies, rules and procedures. For more information on our latest rule updates.

v2.2 Requirements
v2.2 Guidance Notes
v2.2 Templates
Document Archive for GS V2.0

Gold Standard Version 2 (GSv2) was superseded by Gold Standard Version 2.1 (GSv2.1) on July 1, 2009. For project developers that applied to list a project prior to this date, but after 1st August 2008, please use the rules outlined below throughout the lifetime of the project.

v2.2 Mandatory Guidelines
v2.2 Legal Documents
Document Archive for GS V2.1

The Gold Standard Version 2.1 (GSv2.1) was superseded by The Gold Standard Version 2.2 (GSv2.2) on June 1, 2012. For project developers that applied to list a project prior to this date, but after 1st July 2009, please use the rules outlined below throughout the lifetime of the project.

Document Archive for GS V1.0

The rules in force at the time of application remain valid throughout the project lifetime. For project developers who applied to list a project with Gold Standard prior to 1st August 2008 use the following GS V1.0 requirements.

MethodologiesVersionScope

Gold Standard accepts all methodologies approved by the Clean Development Mechanism that meet our scope and eligibility criteria. In addition, projects can apply the following Gold Standard methodologies: 

PDF icon Methodology to Estimate and Verify Averted Mortality and Disability Adjusted Life Years (ADALYs) from Cleaner Household AirFile Annex 1.2 – Example 90/30 confidence/precision check
1.0SDG 3
PDF icon Thermal energy from plant oil for the user of cooking stoves.
1.01, 3
PDF icon Alternative ignition technique to improve energy efficiency of domestic coal fires
1.01, 3
PDF icon Thermal performance improvements in low-income dwelling structures
1.01, 3
PDF icon Technologies and practices to displace decentralized thermal energy consumption (TPDDTEC)

Please note that this methodology has recently been revised. You can view all the revisions here. Note also, the guidelines for carrying out a usage survey for projects implementing household water filtration technologies. 

2.01, 3, 13
PDF icon Quantification methodology for black carbon emissions and other climate pollutants from cooking regimes

This is an annex to the methodology titled ‘Technologies and practices to displace decentralized thermal energy consumption’ (TPDDTEC) and must be used in conjunction with our existing rules and requirements. For more information>>

1.0N/A
PDF icon Ecologically sound fuel switch to biomass with reduced energy requirement
1.01, 3, 4
PDF icon Large scale supply and distribution of efficient light bulbs, showerheads and water saving products to households
2.03
PDF icon Fuel switch from fossil fuels to biomass residues in boilers for heat generation
1.01, 3, 4
PDF icon Reducing vessel emissions through the use of advanced hull coatings
2.07
PDF icon Micro-scale methodology for installing flow improvement equipment on ships
1.07
PDF icon Biodiesel from waste oil/fat from biogenic origin for use as fuel
1.01, 3, 5
PDF icon Suppressed demand small-scale methodology for energy use for the processing of agricultural products

This calculation tool and summary document are designed to help you calculate your emission reductions and implement this methodology. 

1.01, 3
PDF icon Suppressed demand small-scale methodology for energy use for electrification and energization

This calculation tool and summary document are designed to help you calculate your emission reductions and implement this methodology. 

1.01, 3
PDF icon Suppressed demand small-scale methodology for energy use for low GHG food preservation

This calculation tool and summary document are designed to help you calculate your emission reductions and implement this methodology. 

1.01, 3
PDF icon Simplified methodology for efficient cookstoves

This calculation tool and summary document are designed to help you calculate your emission reductions and implement this methodology. 

1.01, 3
PDF icon Revised consolidated baseline meth for GHG emission reductions from manure management systems and municipal solid waste
1.013, 15

Sectoral Scopes for Gold Standard VER methodologies:

The CDM Accreditation Panel adopted a list of 15 CDM sectoral scopes based on the sectors and sources contained within Annex A of the Kyoto Protocol. Contracted DOEs for Gold Standard activities, are required to have accreditation by the CDM EB for the relevant scopes. The table above clarifies the scopes associated with the various Gold Standard Methodologies, thus helping to define what DOEs are eligible to validate/verify.

PDF icon The definition of the 15 CDM sectoral scopes

Archived GS VER Methodologies

These are no longer valid for new projects but may be relevant for older projects.

PDF icon Indicative Programme, Baseline, and Monitoring Methodology for Improved Cook-Stoves and Kitchen Regimes V.01PDF icon Indicative Programme, Baseline, and Monitoring Methodology for Improved Cook-Stoves and Kitchen Regimes V.02PDF icon Indicative Programme, Baseline, and Monitoring Methodology for Small Scale BiodigesterPDF icon Technologies and practices to displace decentralized thermal energy consumption.