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
Annex A: The Gold Standard Governance
Annex B: Project Cycle Overview
Annex E: Registry Operational Guidelines
Annex G: SD Checklist for Wind, Biomass + Hydro
Annex H: Do No Harm Guidance
Annex I: Guidance on SD Indicators
Annex I: Guidance on SD Indicators (ESPAÑOL)
Annex J: LSC Best Practice
Annex K: Val/Ver Report Outlines
Annex V: PoA Guidance Document
Annex V: PoA Guidance Document (ESPAÑOL)
Annex Y: TAC Terms of Reference
Annex AB: LSC Checklist for DOEs
Annex AC: SD Indicator Questions
Annex AD: Methodology Tool
Annex AE: Standalone Micro-scale Flowcharts
Annex AF: Micro-Programme Flowcharts
Annex AG: POA Flowcharts
How to convert GS CERs to GS VERs
Project Review Timelines 2013
How to transition from CDM to GS VER project
Double Counting Guidelines
v2.2 Templates
ANNEX Q: LSC Report
ANNEX R: Gold Standard Passport
ANNEX AK: PoA Design Consultation
ANNEX AL: PoA LSC Report
ANNEX AM: PoA Gold Standard Passport
ANNEX AN: Micro PoA Design Document
ANNEX AO: Micro VPA Design Document
ANNEX AP: Micro-scale Project Design Document
ANNEX AQ: Micro-scale Validation Report
ANNEX AR: Micro-scale Verification Report
ANNEX AS: Conflict Zones Validation Report
ANNEX AT: Conflict Zone Verification
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Gold Standard Version 2 (GSv2) was superseded by Gold Standard Version 2.1 (GSv2.1) on July 1, 2009.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
ANNEX C: Specific Eligibility Criteria
ANNEX C: Specific Eligibility Criteria (ESPAÑOL)
ANNEX F: POA
ANNEX P: PFA Fast-Track
ANNEX T: Standalone Micro-scale Scheme
ANNEX T: Standalone Micro-scale Scheme (ESPAÑOL)
ANNEX U: Micro-Programme
ANNEX U: Micro-Programme (ESPAÑOL)
ANNEX W: Grievance Mechanism
ANNEX W: Grievance Mechanism (ESPAÑOL)
ANNEX X: Conflict Zones & Refugee Camps
ANNEX Z: Renewal of Crediting Periods
ANNEX AA: Design Change
ANNEX AH: Appeals Body
Double Counting 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.
Gold Standard Requirements V2.1
Gold Standard Toolkit V2.1
A. Gold Standard Structure + Guidance
B. Project Cycle Overview
C. Guidance on Project Type Eligibility
D. ODA Declaration Template
E. Registry Operation
F. PoA Rules and Guidance
G. Guidance on Demonstration of Additionality
H. Guiding Questions for ‘Do-no-harm’ Assessment
I. Guidance on Sustainability Assessment
J. Guidance on Stakeholder Consultation
K. Outline of Validation + Verification Report
L. Fee Schedule
M. Terms & Conditions
N. Brand Rules
O. ER Acquisition Agreement: pre-CDM GS VERs
P. ER Acquisition Agreement: pre-JI GS VERs
Q. LSC Report Template
R. Gold Standard Passport
S. Cover Letter
Project Design Document V2.1
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.