Methodology Eligibility and Development

Modified on Wed, 25 Sep at 9:35 AM

Methodology Eligibility and Development

These FAQs refer to the following resources:
Gold Standard Eligible Methodologies Tool
Eligible Mitigation Options
Methodologies Under Development web page

Methodology Eligibility

What is a methodology?

Methodologies provide the rules and calculations used to quantify the emissions reductions or removals from project activities. They include requirements for quantifying the baseline and project scenarios, as well as requirements for how the project impacts are monitored.

Where do I find methodologies eligible under Gold Standard?

To identify an applicable methodology for your project you can view all methodologies that are eligible for Gold Standard certification in our  eligible methodology tool.  This tool includes both Gold Standard methodologies and Gold Standard approved CDM methodologies, which are listed in separate tabs. The document includes a summary of the scope and applicability, a link to the full methodology documentation and any additional criteria, requirements and remarks that need to be considered to align CDM methodologies with Gold Standard requirements.

Can multiple methodologies be applied to project activities?

Multiple methodologies can be used within a project.

Do projects need to apply an existing methodology?

Projects must apply a  Gold Standard approved methodology to quantify impact. New methodologies (not yet approved by Gold Standard) or proposed revisions to an existing methodology can be submitted for review and approval by Gold Standard. The Methodologies Under Development page gives an overview of the methodology development process. Note that it is possible to develop a project and a methodology concurrently.  Once a methodology is approved by Gold Standard, a project developer can then certify a project against the methodology.

The methodology development pipeline is available on the Methodologies Under Development page to provide more information on upcoming Gold Standard eligible methodologies.

Methodology Development

What is the process for developing or revising a methodology?

If none of the existing Gold Standard approved methodologies apply and you are interested in developing a new methodology or revising an existing one, the  Impact Quantification Methodology Approval Procedure  provides guidance on how to submit a  methodology concept note  to Gold Standard for review.

The review and approval process involves two main stages:

Submitting a concept note summarising the proposal for a new methodology or revision to an approved methodology for eligibility check by Gold Standard Secretariat and/or its Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), as required. During this process gaps, concerns, or questions about the methodology concept are identified so Project Developers can gauge the potential success or failure of formally presenting a new methodology to Gold Standard.

After the concept note is approved, submitting the draft of new methodology or revised methodology for review and approval. Methodology development can be stakeholder-led or Gold Standard secretariat-led. In either case the draft methodology undergoes a completeness check by Secretariat, an in-depth review by the Methodology Working Group members and independent subject matter experts, a 30-day public stakeholder consultation hosted by the Gold Standard, and then is submitted for final approval by the TAC.

You can see the full process and indicative timelines on the Gold Standard Methodology Under Development page

How much does it cost to develop a methodology?

Fees vary for methodology development depending on the type and complexity of the methodology, but are typically in the range of $30k-$50k.

Fees for revisions to an existing methodology (e.g. scope expansion) typically vary from $5k - $15k

There is no charge for the review of a methodology concept note.

Where can I see the methodologies that Gold Standard has in the development pipeline?

A high-level overview of the  mitigation and removal options eligible for Gold Standard  is available to show the eligible mitigation options.

The Methodologies Under Development page lists methodologies that are currently in the development pipeline with Gold Standard.