Methodology Eligibility and Development

Modified on Thu, 2 Apr at 9:35 AM

These FAQs refer to the following resources:
- SDG Impact Quantification Methodologies
- Eligible Mitigation Options
- Methodologies Under Development web page

Methodology Eligibility
Methodology Development

Methodology Eligibility

What is a methodology?

Methodologies provide the rules and calculations used to quantify and monitor the emissions reductions or removals from Gold Standard project activities. 

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 on our SDG Impact Quantification Methodologies page.* This includes both Gold Standard methodologies and Gold Standard-approved PACM methodologies.

* Please note that all methodologies are currently undergoing Paris Agreement Alignment. You can find the full details on the Paris Agreement Alignment Webpage and corresponding FAQs. All PA Aligned methodologies can be found on our Paris Agreement Alignment Documents page.

Can multiple methodologies be applied to project activities?

Multiple methodologies can be used within a project; however, please note that eligibility and requirements must be stated for each methodology within the projects PDD.

Do projects need to apply an existing methodology?

Projects must apply a Gold Standard-approved methodology to quantify impact. From June 2026, new projects will need to apply a Paris Aligned methodology. See Requirements for Paris Agreement Alignment.

New methodologies (i.e. 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.

Methodologies in development should not be claimed or construed as accepted, approved, or recommended by Gold Standard. Once a methodology is approved and published for public use 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.

Please note: While it is possible to develop a project and a methodology concurrently, the project can only be formally submitted for design certification once the methodology is approved and published.

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 Procedure for Development, Revision, and Clarification of Methodologies and Methodological Tools provides guidance on how to submit a methodology concept note and submission form to Gold Standard for review.

The review and approval process involves two main stages: 

Developers submit a concept note and submissions form 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 developers can gauge the potential success or failure of formally presenting a new methodology to Gold Standard.

(!) Please note that both the concept note and submissions form must be submitted to methodology@goldstandard.org in the templates provided by Gold Standard.
If the concept note is approved, developers will be asked to submit the draft of the new 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 Expert Working Group (MEG) 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 Methodologies 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 - see Gold Standard Fee Schedule for fees related to methodology development.

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.

You can also subscribe to our technical newsletter and follow Gold Standard on LinkedIn, where any new methodologies will be announced.

For any remaining questions, please contact us at help@goldstandard.org.