New Assurance Model and Management Process for Gold Standard Project Certification

These FAQs refer to the announcement on 12th November 2024 regarding updates to the assurance model and management process for Gold Standard project certification

Assurance Model and Management

• What is the update to the Gold Standard assurance model and management process?
• Why is Gold Standard making this change to the assurance model and management system?
• When will the change happen? 
• What are the key changes for project developers and VVBs?
• Will this change impact project certification timelines? How is Gold Standard ensuring it has capacity to deal with this change and not become a bottleneck? 
• Will this change in assurance and new system come with additional costs to project developers? 
• In practice what does this update and the assurance platform mean for project developers, VVBs and other stakeholders?
• What will be the process for projects currently undergoing review?
• What involvement will the existing certification provider have in the new process?

Assurance Platform

• What is the digital assurance platform and how does it work? 
• How do I book a review?
• How do I gain access to the digital assurance platform? 
• How will the data be migrated/managed? What provisions are in place to protect any data related to my projects?  

VVBs and External Reviewers

• Who will review Gold Standard’s projects? 
• How are the reviewers selected by Gold Standard? 
• How do I join the roster of experts and conduct reviews of GS projects?
• How are VVBs and expert reviewers selected?  How is conflict of interest mitigated?
• How will Gold Standard ensure VVBs do a good job? 
• Who approves VVBs? 
• How does my organisation become a VVB?

Assurance Model and Management

What is the update to the Gold Standard assurance model and management process?

Following the launch of a digital SDG Impact tool, and alongside the ongoing digital Measurement, Reporting and Verification (dMRV) pilot programme, Gold Standard has launched a digital assurance platform that marks the next step in Gold Standard’s journey to fully digitalise impact certification. The platform will launch for new project reviews on 05 December 2024.

Alongside the new platform, Gold Standard is introducing changes to its assurance model and management process to increase efficiency of workflows while maintaining the integrity that Gold Standard-certified projects are known for. 

Under the updated assurance model, the certification decision is taken by independent, third-party accredited and Gold Standard approved Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs), instead of the Design/Performance Reviewer. This approach is designed in line with the ISEAL Code of Good Practice for Assurance.

The steps to certification:

• Validation and Verification by VVBs: Project developers will appoint Gold Standard approvedValidation and Verification Bodies (VVBs) to conduct validation and verification activities. This is the same as the existing process.
• Design and Performance Review: An expert reviewer will conduct quality check of the project documents and validation or verification report to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and compliance of project. Every project seeking design, performance and crediting period renewal review will additionally be open for public consultation, allowing for transparent and inclusive feedback.
• Certification Decision by VVB: Following the design or performance review findings, the GS VVB will make necessary changes to the certification decision and submit it directly to Gold Standard. This step represents the primary update in the process.
• Issuance of Certification Outcomes: Gold Standard will issue the certification outcomes based on the decision provided by the VVB.

The change means that, from 5 December 2024, any new review of a project activity will be submitted to Gold Standard via a digital assurance platform. This platform seamlessly connects to relevant Gold Standard applications such as the Impact Registry and the SDG Impact Tool and will facilitate efficient document management and workflows, decision making and engagement with Gold Standard approved Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs). It will ensure that the entire assurance process is better integrated, more efficient and easier to navigate.

Gold Standard will also introduce additional measures to improve efficiencies in the assurance process while maintaining the high levels of integrity Gold Standard-certified projects are known for: 

• Deepen training resources for VVBs to help them quickly understand the breadth and depth of Gold Standard requirements, rule changes and other technical updates while introducing more Gold Standard internal resources for oversight of VVB performance and continuous improvement
• Introduction of more expert reviewers to manage increasing certification requests
• Gold Standard is to now become the central point of contact for projects applying/undertaking certification with GS4GG, enabling more streamlined, consistent and clear communications, and assisting in more efficient problem resolution. 
• Additional capacity to the Gold Standard helpdesk to ensure queries are quickly and efficiently resolved
• Streamlining Gold Standard Registry processes related to invoicing

You can read more detailed information about the changes within the Rule Update: Standards, Assurance Model Update.

Additional resources and support can be found in the New Digital Assurance Platform and Management System.

Why is Gold Standard making this change to the assurance model and management system?

Following the launch of a digital SDG Impact tool, and alongside the ongoing digital Measurement, Reporting and Verification (dMRV) pilot programme, the new online platform will be integrated with other Gold Standard digital systems, and marks the next step in Gold Standard’s journey to fully digitalise impact certification. It will allow for broader applications of the standard, Gold Standard for the Global Goals (GS4GG), facilitate the introduction of new digital solutions and improve efficiencies within the process, including an increase in the number of expert review providers available to assess projects.

When will the change happen? 

The digital assurance platform and updated process will be available and applicable for project reviews from 05 December 2024.

For projects that have already contracted and paid for a review, a transition period will run between 05 Dec 2024 to 30 April 2025 to enable projects to continue the review with the contracted certification provider via the existing model and management approach.

What are the key changes for project developers and VVBs?

Detailed information about the key changes can be found within the Rule Update: Standards, Assurance Model Update.

Will this change impact project certification timelines? How is Gold Standard ensuring it has capacity to deal with this change and not become a bottleneck? 

Gold Standard is aware of the issues faced by project developers in the carbon markets regarding certification timelines. We are in an unprecedented moment of the carbon market and, without compromising integrity, are determined to deliver efficiency in the system. These updates are designed to accelerate the certification process and we have increased capacity across multiple teams to help support these updates. We will be closely monitoring this metric, and others, to better enable us to support stakeholders and respond to any future surges in the market.

Will this change in assurance and new system come with additional costs to project developers? 

There will not be an additional cost associated with the digital assurance platform. Gold Standard regularly reviews its fee schedule and seeks to maintain a fair price for project developers, cognizant of market contexts.

In practice what does this update and the assurance platform mean for project developers, VVBs and other stakeholders?

The new digital assurance platform aims to improve the efficiency of the certification process under Gold Standard whilst maintaining the integrity that Gold Standard certified projects are known for. 

Key changes from this update include a deeper pool of expert reviewers and additional internal staff, more training and enhanced oversight of the certification process.

Project developers going through the updated assurance process will use the new Gold Standard digital assurance platform for uploading documentation submitting review requests and tracking progress. The process for contracting VVBs for validation and verification will remain the same. 

Expert reviewers will be selected from a roster of experts. The reviews will consist of a quality check of the project documents and validation or verification report to ensure the accuracy, consistency and compliance of the project. Design and Performance reviews are allocated on a first come, first serve basis. Project developers will be kept informed of the scheduled review dates and/or if there are any changes to this date. 

Every project seeking design, performance and crediting period renewal review will be open for a 2-week global public consultation, allowing for transparent and inclusive feedback.

VVBs will be responsible for carrying out validation and verification activities in the same way as they do currently. They will additionally be responsible for taking a certification decision and submitting it directly to Gold Standard, following design and performance review by an expert reviewer. This step represents the primary update in the process. VVBs will be contracted by Project developers in the same way as currently.

Gold Standard is now the central point of contact for VVBs, and will provide: 

• More support and engagement, including regular check-in calls, quarterly webinars, two in person technical workshops and the publication of additional resources and guidance specifically for VVBs. 
• Enhanced oversight and assurance processes - accreditation bodies will continue to have oversight of VVB activities, Gold Standard will further build on this with ongoing oversight of VVB performance and the introduction of a new examination programme to support continuous improvement. 

Expert reviewers will be selected from a roster of experts. The reviews will consist of a quality check of the project documents and validation or verification report to ensure the accuracy and compliance of the project. The reviewer will submit their findings via the digital assurance platform. Reviewers will be centrally managed by Gold Standard. 

You can read more detailed information about the changes within the Rule Update: Standards, Assurance Model Update 

What will be the process for projects currently undergoing review?

Projects that have contracted and paid for a review within the current process will be able to continue and conclude the review with the existing certification provider. New projects and projects already in the certification process that will submit for review after 5th December 2024 will move to the updated assurance model and apply the new process.

What involvement will the existing certification provider have in the new process?

A transition period will run between 5th December 2024 to 30th April 2025 to support those projects that are already within the existing review process. Any project that has contracted and paid for a review with the existing certification provider will be able to continue to conclude the review via the existing model and management approach. Enquiries on future plans should be directed to the certification provider.

Assurance Platform

What is the digital assurance platform and how does it work? 

Following the launch of the SDG Impact tool and  digital Measurement, Reporting and Verification (dMRV) pilot programme, the new assurance platform marks the next step in Gold Standard’s journey to fully digitalise impact certification. 

From 05 December 2024, any new review of a project activity will be submitted to Gold Standard via this digital assurance platform. The platform will facilitate efficient document management and workflows, decision-making, and engagement with VVBs, ensuring that the entire assurance process is more transparent, efficient, and easier to navigate for all parties involved.

More information on this process and how the assurance platform works can be located in the Assurance Platform User Guide and demo. 

How do I book a review?

The new online platform houses all the project documentation, and enables VVBs and expert reviewers to directly access relevant information once projects have been assigned. It also seamlessly connects to other Gold Standard applications such as the Gold Standard Impact Registry and SDG Impact Tool. 

Once all relevant project documentation has been uploaded, project developers and or VVBs can submit a request for review directly within the system – without a need for advance booking for review. The status of any request is viewable within the assurance platform. More information on this process can be located in the Assurance Platform User Guide 

How do I gain access to the digital assurance platform? 

For existing projects, an account and all project information is already in the digital assurance platform. To gain access to this account, please fill in this form. Access will be granted from 05 December 2024. 

For new project developers, a login will automatically be provided to the digital assurance platform on opening a registry account with Gold Standard.

More information on this process can be located in the Assurance Platform User Guide

How will the data be migrated/managed? What provisions are in place to protect any data related to my projects?  

All project and certification data is migrated to the new platform. Data migration will be carefully and securely managed by Gold Standard, with support from data migration experts, to mitigate against risks of loss and/or leaks. As with any data migration, there maybe potential bumps in the road to be overcome. We have anticipated such situations and trained our teams to be prepared to handle any unexpected challenges. We aim to make all data and certification documents available in the new platform upon launch, addressing any gaps by June 2025.

If you experience any difficulty Gold Standard has a dedicated helpdesk including experts standing by to help. Please contact Gold Standard’s helpdesk for support either through our contact form or by emailing help@goldstandard.org 

Our top priority is ensuring a smooth transition, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation throughout this process.

VVBs and External Reviewers

Who will review Gold Standard’s projects? 

• Validation and Verification Bodies will be responsible for carrying out validation and verification activities in the same way as they do currently. 
• A newly created Assurance Review Management (ARM) team within Gold Standard will manage the review process, conduct Preliminary Reviews, and select expert reviewers from a roster of experts for the Design, Performance, and Crediting Period Renewal reviews. These reviews consist of a quality check of the project documents and validation or verification report to ensure the accuracy and compliance of the project. 
• Expert reviewers will be picked based on availability, expertise and any additionally relevant requirements to ensure a timely, high quality and consistent review process. 

How are the reviewers selected by Gold Standard? 

Gold Standard will maintain a roster of expert reviewers, based on the qualities of experience, competence, past performance (where relevant) and independence. Expert reviewers will not be able to review any project for a project developer where they have an existing or past commercial relationship. This will be managed by a declaration and robust monitoring system, in line with good practice.

How do I join the roster of experts and conduct reviews of GS projects?

To join the roster of experts and conduct reviews of Gold Standard projects, expert would typically need to follow these steps:

• Wait for an invitation: Gold Standard will invite applications when they need to expand their roster of experts. Keep an eye on their official communications.
• Possess relevant expertise: Ensure you have significant experience and knowledge in areas related to climate action, sustainable development, or specific sectors relevant to Gold Standard projects.
• Submit an application: Once invited, reach out to Gold Standard to express your interest in becoming an expert reviewer. Gold Standard will provide details on their formal application process.
• Demonstrate qualifications: Provide evidence of your expertise, such as academic qualifications, professional certifications, and work experience.
• Undergo training: Be prepared to complete any required training on Gold Standard's methodologies, standards, and review processes.
• Pass evaluations: You may need to pass assessments to demonstrate your understanding of Gold Standard's requirements and procedures.
• Maintain standards: Once accepted, you'll need to consistently meet Gold Standard's quality expectations and stay updated on any changes in standards or processes.

For specific details on the application process and requirements, we recommend monitoring Gold Standard's official channels for announcements about expert recruitment opportunities.

How are VVBs and expert reviewers selected?  How is conflict of interest mitigated?

Gold Standard has an approved list of VVBs for project developers to choose from. As per the VVB requirements, VVBs must hold valid accreditation under an independent programme such as the UNFCCC-CDM Accreditation; ISO 14065 for Greenhouse Gas activities offered under the ANSI-GS Accreditation Programme; or ASI – FSC Certification Body to be eligible for Gold Standard VVB approval. Gold Standard provides support, training and quality management and monitoring to VVBs and will continue to add more approved auditors over time. The choice of which VVB to use for validation and verification is the decision of the project developer. 

Expert reviewers, who conduct design and performance reviews, are centrally managed and choosen by the Gold Standard from a roster of experts. They will be selected based on availability, expertise and any additionally relevant requirements to ensure a timely, high quality, consistent review process. 

Processes have been put in to ensure expert reviewers are not able to review any project for a project developer where there is an existing or past commercial relationship. This will be managed by a declaration and monitoring system, in line with ISEAL’s Code of Good Practice for Assurance.

Gold Standard has implemented a comprehensive system of quality and consistency checks. This system includes quality checks of review outcomes, peer evaluations, and periodic assessments of reviewer performance. This multi-faceted approach aims to maintain high standards and ensure consistency across all reviews, thereby enhancing the reliability and credibility of our evaluation process.

Our commitment to excellence, transparency and best practices extends to overseeing the standards, methodologies, and processes developed including certification review under Gold Standard for the Global Goals. The standards, methodologies and processes developed under Gold Standard for the Global Goals including certification review are consulted publicly and overseen by a Technical Advisory Committee, an independent body composed of market specialists that provide expertise, guidance and decisions on methodology approval, rule changes and appeals.

How will Gold Standard ensure VVBs do a good job? 

Gold Standard will deepen training resources for VVBs to help them quickly understand the breadth and depth of Gold Standard requirements, rule changes and other technical updates while introducing more Gold Standard internal resources for oversight of VVB performance and continuous improvement.

Who approves VVBs? 

Gold Standard follows a comprehensive and rigorous approach to approve Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs), ensuring the highest standards of quality and integrity. 

As per the VVB requirements, VVBs must hold valid accreditation under an independent programme such as the UNFCCC-CDM Accreditation; ISO 14065 for Greenhouse Gas activities under the ANSI-GS Accreditation Programme; or ASI-FSC Certification Body to be eligible for Gold Standard VVBV approval. 

If a VVB organisation holds a valid accreditation, it can submit an application to Gold Standard, demonstrating qualification and experience in the relevant sectors. Gold Standard then thoroughly reviews the application, assessing the VVB's competence, impartiality and quality management systems. Additionally, VVBs must be accredited by an approved accreditation body for the relevant scope of work. 

Once the initial evaluation is complete, VVBs undergo mandatory training on Gold Standard requirements and procedures. Upon successful completion of all steps, Gold Standard formally approves the VVB. However, the process doesn't end there—approved VVBs are subject to ongoing performance monitoring and periodic re-evaluation to maintain their status. This rigorous process ensures that only qualified and competent bodies are authorized to validate and verify Gold Standard projects, maintaining the integrity and credibility of the certification process. 

How does my organisation become a VVB?

Guidance on becoming a VVB is available here: https://globalgoals.goldstandard.org/become-a-vvb/

For any remaining questions on this topic please submit your question using this form