These FAQs refer to the Gold Standard Requirements for CCP Labelling of GS VERs- What is the purpose of the CCP Labelling Requirements document?
- Which projects are eligible to seek CCP labelling of GSVERs?
- When do the CCP Labelling Requirements and procedures apply?
- What are the general requirements for a project requesting CCP labelling?
- How does a project request CCP labelling for its GSVERs?
- What documentation updates are required when a design change is needed for CCP labelling?
- What updates are required for the Monitoring Plan when a design change is needed for CCP labelling?
- What about CCP labelling for projects undergoing Crediting Period (CP) renewal?
- What updates are required for the Additionality Demonstration when a design change is needed for CCP labelling?
- Are there additional requirements for Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs) for CCP labelling?
- Who can submit requests for CCP labelling of GSVERs?
- Can projects update fNRB values or other project aspects for monitoring periods where credits have already been issued to seek CCP labelling?
- Are there any additional requirement when applying for CCP labelling for a project currently under verification using a specific fNRB value (e.g., 0.3)?
- Are there specific fNRB or charcoal requirements for certain methodologies like TPDDTEC or Metered & Measured Energy Cooking Devices to qualify for CCP labelling?
- Are there specific CCP requirements for Biodigesters (Household)?
- Can an official fNRB value issued by a government in a Least Developed Country (LDC) be used to calculate emission reductions for CCP labelling?
- Regarding the use of charcoal, how will you integrate the following ICVCM's guidelines: "For projects that use charcoal, a direct charcoal emission factor (which may include production emissions) or a wood to charcoal conversion factor of four to one is used."?
General Requirements
What is the purpose of the CCP Labelling Requirements document?
This document outlines the requirements and procedure for design-certified projects to seek Core Carbon Principles (CCP) labelling of Gold Standard Verified Emission Reductions (GSVERs). It applies to design-certified projects, Programmes of Activities (PoAs), and Voluntary Project Activities (VPAs) seeking CCP labelling of issued GSVERs.
Which projects are eligible to seek CCP labelling of GSVERs?
The requirements apply to Gold Standard for the Global Goals (GS4GG) design-certified projects, PoAs, or VPAs seeking CCP labelling of:
- GSVERs issued to a project that has applied a methodology version approved by the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM).
- GSVERs to be issued retroactively (up to a maximum of two years)
When do the CCP Labelling Requirements and procedures apply?
The requirements and procedures outlined in the document shall apply when:
- An applied methodology version is approved as is by ICVCM and requires no updates to the project design.
- A project needs revisions or updates to comply with an ICVCM-approved methodology version (e.g., requiring an update to fNRB values).
- A change in the applied methodology is requested, either updating to a newer version or switching to a different methodology altogether.
What are the general requirements for a project requesting CCP labelling?
A project requesting CCP labelling shall demonstrate compliance with:
- All methodology requirements of the applied methodology version, covering all key aspects (applicability criteria, project boundary, GHG sources, additionality, baseline, project and leakage emissions, emission reductions quantification, monitoring requirements, etc.).
- Any additional/new requirements published by Gold Standard following the conditions set by ICVCM for the applied methodology version.
- Necessary information to demonstrate compliance, including a Validation & Verification Body (VVB) design change validation report when applicable.
How does a project request CCP labelling for its GSVERs?
The procedure depends on whether changes to the project design are required:
- If an ICVCM-approved methodology version is applied and no changes to the project design are required, the project developer can submit a request for CCP labelling directly using a specific form via the Gold Standard assurance platform.
- If Gold Standard publishes additional requirements for an ICVCM-approved methodology (e.g., requiring fNRB updates) or if the project switches to a different eligible methodology, the project developer shall submit a request for a design change prior to requesting CCP labelling.
What documentation updates are required when a design change is needed for CCP labelling?
When a design change is required to comply with CCP labelling requirements, the project developer shall update the project design document (PDD), including providing both marked-up and clean versions. For PoAs, applicability and inclusion criteria must also be updated. Other potential updates, where applicable, include reassessing the baseline scenario, recalculating ex-ante GHG emissions for the remaining crediting period, updating the monitoring plan, and reviewing/updating monitoring approaches for SDG impacts other than SDG 13. The project developer shall also confirm compliance with all applicable legislation.
What updates are required for the Monitoring Plan when a design change is needed for CCP labelling?
The monitoring plan needs to be updated to specify the overall monitoring period included for CCP labelling. When updating, conservative assumptions should be used for alternative calculations where data gaps exist to avoid overestimating emission reductions and SDG impacts. Proposed changes must comply with the applied methodology requirements. For future (ex-ante) periods, updates must be feasible and implementable within the project design, including data management and quality assurance/control procedures sufficient for accurate reporting and verification.
What about CCP labelling for projects undergoing Crediting Period (CP) renewal?
The requirements and procedures outlined in the CCP Labelling document do not apply to projects seeking crediting period renewal. Such projects shall follow the CP renewal requirements and procedures. A project introducing changes for CCP labelling of a retroactive period (if not already issued) must submit separate requests for a design change and CP renewal if both are sought.
What updates are required for the Additionality Demonstration when a design change is needed for CCP labelling?
The additionality demonstration must be updated if required by additional Gold Standard requirements for CCP labelling or by a newly applied ICVCM-approved methodology. The project developer shall ensure compliance with all applicable additionality requirements and provide supporting evidence. Key aspects to consider when updating include reassessing carbon credit revenue impact on financial viability, maintaining the original additionality approach (e.g., investment or barrier analysis), keeping key input parameters unchanged, and retaining the benchmark or indicator selected at the time of decision-making. If a positive list or deemed additionality approach is still valid, no further update is required.
Are there additional requirements for Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs) for CCP labelling?
Yes, for CCP labelling, VVBs need to validate the proposed revisions and design changes where applicable. This includes additional verification of correct implementation of the updated fNRB values (e.g., from MoFuSS), compliance with all applicable ICVCM requirements, proper documentation of the transition, and verification that emission reduction calculations reflect the updated values. VVBs should also familiarize themselves with CCP requirements and documentation to ensure thorough verification.
Who can submit requests for CCP labelling of GSVERs?
Only project developers that are listed in the cover letter as the project owner or representative can submit requests for CCP labelling of GSVERs. Buyers of GSVERs or other entities holding issued GSVERs are not permitted to submit such requests.
Community Service Projects
Can projects update fNRB values or other project aspects for monitoring periods where credits have already been issued to seek CCP labelling?
No, the project developer cannot update fNRB values or other project aspects for the period for which GSVERs have already been issued. CCP labelling for a retroactive monitoring period is limited to a maximum of two years and only applies if GSVERs have not already been issued for that period. Retroactive re-verification of already issued credits using new fNRB values or methodologies is not permitted by Gold Standard to preserve integrity.
Are there any additional requirement when applying for CCP labelling for a project currently under verification using a specific fNRB value (e.g., 0.3)?
If the project is following the no design change pathway, the project developer should submit the completed template through the management information system for review and approval. Note that even without a design change, the project must still demonstrate compliance with all other applicable ICVCM requirements beyond just the fNRB determination method.
Are there specific fNRB or charcoal requirements for certain methodologies like TPDDTEC or Metered & Measured Energy Cooking Devices to qualify for CCP labelling?
Yes, for methodologies like Reduced Emissions from Cooking and Heating (TPDDTEC) (V4.0) and Methodology for Metered & Measured Energy Cooking Devices (V1, 1.1, 1.2) to meet CCP conditions, they must adhere to specific fNRB and charcoal requirements as per the ICVCM decision. This includes applying the default fNRB value from the latest Tool 33 for emission reductions achieved on or before December 31, 2025, or using the MoFuSS model for fNRB data after that date. For charcoal projects, a direct charcoal emission factor (including production emissions) or a wood-to-charcoal conversion factor of four to one must be used. Note that the direct emission factor used in GS methodologies is more conservative than the 4:1 ratio.
Are there specific CCP requirements for Biodigesters (Household)?
Yes, for Methodology for Animal Manure Management and Biogas Use for Thermal Energy Generation (versions 1.0, 1.1) to meet CCP conditions, they must adhere to specific fNRB, fuel consumption, and charcoal requirements. This includes applying the default fNRB value from the latest Tool 33 for emission reductions achieved on or before December 31, 2025, or using the MoFuSS model after that date. Fuel consumption should be determined by KPT, CCT, or methodology default values with cross-checks. For charcoal, a direct emission factor or 4:1 wood-to-charcoal conversion factor is required.
Can an official fNRB value issued by a government in a Least Developed Country (LDC) be used to calculate emission reductions for CCP labelling?
No, according to the list of eligible methods provided by ICVCM, an official fNRB value issued by the government of an LDC cannot be used for calculating emission reductions or obtaining the CCP label, as it is not among the methods approved by ICVCM. Project developers must instead use one of the listed eligible methods (MoFuSS, updated Tool 33, etc.) to determine the fNRB value for CCP labelling. While country-specific literature exists, it cannot be used directly until a standardized methodology is approved by UNFCCC.
Regarding the use of charcoal, how will you integrate the following ICVCM's guidelines: "For projects that use charcoal, a direct charcoal emission factor (which may include production emissions) or a wood to charcoal conversion factor of four to one is used."?
The direct charcoal emission factor used in Gold Standard methodologies effectively translates to approximately a 3.5:1 wood-to-charcoal conversion ratio, which is more conservative than the 4:1 ratio suggested in the ICVCM guidelines. Therefore, projects using the direct emission factor are already compliant and no further adjustments are needed to meet CCP requirements.
Landfill Gas Projects
Are there specific CCP requirements for Landfill Gas and Utilisation methodologies (ACM0001, AMS-III.G)?
Yes, for CDM ACM0001 (versions 15-19) and CDM AMS-III.G (versions 9, 10) to meet CCP conditions, they must meet relevant criteria related to electricity generation capacity. This means all LFG project types do not generate electricity, and LFG-to-electricity projects must have a capacity of equal to or below 10 MWe. Projects also need to apply an ICVCM-approved methodology for any renewable energy generation component. Refer to CCP labelling requirements for full details on eligibility requirements.
For any remaining questions please contact us at help@goldstandard.org
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