Gold Standard Principles

Eligible Project Types

A Project type is automatically eligible for Gold Standard Certification if there are Gold Standard approved Activity Requirements and/or Impact Quantification Methodologies associated with it or it’s referenced in the Gold Standard Product Requirements.

Baseline Scenario

The scenario that would exist in the absence of the project. What could have happened without the project?

Project Scenario

The Project Scenario is defined as the scenario that will exist once the Project is implemented and operational.

Identify at least 3 sustainable Development goals

One of the goals must be SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Safeguarding Principles Assessment

Every project should state unwanted/unintended impacts on the local community, economy, environment, or human rights.

Stakeholder Consultation

Identify and engage Relevant Stakeholders and seek Expert Stakeholder input where necessary in the design, planning and implementation of the Project.

Projects shall produce a Monitoring & Reporting Plan as part of the Project Design Document that includes a detailed approach to the following:

• Monitoring and reporting of parameters identified for positive SDG Impacts and associated targets.

• Monitoring and reporting of parameters associated with any Requirements and re-assessments highlighted by the Safeguarding Principles Assessment.

• Monitoring and reporting of Stakeholder Engagement, feedback, grievances and any action taken, including as recommended by any Expert Stakeholder.

• Any monitoring requirements and parameters in any Gold Standard Approved Methodology, Tool and/or Product Requirements selected.

All Projects must demonstrate impacts that are additional as compared to their baseline scenario. Are you doing something different/more than whatever has been in existence?