Benefits of GS Certification

The Gold Standard logo is a trademarked brand that represents premium quality in the carbon market. It provides assurances to buyers of carbon credits bearing this label that planned emissions reductions are realistic, and that they will be generated in ways that contribute to sustainable development and provide local benefits. Because of these assurances, carbon credits that are sold with the Gold Standard label fetch a premium price.

Projects that are registered with the Gold Standard have undergone a strict technical scrutiny which assures high quality and low risk, yet the procedures involved are relatively simple. Consequently, GS-certified credits are preferred by a range of government and private actors. Project developers wishing to register with the Gold Standard and obtain GS certification should open an account in the Gold Standard Registry.

Managers of carbon asset portfolios can make Gold Standard portfolio pledges that commit them to holding a substantial proportion of their asset inventory in the form of GS-certified carbon credits. These pledges are listed on the  Golden Pages, where other market actors can easily identify firms that are committed to trading premium quality carbon credits bearing the Gold Standard label. This service is provided by the Gold Standard Foundation to support development of robust carbon offset markets that encourage rapid reduction in dependence on fossil fuels.