What we do
The Gold Standard Foundation registers projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions in ways that contribute to sustainable development and certifies their carbon credits for sale on both compliance and voluntary offset markets.
Renewable energy and end-use efficient projects with sustainable development benefits are eligible to apply for registration with the Gold Standard. Gold Standard labels are issued for carbon credits of qualifying CDM and Joint Implement projects and these projects are tracked in the UNFCCC/CDM Registry. Projects developed under the voluntary carbon market rules are tracked in the Gold Standard Registry hosted by APX, and the Gold Standard Foundation issues labeled carbon credits to these projects itself. All Gold Standard projects are listed in the Gold Standard Registry's Project Database.
The Foundation’s supporters have developed a method and tools that enable project developers to meet the rigorous requirements associated with its quality label with a minimum of additional effort. Foundation staff charged with overseeing registration, certification and oversight processes are available to respond to queries and provide general guidance, while members of the Gold Standard’s Technical Advisory Committee work with the secretariat to provide clarifications on more technical aspects of the rules and procedures. The Foundation also supports project developers through its Local Expert Network and through various carbon market actors who have entered into some form of engagement with the Gold Standard.
Various communication and outreach channels are used to educate market actors and others interested to know more about its methodology and the benefits to be obtained from Gold Standard certification.
Although it does not buy or sell carbon credits itself, the Foundation facilitates networking among carbon market actors who share its values and objectives. Private sector firms that make some form of commitment that furthers the Gold Standard mission can list their company profiles in the Marketplace section of the Golden Pages elsewhere on this website, and under specified conditions can also acquire the right to display the Gold Standard logo.