The Gold Standard Foundation offers a quality label to CDM/JI and voluntary offset projects, fetching premium prices. Renewable energy and energy efficiency projects with sustainable development benefits are eligible. The Gold Standard is endorsed by over 49 non-governmental organizations worldwide. Gold Standard projects are preferred by a range of government and private actors.
Initiated by WWF, SSN and Helio International the Gold Standard for CDM projects was launched in 2003 after a wide-ranging stakeholder consultation among key actors of the carbon market as well as governments. A methodology for voluntary offset projects was launched in May 2006.
Special credits go to the authors of the Gold Standard CDM methodology, Mozaharaul Alam, Bert Dalusung, Liu Deshung, Emilio LaRovere, Holger Liptow, Liam Salter, Agus Sari, Steve Thorne, Harald Winkler and Steve Bernow (+2003) as well as to all those that contributed by giving comments.
The Gold Standard is a non-profit foundation under Swiss Law and funded by public and private donors. |
