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Validating carbon reductions
and community development

Rules & Toolkit

In order to apply for Gold Standard certification a project must adhere to the rules, requirements and guidelines of The Gold Standard Version 2.1.

The Gold Standard Version 2.1 is comprised of:

Gold Standard Requirements

Gold Standard Toolkit

The smart, practical toolkit provides clarity and guidance helping project proponents to successfully implement high quality greenhouse gas reduction projects that also make measurable positive impacts on sustainable development.

For ease of use The Gold Standard has split out the toolkit, listing all the relevant sections in easily downloadable guidance notes, templates or legal documents. If you cannot find the required document/template please do not hesitate to contact the Secretariat.

For projects implemented under older Gold Standard Versions (e.g. Version 1.0 or 2.0) the relevant details can be located in the document archive.

DOCUMENT ARCHIVE (open/close)

The Gold Standard Version 2 (GSv2) was superseded by The Gold Standard Version 2.1 (GSv2.1) on July 1, 2009. For project developers that applied to list a project prior to this date, please use the rules outlined below throughout the lifetime of the project.

Comparison of GSv2 and GSv2.1

Gold Standard Requirements

Gold Standard Toolkit

Gold Standard Project Cycle

Toolkit Annexes

Upgrade Explanation

Gold Standard Version 1

For project developers who applied to list a project with The Gold Standard prior to August 1st, 2008, the rules in force at the time of application remain valid throughout the project lifetime. The following GSv1 documents can be accessed here for reference:

GS-CER Project Developer’s Manual

GS-VER Project Developer’s Manual

GS-CER Validation and Verification Manual

GS-VER Validation and Verification Manual

GS-VER Project Design Document Template

GSv1 Changes and Clarifications, July 2007

GSv1 Changes and Clarifications, December 2007

CDM Rulebook

The CDM Rulebook is the definitive online database of the CDM rules and is freely available to the public:

The CDM Rulebook

CDM PDD Template

This link downloads the latest UN template for the CDM Project Design Document (PDD):

CDM PDD Templates

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