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 2.2.
The Gold Standard Version 2.2 is comprised of:
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 mandatory guidlines, guidance notes, legal documents or templates. It has also created a summary document of the amendments and additions to the new Gold Standard rulebook.
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, Version 2.0 or 2.1) the relevant details can be located in the document archive.
MANDATORY GUIDELINES (open/close)
Annex C – Specific Eligibility Criteria
Annex P – PFA Fast-Track Rules
Annex T – Standalone Micro-scale Scheme Rules
Annex U – Micro-Programme Rules
Annex X – Rules for Conflict Zones
Annex Z – Rules for Renewal of Crediting Periods
GUIDANCE NOTES (open/close)
Annex A – The Gold Standard Structure & Guidance
Annex B – Project Cycle Overview
Annex G – Sustainable Development Checklist for Wind, Biomass & Hydro
Annex H – Guidance for Do No Harm Assessment
Annex I – Guidance on SD Indicators
Annex K – Outline for Validation / Verification Reports
Annex V – PoA Guidance Document
Annex AB – LSC Checklist for DOEs
Annex AC – Indicator Questions for SD Assessment
Annex AE – Standalone Micro-scale Scheme Flowcharts
LEGAL DOCUMENTS (open/close)
Annex D – ODA Declaration Form
Annex O – Emission Reduction Acquisition Agreement
TEMPLATES (open/close)
Annex AK – PoA Design Consultation Template
Annex AL – PoA LSC Report Template
Annex AM – PoA Passport Template
Annex AN – Micro PoA-DD Template
Annex AO – Micro VPA-DD Template
Annex AP – Micro-scale PDD Template
Annex AQ – Micro-scale Validation Report Template
Annex AR – Micro-scale Verification Report Template
GS V2.1 DOCUMENT ARCHIVE (open/close)
Gold Standard Version 2.1
The Gold Standard Version 2.1 (GSv2.1) was superseded by The Gold Standard Version 2.2 (GSv2.2) on June 1, 2012. For project developers that applied to list a project prior to this date, but after 1st July 2009, please use the rules outlined below throughout the lifetime of the project.
The Gold Standard Version 2.1 is comprised of:
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.
Guidance Notes
A. Gold Standard Structure and Guidance
C. Guidance on Project Type Eligibility
G. Guidance on Demonstration of Additionality
H. Guiding Questions for ‘do-no-harm’ Assessment
I. Guidance on Sustainability Assessment
J. Guidance on Stakeholder Consultation
Templates
D. ODA Declaration Template
K. Outline of the Validation and Verification Report
Q. Gold Standard Local Stakeholder Consultation Report Template
Project Design Document for Gold Standard Voluntary Offset projects
Legal Documents
L. Gold Standard Fee Schedule
O. Emission Reduction Acquisition Agreement: pre-CDM GS VERs
GS v2.0 DOCUMENT ARCHIVE (open/close)
Gold Standard Version 2
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, but after 1st August 2008, please use the rules outlined below throughout the lifetime of the project.
GS v1.0 DOCUMENT ARCHIVE (open/close)
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
CDM Rulebook
The CDM Rulebook is the definitive online database of the CDM rules and is freely available to the public:
CDM PDD Template
This link downloads the latest UN template for the CDM Project Design Document (PDD):
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