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The Gold Standard launches its new rules and requirements V2.2
The Gold Standard released the new version of its requirements, known as GS V2.2, to a packed side event at this year’s flagship carbon market event, Carbon Expo, in the German city of Cologne.
The revised Gold Standard Rule Book was a culmination of more than 12-months work incorporating rule updates on Programmes of Activities, micro-scale schemes, project eligibility criteria, new guidelines on sustainable development assessments and much more. The revised rules were much anticipated by the market as they have expanded The Gold Standard scope to waste handling and disposal, provide more detailed guidelines for project developers and auditors on the assessment of sustainable development aspects and include new procedures such as a Grievance Mechanism to make the standard more robust.
The Gold Standard gratefully acknowledges the main sponsors, CEPREI and ERM CVS and the German Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU). We would also like to thank all our stakeholders whose continuous feedback and input have made the revisions possible.
Version 2.2 is available for immediate use and project applicants currently using V2.1 may choose to implement part or all of the upgrades available in V2.2.
The below outlines some of the main changes within the new rules and requirements:
Rule clarifications:
- A methodology eligibility tool – (Annex AD)
- Clarified rules on PoAs – (Annex F)
- Rules on design change requests – (Annex AA)
- Rules on renewal of crediting periods – (Annex Z)
New guidance includes:
- PoA guidance document – (Annex V)
- Detailed flow charts for micro-scale and micro-programmes and PoAs – (Annexes AE, AF and AG respectively)
- Sustainable development checklists for hydropower, wind and biomass power – (Annex G)
- Indicative questions for the sustainable development assessments – (Annex AC)
- Revised guidance on sustainable development indicators – (Annex I)
- A Local Stakeholder Consultation checklist for DOEs – (Annex AB)
The Gold Standard has streamlined its rules and procedures by providing:
- Pragmatic interpretation of the Conservativeness Principle
- No further review of CDM decisions on additionally
- Some flexibility on site-visit requirements
- A formal registration date as end of registration review period
- Revised micro-scale scheme – (Annex T)
- Micro-programme schemes – (Annex U)
- Special procedures for conflict zones – (Annex X)
- Simplified eligibility criteria – (Annex C)
- Fee structure flexibility – (Annex L)
Strengthened Governance:
- Appeals mechanism – (Annex AH)
- Grievance mechanism – (Annex W)
- External experts & MoU based approach
- Revised cover letter including statements on ‘Do no harm’ assessment information and compliance with local legislation
Scope – Expansion & Eligibility:
The Gold Standard has expanded its scope to include waste handling & disposal, which includes all waste handling activities that deliver an energy service (e.g. LFG with some electricity generation) or a usable product with sustainable development benefits (e.g. composting).
The Gold Standard has also revised eligibility criteria for hydropower activities, this includes no activities in High Conservation Areas, mandatory independent expert opinion on key issues, no fast-tracking and hydropower staff training on key issues.
For more information please visit the project certification – rules and toolkit section of our website.
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