Q&A

A PoA that is registered under the PoA standard 1 or 1.1 can only adopt a new template during the renewal phase as per GS rules. However, this rule suggests that during the Design Change, the new templates are to be adopted. Which rule to follow? As the templates are for PoA Standard 2

New templates are to be used in the case of projects starting after the effective date of the templates. Any existing projects can use the same template, however in the case of renewal or design change after the effective date, new templates are to be used. https://globalgoals.goldstandard.org/111-par-design-change-requirements

Can a VPA have multiple projects under it?

A VPA can have multiple technologies. In theory, yes it can have multiple projects, but more information about the specifics of the project is required. Please feel free to email us on help@sustain-cert.com to discuss your specific scenario.

Are there any existing approved methodologies for Energy Storage projects from GS?
Ex: Long Duration Pumped Storage Project Long-Duration, Stand-Alone, Off-Stream, Closed Loop Pumped Storage Project which is connected to the Grid offers long-duration energy storage. Storage duration in the range of 6 hrs to 9 hrs.

We need further information in order to refer you to specific methodologies. Please reach out through help@sustain-cert.com to give us more information.

As per new DESIGN CERTIFICATION RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS: CDM PROJECTS TRANSITIONING TO GS4GG, the project needs to follow Annex B of GHG Emission Reduction Sequestration and Product requirements, however, if a project was registered in any other Carbon mechanism as per clause 6.1.1 of Annex B of GHG Emission Reduction and product Requirements- Transition project & CPA seeking issuance of GSVERs or conversion of issued GSCERs to GSVERs shall issue GSVERs for a maximum crediting period allowed as per relevant GS4GG activity requirements or crediting period with the other standard, whichever ends first. Kindly confirm here since the project is getting Transitioned to GSVER will it be eligible to claim GSVER for the remaining period which is unclaimed considering 15 years of Crediting Period length or it will be restricted to 10 years if the earlier Carbon standard allows the length of the first crediting period to be of 10 years with a provision of renewal twice.

The total length of the crediting period depends on the type of activity and whether it is to be allowed under the relevant activity requirements. The total duration of the crediting period shall not exceed the maximum crediting period allowed under relevant GS4GG activity requirements. The total crediting period i.e., Standard X + GS4GG crediting period must be equal to that allowed under relevant GS4GG activity requirements. For example; RE activity requirements allows the issuance of GSVERs for maximum 15 years. An eligible renewable energy project that has already claimed emission reductions for 5 years under Standard X, can issue GSVERs for 10 more years under GS4GG. Transition project, PoA/CPAs shall follow GS4GG certification cycle for crediting period renewal (e.g. 5 years) in order to issue or convert issued emission reductions to GSVERs under GS4GG.

Can a new POA/VPA claim Gender Responsive status if it’s still under Preliminary Review, provided they include monitoring provisions for each of the SDG aligned to gender sensitivity?

The claims must be made during the Design Certification stage, to be validated by the VVB. After the project is design certified, PD can add SDG or Gender Certificate following design change requirements.

Can we include a new SDG once the project is listed but is not yet Design Certified?

Yes, we can change anything in the listed stage during the Design Certification stage, which will be validated by the VVB before the design review is requested.

Does GS have a list of performance indicators and clear targets to monitor gender equality in order to become gender responsive certified?

Yes, the Gender Equality Requirements list or the Gender Goals and Targets; PDs can choose either based on the approach outlined in the requirements.

During the WCFT analysis step (Emission reduction from Safe Drinking Water Methodology), on which step should the outlier approach ideally be applied: per capita water consumption or per household water consumption?

As per the methodology, outliers should be removed before data analysis on the sample testing value. Before beginning the analysis, be sure to check for “outliers”, i.e. values that are very different from the majority of the sample62. Outliers should be examined to check for mistakes with data recording, or investigated to ascertain if there were unusual circumstances that led to that result. If so, then the observation should be removed or corrected before the analysis. The distribution of sample values should also be checked for skewness. If there are extreme outliers or skewness, or the data was not collected by a simple random sample, then methods of analysis that are more complicated than the approaches suggested here may be required.

What about distributed projects? For instance, is the inclusion of different kinds of cookstoves (different efficiency, etc) considered the inclusion of new technology hence requiring Design Change for a project?

If it’s the same design but has undergone internal r&d, then no Design Change is required. If it involves a new technology or stove type or their respective thermal efficiencies or specific consumptions differ by more than +/-5% in absolute terms, then a Design Change is required.

How is OFN understood by GS? Is it a minimum threshold of the revenues from the carbon credits from the total revenues compared to the costs or any other financial formula to be considered in order to pass the OFN analysis?

The same approach as the one used for additionality assessment shall generally be applied, using current project values, and audited by the VVB.

If a project addresses the gender targets of SDG 8 but not SDG 5, can it still claim “gender-responsive certification”?

No, the project would still need to address the targets of SDG 5 and link to SDG 8. For gender-responsive certification, PD and VVB shall follow GS4GG Gender Equality Requirements & Guidelines https://statics.teams.cdn.office.net/evergreen-assets/safelinks/1/atp-safelinks.html

In accordance with the updated Fee Schedule, it is indicated that the Project Design Review fee is determined by multiplying the ex-ante estimation for the first year by $0.15. If our initial estimation is higher than the actual value, is there a process for receiving a refund for the overpayment?

No refunds are possible but the final total will be balanced at the time of issuance.

Is there any way by which we can fast-track the process of listing for regular projects (which have to be included under a registered real case VPA)?

If you want to fast-track any service, it is called an expedited service and will incur a fee. More details can be found on
https://sustaincert.zohodesk.com/portal/en/kb/articles/guideline-for-expedited-service-of-certification-reviews

Please share an example of supporting evidence required to demonstrate OFN.

It could be any data or calculations or contracts/POs etc not limited
• Information highlighting the key categories and amounts or relative proportions (%) of project income and outgoings, including the relative proportion of certification-related cost and revenue.
• Description of how the GS finance contributes to or is being used to sustain or enhance the project.
• Where no revenue is realized from certification during a given period this would be considered a FAR for the next Issuance.

Should the OFN be supported by the VERs?

Yes, the PD shall demonstrate how VER income actually supports the viability of the project. Please refer to the GS Validation and Verification Standard and GS P&R v1.2 to refer to https://globalgoals.goldstandard.org/113-par-validation-and-verification-standard/

What would be the consequence when a developer, say, fails to prove OFN?

OFN will not be used for formal decision-making to decide whether a project shall renew or not.

When are expert stakeholder comments required? because 1) who will decide apart from the developer when an expert is required (can the VVB?) 2) check the credentials of the expert.

1) PD and their representatives will decide if the expert is required based on the complexity of the safeguarding principle/requirement and in case some expert inputs may be required. Certain Safeguarding Principles mandatorily require the opinion and recommendations of an Expert Stakeholder.

2) PD shall check the credentials taking into account their COI

Where can we find all the methodologies? Please share the link

The following file contains all GS methodologies, as well as all CDM methodologies, with clarification on their eligibility under GS4GG: https://globalgoals.goldstandard.org/427-list-of-eligible-cdm-gs-methodologies/

Will you be revising your methodologies to be compliant with Article 6.4 i.e. submitting the GS methodologies to the SB body for review to use under Art 6.4 once they start this process in 2024?

Yes, GS will be revising methodologies to ensure compliance with Article 6.4. For further information, please contact help@goldstandard.org

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