Background
These indicators must be directly relevant to the project context. This selection ensures accuracy, consistency, and credibility in impact assessment and reporting. It also lays down principles for proposing new indicators or modifications to existing indicators for inclusion in the SDG Impact Tool.
A new provision for “Reporting of Co-benefits” has been introduced. Under this provision, the project developers/CME may voluntarily report additional social, environmental, or economic benefits associated with project activities. The update clearly distinguishes co-benefits from certified SDG contributions. It establishes guidance for transparent and credible reporting without affecting the formal SDG monitoring and verification framework.
This change is important as it strengthens the integrity and consistency of SDG impact reporting. At the same time, it allows Project Developers to communicate broader sustainable development initiatives associated with their projects.
Key Highlights
- Introduces voluntary reporting of co-benefits. This pathway is separate from certified SDG contributions.
- Enables PDs to communicate broader sustainable development efforts and community initiatives. It ensures this reporting is structured and transparent.
- Clarifies the boundary between certified SDG impacts and voluntary co-benefits. This division reduces confusion during project documentation and reporting.
- Provides clearer guidance on co-benefits. It outlines how they should be assessed and distinguished from certified SDG contributions.
- Helps ensure consistency and transparency. This avoids double counting in SDG impact claims and supplementary benefit reporting.
Gold Standard invites feedback from stakeholders
Section 7: Feedback is sought only on Section 7 of the following document, which introduces the provision of voluntary co-benefits.