Powering Universal Lighting via Solar Energy (PULSE) 

This methodology replaces the legacy AMS-III.AR approach, ensuring that off-grid solar lighting activities meet genuine Tier 1 energy access required to meet basic human need for study, work and safety and aligned with the GS4GG Paris Agreement Alignment (PAA) requirements. It introduces rigorous safeguards, digital monitoring protocols, and conservative baseline caps to ensure the highest level of environmental integrity while supporting universal energy access (SDG 7). 

Key Methodological Innovations 

• Bounded Suppressed Demand (Tier 1 requirement): To claim suppressed demand credits, devices must meet the World Bank Multi-Tier Framework (MTF) Tier 1 threshold (1,000 lumen-hours/day). A Service Level Ratio Cap (SLRcap) of 5.0 is applied to prevent mathematically unbounded crediting, reflecting the realistic "energy burden" ceiling of low-income households. 
• Mandatory Embodied Emissions Accounting: The methodology requires the deduction of cradle-to-gate embodied emissions associated with the manufacturing of the activity hardware (specifically batteries and PV modules). 
• Digital MRV & 100% Census: Activity devices must be tracked via a Unique Identifier (UID) on the device and managed in a centralized database. The methodology eliminates the use of sampling to determine the total population size (Ndist), requiring a 100% Census for asset tracking. 
• Environmental Safeguards: the methodology prohibits toxic chemistries (e.g., Nickel-Cadmium) and mandates a Waste Management Plan (WMP). Crediting renewal is contingent upon a retrospective audit of the WMP’s implementation. 
• Grid Transition Protocol: Activities must undergo annual grid-extension checks. If an activity area achieves Reliable Grid status (Tier 3+), the baseline is automatically switched to the national Grid Emission Factor. 

Gold Standard welcomes feedback until 22 May 2026.

Specific questions from Gold Standard to stakeholders include: 

1. Is the proposed 10% threshold appropriate for determining when deviations in baseline profile require a mandatory baseline reassessment? 
2. Is the proposed Service Level Ratio Cap (SLRcap) of 5.0 appropriate to conservatively bound suppressed demand while still reflecting realistic household lighting needs? 
3. Is mandatory 100% UID-based census tracking workable across all eligible activity setups, eg cash-sale, non-connected, and third-party distribution models, or should limited alternative approaches be considered in specific cases? 
4. Is the annual reassessment of grid status and household-level baseline switching practical in large, dispersed activity areas?.