Projects using Gold Standard for the Global Goals will transition to methodologies aligned with the Paris Agreement. Gold Standard is the first major independent standard to take this step, which we view as vital to protecting the long-term interests of our stakeholders and carbon markets more broadly. This continues a process that began in 2021.
Dear all,
I am pleased to share details on how projects using Gold Standard for the Global Goals will transition to methodologies aligned with the Paris Agreement. These methodologies update approaches to additionality, baseline setting, leakage and data quality. We are seeking feedback to ensure that the new tools and guidance for transitioning are clear and comprehensive.
Gold Standard is the first major independent standard to take this step, which we view as vital to protecting the long-term interests of our stakeholders and carbon markets more broadly. This continues a process that began in 2021, when Gold Standard first decided to fully align with the Paris Agreement. Then, in March this year, we announced new requirements that align our methodology development with the agreement. These changes, and the ones we are introducing today, reflect our commitment to ensuring that climate action delivers meaningful impact within a credible, unified global framework for achieving net zero.
This alignment has three aims:
- To maximise market viability and manage risk, by ensuring Gold Standard credits remain eligible and valued across voluntary and compliance-linked markets;
- To reinforce integrity and ambition, ensuring credits credibly contribute to raising global ambition over time under the Paris framework; and
- To keep Gold Standard at the forefront of the market by applying the best available science and evolving best practices, as has always guided our work.
The changes are necessary to maintain the credibility of Gold Standard credits and therefore are mandatory for all projects. It will help to safeguard confidence in our credits while ensuring future projects are positioned to thrive in a Paris-aligned world. While we understand the transition may be challenging, it will preserve the integrity that underpins demand for carbon credits and protect investments in climate action.
We are seeking feedback from stakeholders on the clarity and usability of Gold Standard for the Global Goals Paris Agreement Alignment Documentation: Requirements, Guidance, and FAQs to clarify transition procedures. I therefore encourage you to review these materials and share your comments.
I will be hosting a webinar along with colleagues on 28 October at 13:00 CET to discuss these changes and answer your questions.
In addition, we have launched two further consultations for tools that have been designed to support project developers and help make the alignment process as simple and smooth as possible:
- Downward Adjustment Factor (DAF) Determination Tool: Establishes criteria and default factors for adjusting project baselines to ensure integrity and incentivise higher national ambition (2026–2030).
- Common Practice Analysis Tool: Introduces a robust, standardised framework for assessing common practice, with differentiated thresholds for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to ensure equity.
You can view further information about the alignment process and these consultations here.
I look forward to hearing your feedback and engaging across the market in the coming weeks and months on these important developments.
By aligning with the Paris Agreement, we ensure that every Gold Standard credit continues to create high-integrity climate action that delivers impact for people and nature, while safeguarding confidence and long-term value for our partners.
Yours sincerely
Margaret Kim
CEO, Gold Standard
