SustainCERT (SC) will be responsible for the Validation/ Design Review and the Verification /Performance Review. In simple terms, SC will audit and make the Certification decision regarding each Project. 

To support this, each project will be peer reviewed by both SC and Gold Standard (GS) with independent, third-party input from the GS Technical Advisory Committee (GS-TAC) and other experts as required. 

In addition to the above and in the absence of pre-approved methodologies, SC will apply a sample-based validation and verification approach befitting the nature of the pathways. This will involve the creation of targeted audit plans that review a sample of projects and requirements to reduce the overall burden while maintaining the overall rigor of the approach. 

Pilot interventions will be provided with a Design Certificate and/or a Performance Certificate, as appropriate. This is referred to as ‘Pilot Certification’ in recognition of both the efforts of first mover interventions deserving of Gold Standard certification and that the requirements for this pathway are evolving. Further requirement changes are generally intended to be incorporated at Certification Renewal unless urgent, unforeseen matters are required before.