Certification process GENERAL
All about Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) projects
This article contains the answers to the most frequently asked questions about Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) projects. Of course, this list is not exclusive, so if you have any other questions which are not answered below - please feel free to get in ...
Our Gold Standard for the Global Goals Process
Our years of experience working with the Gold Standard for the Global Goals certification have allowed us to perfect our process, ensuring the best possible chance of success for your climate project(s). But how exactly does it work? While each ...
Validation and Verification
We’re pleased to hear you’re interested in working together with SustainCERT! This page is here to inform you of how the process works, and how to ensure a successful collaboration as we work together towards the environmental goals of your project. ...
How to verify your carbon emissions project
What is verification? Verifying a carbon emissions project involves a rigorous process to ensure it effectively reduces or removes greenhouse gas emissions. This process is vital for the project's credibility and its eligibility for carbon credits or ...
VVB Examination Process
VVB Examination Process In this section, you will find the pertinent details and procedures for becoming a VVB and how to take the Gold Standard Validation and Verification Body (VVB) Online Exam. Steps Follow the Validation/Verification Body ...
Expedited Service of Certification Reviews
Guideline for Expedited Service of Certification Reviews SustainCERT (SC), serving as the Certification Body for Gold Standard for the Global Goals (GS4GG), extends expedited services for certification reviews to our clients, enabling Project ...
VVB Process Flow (Validation and Verification)
Validation and Verification To begin a validation and/or verification service with SustainCERT, a Validation/verification request must be booked in the SC App. Steps 1. Once the booking is requested, an invoice is generated automatically in the SC ...
How can I add a transition review?
When adding a transition review on the “Add Review” button, you can choose between two types: Transition Review (Previous GS VER to GS4GG) Transition Review (GS CDM to GS VER) When adding a preliminary review that has a transition scheme, a ...
Preliminary Review Submission Process
Preliminary Review Submission Process To submit the correct documentation to start a preliminary review process, there are a series of 9 steps that need to be done prior to initiating. In this section, you will find the detailed steps to take. Steps ...
What are the project documentation requirements for projects submitted for Preliminary Review before 01 January 2021?
All Project Design Documents (PDDs) or PoA Design Documents (PoA-DDs, CPA/VPA-DDs), where the time of first submission (for Preliminary Review) is before 01 January 2021 shall apply the IPCC AR5 GWP values to PDDs/PoA-DDs and CPA/VPA-DDs, as ...
Is a stakeholder consultation required for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) incineration projects?
Yes. The Project Developer shall ensure meaningful, effective and informed participation from stakeholder groups such as local communities who are living in the nearby area and may be impacted adversely or positively from the project. The Project ...
What information is required when applying for hydropower project certification that exceeds the capacity threshold?
The Project Developer shall provide the following additional information as part of the documentation to be reviewed: A Stakeholder Consultation Report, in accordance with the relevant Stakeholder Consultation and Engagement Requirements. For project ...
What is the role of the independent expert for retroactive hydropower projects?
For retroactive projects, a Detailed Preliminary Review (Pathway 2 as per Principles and Requirements) shall be conducted. Independent expert(s) shall be contracted on time to deliver (as part of the documentation submitted for preliminary review) ...
Do hydropower project activities require independent expert input?
Unless already addressed satisfactorily as part of an existing Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), the opinion of an independent, relevant expert(s) shall be provided at a minimum to address all of the following issues: Are there any ...
What are examples of Type III project activities?
Examples of technologies and measures qualifying as Type III “other project activities” include: Solid waste composting Water purification technologies including water filters, solar energy powered ultraviolet (UV) disinfection devices, solar ...
What stages of the project are eligible for an extension?
Where project submission timelines are affected by COVID-19, the project developer may seek an extension by submitting a request to Gold Standard. It includes but is not limited to the following key submission stages: Submission of the project ...
What happens if the stakeholder consultation cannot be conducted?
The Project developer may apply the following interim measures in cases where physical stakeholder consultation meetings cannot reasonably be conducted by projects due to COVID-19, and the projects are submitted for preliminary review before the end ...
Can the project be submitted for Preliminary Review without conducting a physical meeting and stakeholder feedback round?
Yes. The project developer may submit the project/Component Project Activity (CPA)/Voluntary Project Activity (VPA) for Preliminary Review without conducting the physical meeting and stakeholder feedback round. The project developer shall submit the ...
What are the municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration project monitoring requirements?
The Project Developer shall report compliance status with regards to regulatory requirements within six (6) months of operational start date, where applicable, and annually after the first six (6) months. The Project Developer shall include the ...
Do municipal solid waste (MSW) incineration projects need to hold a Stakeholder Consultation?
Yes. The Project Developer shall ensure meaningful, effective and informed participation from stakeholder groups such as local communities who are living in a nearby area and may be impacted adversely or positively from project. The Project Developer ...
What is the project monitoring and verification process?
With a successful Preliminary Review, the Project will obtain ‘Listed’ status in the Gold Standard Registry. This means that the Key Project Information, draft Project Design Documentation, and supporting documentation are made publicly available, ...
How can I calculate my carbon footprint prior to implementing a project?
SustainCert does not calculate your carbon footprint prior to implementing a project, as our scope of work starts only after you have submitted the project to us for review, which is duly verified by a Gold Standard Validation and Verification Body ...
What documents must be submitted for Preliminary Review?
The following documents must be submitted: Preliminary Review Required Documents Local Stakeholder Consultation Report Preliminary Review Form Design Review Required Documents Gold Standard Project Document Emission Reduction Calculation Excel File ...
For retroactive projects, does a stakeholder consultation need to be conducted before a project can be listed with the Gold Standard?
Not necessarily. A stakeholder consultation may be deemed to be necessary as a result of the Preliminary Review. Note that the project submission must be within 1 year of the project start date for the project to be eligible for retroactive ...
Where should we send Preliminary Review documentation?
Create a project page on the Sustain Cert App. Upload complete documentation and book Preliminary Review. An invoice will be sent to you and your booking will be confirmed.
In what language must documents be submitted?
As of right now, all submitted documents must be in English. Some documents, for example Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) reports or expert opinions, can be in local languages but must also have an English translation.
What does the process of Certification look like?
The detailed description of the certification process, including the various steps and the documentation required at each step, can be found here. The basic steps of the certification process are as follows: Plan project and hold Stakeholder ...
What is the submission deadline for a retroactive project?
A retroactive project is one that has started operating before a Gold Standard stakeholder consultation has taken place. ll VER projects must submit project documentation for Preliminary Review within 1 year of the project start date - failure to ...
Sustainable Development Goal Projects
Sustainable Development Goal Projects The SustainCERT App has been designed to function for GS4GG projects, which require a minimum of 3 SDG contributions to be monitored, therefore requires 3 SDGs values to be inputted as a default. If your project ...