SustainCERT supports Gold Standard projects with Paris Agreement–aligned methodology transition

Gold Standard is aligning its requirements and methodologies with the Paris Agreement. The updated framework mandates that credits with a vintage of 1 January 2026 and onwards must be quantified using Paris Agreement-aligned methodologies, triggering design changes to existing projects.

As a Gold Standard–approved Validation & Verification Body (VVB), SustainCERT can support project developers with the mandatory “PA-Aligned Design Changes”, assessing all changes required by the new methodologies.

What is the Paris Agreement Aligned Design Change?

Gold Standard has announced that its requirements and methodologies are to be aligned with the Paris Agreement. This means delivering:

• Alignment with net zero: Methodologies consistent with 1.5°C trajectories and decarbonization technologies
• Increased ambition: Implementing regulatory additionality and a mechanism to ratchet up ambition over time
• Robust quantification: More comprehensive impact monitoring and rigorous accounting standards
• Transition support: Underpinned by user-friendly tools and guidance to support developers through the process

Aligning Gold Standard methodologies

The transition to a Paris Agreement-aligned methodology introduces changes to how emission reductions and removals are quantified and verified.

For existing Gold Standard projects, this can include adjustments to:

• Additionality
• Baseline setting
• Leakage
• Data quality and uncertainty

Gold Standard has published requirements and supporting guidance for aligning Gold Standard activities to methodologies aligned with the Paris Agreement. These can be accessed here.

Timeline

Gold Standard is currently in the process of reviewing and updating all its methodologies to align with these requirements. When ready, each updated methodology will be posted for a public consultation before final approval. The proposed schedule for methodology review and alignment is available online. Methodologies that are applied most often or have the most impact have been prioritized.

SustainCERT auditors are prioritizing the completion of the VVB training modules provided by Gold Standard as the courses become available.