Standardized Methods for Baselines and Additionality
New VCS requirements for developing standardized methods are now available!
A standardized method is any tool or method that streamlines the process of establishing baselines and additionality. These methods are not new, but the new requirements set out clear rules that should facilitate their uptake and wider use.
See the Standardized Methods Fact Sheet
See the Guidance document for developing standardized methods
See the final standardized methods requirements
What are standardized methods?
Standardized methods set out pre-defined criteria for baselines and additionality, so that individual projects can reference the pre-defined criteria and automatically qualify as additional.
VCS requirements set out two types of methods. Performance methods establish a performance benchmark metric, and project activities are considered additional if they exceed the benchmark and meet other qualifying criteria. The performance benchmark can also serve as the crediting baseline.
Activity methods use a positive list of specific activities that automatically pre-qualify for crediting. The positive list can include classes of project activities which have low levels of adoption in the marketplace, which are not the least-cost option, or which have no revenue streams other than carbon finance.
See the Standardized Methods Fact Sheet
Why do standardized methods matter?
Standardized methods can make project development more efficient and cost-effective by eliminating the need to establish baselines and additionality project by project. This in turn allows for significant scaling up of emission reductions.
Standardized methods may also be among the most objective ways to assess additionality. Today’s most familiar additionality test – the financial test – relies on financial variables unrelated to performance and can thus be somewhat subjective. The objectivity of standardized methods provides more certainty for project proponents and investors.
Because standardized methods are objective and scalable, they offer a way to reduce emissions across entire economic sectors. These methods may offer the best approach for countries developing Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Action plans under the UNFCCC, and they could prove critical to curbing emissions at a global scale.
How were the VCS requirements developed?
VCS requirements for standardized methods were developed over the course of 2011 by VCS and a steering committee of global experts. The committee brought together sector and technical experts, CDM Meth Panel experts, and auditors and NGO experts. Their work was then subjected to peer review and public consultation.
VCS thanks the steering committee experts and peer reviewers who participated in developing the requirements.
Development timeline
- December 2010: Initiative launched
- January 2011: Expert steering committee convened; working groups draft requirements
- August 2011: Peer reviewers provide feedback and comments on draft requirements
- September 2011: Revised draft requirements released for public comment
- November 2011: Public comments addressed, requirements prepared for Board approval
- February 2012: Final requirements released for use
