Methodology FAQs
Developing Methodologies
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New VCS methodologies must provide a complete method for demonstrating and assessing additionality, based on VCS additionality requirements. A methodology can either reference and explicitly require the use of the CDM Tool for the Assessment and Demonstration of Additionality. Or it can develop its own approaches and tools for demonstrating and assessing additionality. VCS additionality requirements set out three types of additionality tests (project test, performance test and technology test). These additionality requirements do not constitute a complete additionality tool.
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Deviations. Based on the specific conditions and circumstances of a project, projects may be permitted to deviate from a methodology's criteria and procedures for measurement or monitoring. Methodology deviations are documented and justified in the project description and validated during the project validation process. The only deviations permitted are deviations from measurement or monitoring criteria and procedures.
Revisions. A methodology revision is a permanent change to the methodology itself due to an advance in knowledge about the conditions, circumstances or nature of projects generally. All revisions must be assessed through the methodology approval process, and all projects must adhere to the revised version of a methodology after a revision takes place. All changes to a methodology, except for deviations from measuring and monitoring criteria and procedures, will require a formal methodology revision.
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Project proponents may develop new methodologies and submit them to the VCS Methodology Approval Process. Under this process, two approved validation/verificaiton bodies (VVBs) independently assess the methodology and, if both give a positive assessment, the methodology can be approved by the VCS Association. VCS itself does not develop or assess new methodologies. Read more about how to Develop a Methodology
Finding and Using Methodologies
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No. When using CDM small-scale methodologies to develop projects under VCS, the set thresholds must be met and complied with. This is true regardless of whether the threshold is set within the methodology itself or in the CDM rules.
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Projects may use methodologies approved under the VCS Methodology Approval Process, or projects methodologies approved under VCS-approved GHG programs such as the UN Clean Development Mechanism or the Climate Action Reserve. The approved list of methodologies is available on the Find a Methodology page.
