Environmental Markets - FAQ

Which auditors are eligible to assess Gold Standard for Global Goals projects?
A list of approved validation and verification bodies (VVBs) by scope is published here.
Fri, 13 Mar, 2020 at 1:41 PM
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 wi...
Tue, 17 Mar, 2020 at 2:14 PM
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, c...
Tue, 17 Mar, 2020 at 2:15 PM
What types of projects are eligible for GS certification?
Projects must meet the Gold Standard’s Principles and Requirements. To see a list of Gold Standard-certified projects, please refer to the Impact Registry. ...
Tue, 17 Mar, 2020 at 2:19 PM
What are Validation and Verification Body (VVB) fees?
VVBs pay an application review fee (valid for 36 months), a renewal fee every 36 months, an annual accreditation fee (for up to 5 auditors), plus additional...
Tue, 17 Mar, 2020 at 2:19 PM
How long does a Preliminary Review take?
Depending on the project type, scale, etc., there could be either a) completeness check or b) detailed preliminary review, both of which take 4 weeks. Pleas...
Tue, 17 Mar, 2020 at 2:20 PM
I have received feedback from Gold Standard after the Project Review. What do I do now?
Please contact your Validation and Verification Body (VVB) and submit your responses and the revised documentation in track change mode on the SustainCert a...
Tue, 17 Mar, 2020 at 2:21 PM
Can the same Validation and Verification Body (VVB) perform validation and verification of multiple aspects of a given Programme of Activity (PoA)?
Yes. This rule update introduces new requirements for VVBs to comply in case they perform validation and verification for the same Programmes of Activity (P...
Wed, 29 Apr, 2020 at 12:44 PM
What happens if the Validation and Verification Body (VVB) or Project Developer is found to have committed malfeasance or fraud?
If it is found at any stage of the Programme of Activity (PoA) that a VVB and/or project developer has engaged in malfeasance or fraud, Gold Standard retain...
Wed, 29 Apr, 2020 at 12:46 PM
The project has a combined Design Certification of first verification and performance review. Does the Validation and Verification Body have to supply two different audit teams?
No. The requirement to have different audit teams does not apply to combined Design Certification with first verification and performance review for a given...
Wed, 29 Apr, 2020 at 12:47 PM