The path to VER certification

Step 1: The project idea

The concept of a carbon offset project is outlined using the "Project Idea Note" (PIN) document. The PIN contains key information about the project and a rough estimate of the emission reduction. myclimate checks the compatibility of the project with the CDM criteria and decides whether the project is to be implemented as a CER or as a myclimate VER project. 

Step 2: The Project Design Document (PDD)

The PDD contains a range of information about the project, including the volume of emission reductions expected over a specific time period (7 or 10 years), the methodology used and the monitoring plan that allows emission reductions during project duration to be quantified. Emission reductions are compared to a reference scenario and calculated accordingly. This hypothetical reference scenario ("baseline") describes how emissions would have developed if the project had not been completed and in most cases reflects the conventional or economically most profitable technologies in the respective country. myclimate writes the PDD or helps with the writing because  project partners are often unfamiliar with the procedures. 

Step 3: Validation

The PDD needs to be checked by an independent institution (Designated Operational Entity, DOE), in other words, it needs to be validated. During this process, the methods for comparison with a reference, the calculation of emission reductions, additionality and the monitoring plan are assessed. The validation of Swiss projects is undertaken by the same authorities or alternatively by equivalent, recognised agencies. 

Step 4: Monitoring 

Following the commissioning of the project, the monitoring phase begins. According to the monitoring plan described in the PDD, the required parameters are now monitored, so that the emission reductions can be calculated and quantified. The procedure and results are documented in a monitoring report. 

Step 5: Verification

Just as the PDD was validated, the monitoring reports also need to be checked by an independent organisation. This process is called "verification" and is generally done annually by the same institution that completed the validation. Verification assesses the completeness and correctness of the monitoring report. 

Step 6: VER registration in the myclimate register

If the monitoring reports have been verified without objections, myclimate adds an entry to the VER register for every reduced tonne of CO2. The register allows reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to be accounted for and ensures that VER are struck off the register when offset payments are made and are not used multiple times. In addition, Gold Standard VER are recorded in Gold Standard accounts.