Methodologies

Which methodologies projects can use, and how new methodologies, pre-approved methodologies and revisions are approved.

Last reviewed 23 October 2026

Every project must apply a methodology approved by the Registry. These articles are for project proponents choosing a methodology and for Independent Methodology Developers (IMDs) seeking approval.

Which methodologies can be used?

Projects can use methodologies approved and listed by CR-I, and methodologies and tools approved under the UN Clean Development Mechanism, within the scope of the Carbon Standard.

Approval of a new methodology

A new methodology goes from synopsis to full document, 30 days of public consultation, assessment by two independent VVBs and a final NCCF review before it is listed.

Pre-approved methodology route

A methodology already approved by another international, national or regional carbon programme can be listed without a synopsis or VVB assessment, after NCCF review and 30 days of public consultation.

Revising a methodology

Listed methodologies and tools are revised through a revision document, 30 days of consultation, one VVB assessment and NCCF approval. Major changes raise the version number; minor and editorial changes add a decimal.

Methodology fees and compensation

Methodology developers pay fees to submit, approve and revise methodologies, and receive Methodology Compensation for every MCU issued to projects that use their approved methodology.

Methodology assessment by VVBs

Every new methodology or tool is assessed independently by two different VVBs. The second VVB also reviews the first VVB’s report. VVBs need extra experience to assess methodologies.