Approval of a new methodology

Steps

Step	Who	What	Time
1	IMD	Submit a synopsis on the template and pay the fee
2	NCCF	Review the synopsis: approve, ask for one revision, or reject	14 working days
3	IMD	Submit the methodology document and pay the fee
4	NCCF	Check completeness and consistency	7 working days
5	Public	Extended stakeholder consultation; the IMD responds to comments	30 days
6	IMD, VVB 1	Appoint the first VVB, which assesses the methodology
7	NCCF	Review the first assessment report	14 working days
8	NCCF, IMD, VVB 2	NCCF appoints a second VVB; the IMD contracts and pays it
9	NCCF	Review the second assessment report	21 working days
10	IMD, both VVBs	Align both reports with the final methodology
11	NCCF	Final review of the approval request	21 working days
12	NCCF	List the methodology with a reference number	5 working days

Review times exclude the time taken by the IMD or VVB to respond.

LCA-based methodologies, introduced in Carbon Standard v1.1, are not assessed by VVBs. See Which methodologies can be used?

Grounds for refusal

Either VVB does not approve; the methodology doesn’t comply with the Carbon Standard or the Validation and Verification Standard; its quality is below NCCF’s benchmarks; or it conflicts with the Registry’s philosophy or integrity.

Fees are not refunded on rejection. Methodology fees are on Methodology fees and compensation.

Withdrawing an approved methodology

The IMD can request withdrawal at any time, with reasons. NCCF reviews it within 14 working days after outstanding dues are cleared.

Sources

• Methodology Approval Procedure v1.0, section 4
• Programme Guide v1.0, section 9