Frequently Asked Questions

The Global Carbon Council (GCC) is a pioneering international initiative focused on carbon credit certification and promotion of sustainable development efforts.

GCC is headquartered in Qatar but accepts submissions of projects from all over the world. Currently, projects from more than 45 countries, primarily located in the Global South, have been submitted to GCC.

The Global Carbon Council, originally known as the Global Carbon Trust, was established in 2016 by the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD).

GCC’s primary objective is to contribute to a more sustainable and low-carbon future by registering diverse greenhouse gas emission reduction/removal projects worldwide that have demonstrated additionality and ensure sustainable development practices, and issuing results-based carbon credits to them.

Carbon credits certified by the GCC Program result from climate activities that are additional and subject to rigorous monitoring and verification procedures that ensure their environmental integrity. These credits are trusted by many buyers globally.

The GCC Program is designed to add to a more sustainable and low-carbon future by registering projects worldwide that have demonstrated their additionality and are dedicated to sustainable development. Here is a breakdown of our process:

• Contributing to Sustainability: The GCC Program plays a pivotal role in fostering sustainability. We achieve this by issuing carbon credits to a diverse array of projects across the globe, all of which have demonstrated their additionality and actively contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Verification and Registration: To make this happen, we rigorously verify projects to ensure that they align with our mission, with a specific emphasis on projects in the Global South. These projects undergo meticulous assessment to ensure they meet stringent criteria for additionality and environmental integrity.
• Certification of Outputs: Once projects are verified and registered, we proceed to certify their outputs. This certification includes testing that projects are implemented in line with their registered documentation and apply rigorous monitoring procedures to measure greenhouse gas emissions reduction/removal, and provide input to sustainable development. It also forms the foundation for the issuance of valuable carbon credits.
• Carbon Credits for the Carbon Market: The carbon credits issued through our program result from climate actions of proven additionality and environmental integrity hence they hold significant value within the carbon market. Governments and companies can utilize these credits to enhance their climate ambitions, meeting and exceeding their environmental targets.
• Commitment to Quality: Our program exclusively accepts high-quality projects that demonstrate additionality in reducing or removing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. We ensure that these projects not only contribute to climate goals but also operate without causing any net negative impacts on the environment or society.
• Alignment with SDGs: Projects embraced by the GCC Program go beyond emissions reduction. They are awarded for their alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), highlighting their holistic approach to making a positive impact.

By adhering to this comprehensive approach, the GCC Program enables directing vital funding into projects that play a pivotal role in reducing emissions and contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Carbon credits are valuable environmental assets granted by real GHG emission reduction/removal action on the ground and certified by certifiers, such as GCC. These credits are awarded to projects that demonstrate additionality in reduction/removal of GHG emissions. GCC issues Approved Carbon Credits (ACCs), with each ACC representing the reduction/removal of one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq). This unit ensures uniform assessment of climate impact across all activities aimed at various GHGs. Carbon dioxide equivalent is an internationally agreed unit allowing for standardization of climate impact of all GHGs.

GCC is run by recognized international climate experts, who harness extensive knowledge and expertise acquired through frontline engagement in global activities to mitigate climate change. Our team includes experienced former staff of entities renowned for pioneering contributions to carbon market establishment, climate mitigation, policy, and finance, e.g., the UNFCCC secretariat, Asian Development Bank, and DNV.

Here is an overview of our core aspects:

• Fusion of Expertise: We amalgamate regional insights with global best practices, to develop robust standards and methodologies which contribute to the credibility and integrity of the global carbon market.
• Stringent Verification: We require independent third-party verification for all projects. Verifiers assess submissions for project registration and verify monitoring reports, pivotal for the issuance of Approved Carbon Credits (ACCs).
• Comprehensive Oversight: Our technical team conducts thorough completeness checks of project submissions, oversees verifier performance, and drafts preliminary recommendations for consideration by the GCC governance bodies.
• Unbiased Governance: Our governance framework guarantees impartial and neutral decision-making processes, void of conflicts of interest when assessing methodologies, projects, and issuing carbon credits. The framework includes three independent bodies: Advisory Board, Steering Committee and Regulatory Committee, which carry out the following activities:
• Strategic Guidance: Advisory Board provides strategic direction to vision, work program and ambition of GCC, as well as its governance structure and modalities and procedures.
• Objective Approval: Steering Committee uses GCC’s recommendations, coupled with verifier reports, to finalize decisions on project registration or carbon credit issuance.
• Regulatory Excellence: Regulatory Committee, in tandem with public inputs, authorizes methodologies, methodological tools, and other regulatory documents, ensuring their seamless integration into the GCC Program.

GCC stands as a respected global partner, earning numerous international accreditations and acknowledgments for our exceptional program quality, elevated standards, and pioneering leadership. Notably, our Approved Carbon Credits (ACCs) hold eligibility for Singapore’s Carbon Crediting Programme, the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), and the International Carbon Reduction and Offsetting Alliance (ICROA). These accolades our commitment to excellence.

The Global Carbon Council Program follows the best international practices in all aspects of its activities. It includes the highest standards of environmental integrity in registering projects and the issuance of carbon credits as outlined below.

• Eligibility of projects
  Projects to be eligible for registration under the GCC Program should prove that they are able to:
  • Achieve GHG emission reductions (mandatory requirement);
  • Contribute to achievement of the UN SDGs (SDG+ label, if selected);
  • Do-no-net-harm to environment (E+ label, if selected);
  • Do-no-net-harm to Society (S+ label, if selected); and
  • Obtain Host Country Attestation on Double Counting (mandatory requirement for projects that intend to deliver ACCs for CORSIA purposes).

  Projects that started operations before 1 January 2016 or projects dealing with HFC-23 abatement are not eligible for registration under the GCC Program.

• Additionality demonstration
  The GCC requires:
  • Legal Requirement Test to prove that the project activity is not required by any applicable law; and
  • Additionality Test to prove that the project would not have occurred in the absence of the carbon market incentives.
• Stringent procedures for monitoring, verification, and carbon credit issuance
  • Monitoring of the project follows all requirements contained in the registered Project Submission Document;
  • Verification of project monitoring reports is performed by independent third-party verifiers;
  • Credit issuance is subject to six-step quality confirmation process; and
  • An independent Steering Committee undertakes the final decision whether to issue carbon credits.

The above listed criteria and procedures ensure  high quality of GCC carbon credits which is further confirmed by their eligibility for several national and international carbon tax, reduction, and offsetting schemes, including Singapore’s Carbon Crediting Programme, the United Nation’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)scheme and the International Carbon Reduction and Offsetting Alliance (ICROA). For example, for ICROA eligible crediting, GCC only registers projects that have net positive or neutral impact on social, economic, and environmental aspects.
All carbon credits issued by us are unique, permanent, independently verified, and measurable. Our process includes a thorough evaluation of each project’s sustainability impact, as well as its contribution to UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

At the Global Carbon Council, the assessment of demonstration of additionality by any project submitted for registration is a rigorous process, embodying our commitment to genuine environmental impact. Our in-depth assessment involves rigorous examinations as outlined below:

• Legal Test: Every project submitted undergoes a series of assessments, commencing with thorough legal scrutiny. Our specialists rigorously analyze current legislation to verify that the project’s implementation is not compelled by existing laws. This diligent process ensures that only projects that genuinely surpass legal requirements are eligible for registration.
• Employment of Robust Methodological Tools: To ensure objectivity in demonstrating additionality, GCC requires employment of stringent methodological tools approved under the CDM. These encompass investment analyses and barrier assessments, enabling objective evaluation of each project. Crucially, the project must illustrate that carbon crediting is pivotal for its financial and operational viability.
• Demonstrating Emission Reductions: Our additionality test delve further, necessitating the project to substantiate that its greenhouse gas emissions are demonstrably lower than they would be in the absence of the project.
• Commitment to Transparency: At the GCC, our commitment to transparency and integrity is unwavering, as we require all data used for additionality demonstration to be available to verifiers and our experts. However, data marked as confidential are considered under the oath of confidentiality while all other data are made publicly available on our website.

For more details see our Project Standard.

Project Supporters are entities that are officially registered in accordance with the laws of their respective countries. They extend financial backing to projects focused on reducing or removing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The potential to receive financial support is contingent upon the agreement forged with Project Legal Owners without any involvement of the GCC.

Project Supporters encompass a variety of entities. They include end-users of Approved Carbon Credits (ACCs) and intermediaries like carbon-credit traders. Moreover, international stakeholders with an interest in sustainable initiatives, such as philanthropic organizations, sovereign wealth funds, and both profit-oriented and non-profit financial institutions, can also participate as Project Supporters.

Project Supporters from the Global South have the unique ability to invest in projects situated within their own region and elsewhere if they wish. Local investment contributes to the establishment of a local economy that is centered around low-carbon practices, thus fostering environmentally conscious growth and emission reductions.

Project Supporters can assert the carbon neutrality of their organizations or events by retiring the GCC ACCs that they have acquired. This act demonstrates their dedication to offsetting their carbon footprint and actively supporting environmentally friendly ventures.

Project Supporters play a vital role by offering financial support to projects aimed at reducing or removal of GHG emissions. Their contributions are integral to the successful execution of projects that positively impact carbon emissions, thereby playing a crucial role in the global pursuit of environmental sustainability.

The Project Owner is an organization that is officially registered and holds ownership of one or more greenhouse gas (GHG) projects. Alternatively, it may be authorized by another entity known as the Project Legal Owner to oversee and take overall responsibility for the GHG project activities. This authorization is formalized through a Letter of Authorization or Nomination.

The Project Owner’s role in Project Registration involves submitting the Project Submission Form to the GCC Program for the purpose of registration. The Project Owner is responsible for ensuring that the complete cycle of project submission, verification, and assessment is diligently followed, beginning from the initial submission, and concluding with the request for project registration.

In the ACCs Issuance process, the Project Owner has the task of implementation of the GHG project and ensuring that all monitoring activities adhere to the guidelines established in the registered Project Submission Document. The Project Owner prepares the monitoring report and submits it for verification by a GCC registered verifier. Subsequently, the Project Owner finalizes the process by submitting a formal request for the issuance of ACCs to the GCC.

The GCC Program may play a pivotal role in supporting countries to fulfill their NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) targets through various mechanisms:

• What is the primary role of the GCC Program in this context?
  The GCC Program focuses on assisting countries in implementing Article 6.2 on an individual country level. Its primary function involves certifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction and removal activities.
• How can certified GHG emission reduction/removal units be utilized?
  GHG emission reduction and removal units that are certified by the GCC can be employed in international cooperative approaches that involve the exchange of Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs).
• In what additional way can GCC support governments?
  GCC can further extend its support to governments by certifying the outputs of national GHG reduction projects for domestic purposes, e.g, within national emission trading scheme. The certified GHG emission reductions can be utilized as a means to work towards achieving the country’s NDC targets or be sold abroad as ITMOs.

A greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory is a list of emissions by sources and removals by sinks, quantified using standardized methods.

The GCC Program furthers the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by recognizing projects that extend beyond climate action, encompassing social, environmental, and economic benefits. Our specialized labels not only commend holistic efforts but also amplify carbon credits’ market value, igniting heightened demand. This synergy between sustainability and market dynamics exemplifies our commitment to a more comprehensive, impactful, and interconnected global progress.

For detailed insights into GCC projects within your country, we invite you to explore the GCC project registry. This comprehensive resource provides information on all GCC registered projects, including their locations. Delve into our project registry to discover the impactful initiatives shaping sustainability within your region, aligning with our commitment to transparently showcasing global carbon mitigation endeavors.

The GCC Program does not directly consider concepts like Program of Activities (POA). However, we do welcome bundled projects that encompass multiple activities, whether homogenous or heterogenous. This approach allows for a comprehensive and synergistic approach to project implementation. For more comprehensive information, discover more in Section 4 of Clarification No. 1, highlighting our commitment to innovative project structures for impactful environmental change.

Absolutely. The GCC Program embraces a global perspective, welcoming projects from diverse nations, both developed and developing. With a presence in over 45 countries, primarily across the Global South, our international reach is robust. This inclusivity is endorsed by buyers from over 20 countries who place their trust in our program. We are dedicated to fostering a united effort in carbon mitigation that transcends geographical boundaries and economic classifications.

To be eligible for registration under the GCC Program, projects must fulfill the following key criteria:

• Comply with the eligibility requirements of one of the project types allowed under the GCC;
• Have started operations, and begun generating emission reductions, after 1 January 2016;
• Comply with the GCC Rules related to:
  • GHG emission reductions (mandatory requirement);
  • Contributions to the UN SDGs (SDG+ label) (voluntary requirement for selection, but mandatory if selected);
  • Do-no-net-harm Environmental requirements (E+ label) (voluntary requirement for selection, but mandatory if selected);
  • Do-no-net-harm requirements for Society (S+ label) (voluntary requirement for selection, but mandatory of selected); and
  • Submission of Host Country Attestation on Double Counting as and when required by CORSIA (mandatory requirement for projects that intend to use ACCs for CORSIA).

More detailed information is available in section 5 of the Project Standard.

The application of GCC-approved methodologies is independent of a project’s size or capacity. Our methodologies are applicable to a diverse range of projects. However, it’s important to note that methodologies endorsed by the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) – which are eligible under GCC – do account for projects according to the scale.

While GCC approved methodologies do not inherently impose capacity limits, if implementing CDM methodologies under GCC rules, the scale limitations stipulated in the CDM methodologies will be upheld. This ensures a consistent and effective approach, allowing projects of various scales to adhere to established standards.

The GCC Program is dedicated to accommodating projects of all capacities, fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment for sustainable development.

Absolutely not. The GCC Program adopts an inclusive approach, welcoming facilities of all capacities into its fold. Our eligibility criteria do not impose any restrictions based on facility size. We are committed to facilitating sustainability across the spectrum, fostering a diverse range of projects to collectively contribute towards a more environmentally responsible future.

The eligibility of a project in relation to ODA-related sources of funding is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. In certain instances, receiving funding from ODA-related sources could potentially impact the project’s additionality.

At the GCC Program, the determination of a project’s additionality is contingent on the specific attributes and data associated with that project. It’s important to note that only projects capable of demonstrating their additionality are deemed eligible for inclusion within the GCC Program.

Our commitment to transparency and rigor ensures that each project is meticulously evaluated based on its individual merits, fostering a robust and meaningful portfolio of environmentally impactful initiatives.

If your project was previously registered with programs such as CDM or other GHG initiatives and commenced operations after 1st January 2016, it may be eligible for registration under the GCC Program.

For eligibility, your project must meet these conditions:

• The project should have been deregistered from the aforementioned programs.
• Alternatively, the project should have declared its intention not to request credit issuance or renewal of the crediting period within those programs after being submitted to the GCC Program.

By fulfilling these requirements, your project can smoothly transition to the GCC Program, aligning with our commitment to fostering a diverse portfolio of impactful environmental initiatives.

For projects that were not submitted for registration within one year of the initiation of the Global Stakeholder Consultation (GSC), a specific procedure must be followed. Such projects are required to undergo the Global Stakeholder Consultation process once again. This ensures that all projects adhere to the established timelines and procedures, maintaining the transparency and effectiveness of our registration process. Your dedication to this procedure contributes to the credibility and robustness of the GCC Program.

Certainly. Projects with boundaries spanning two or more different host countries are subject to a case-by-case assessment. This approach is necessitated by potential variations in baseline, additionality, and host country authorization requirements across these countries. The uniqueness of each situation demands careful consideration to ensure that the project aligns with the standards and regulations of each involved host country. Our commitment to thorough evaluation ensures that projects with multi-country boundaries are approached with precision, upholding the integrity and efficacy of the GCC Program.

No, the transfer of a project to the GCC Program requires the project to undergo deregistration from the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) or any other similar program. A project cannot be simultaneously registered under both programs. This adherence to deregistration is integral to maintaining clear delineation between programs and ensuring the streamlined implementation and oversight of projects within the GCC Program.

To claim credits under the GCC Program for a project that has been approved by a different program but has not undergone verification, a specific procedure must be followed.

The project must first be de-registered from the prior program. Subsequently, before submission to the GCC, you are required to provide evidence confirming that no verification process took place for the project under the previous program. This rigorous process ensures that the verification status of the project is transparent and accurate before pursuing credits under the GCC Program.

Absolutely, you can utilize CDM methodologies for projects intended for submission to the GCC.

If no existing methodology is applicable for your project, you should contact GCC Operations Team because GCC methodologies are developed by the team. However, the methodology proponent may provide input as an expert. Please refer to section 4 of the GCC Program Processes.

What if there’s no suitable existing methodology for my project at GCC? Can I create a new one? How does methodology approval work?

Should your project lack a fitting methodology, reach out to the GCC Operations Team at communication@globalcarboncouncil.com. While they develop GCC methodologies, proponents can contribute expertise. Check section 4 of the GCC Program Processes for methodology approval details.

To stay updated, regularly visit our website. For methodology versions, visit the list of our baseline-monitoring-methodologies. For clarifications, visit resource center.

Project owners can employ relevant GCC or CDM methodologies. In addition to GCC-developed ones, all CDM methodologies are accepted in the GCC program.

To register for the GCC Program, Project Owners should visit www.projects.globalcarboncouncil.com. Submit a signed ‘Letter of Nomination’ or ‘Letter of Authorization’ with KYC (Know Your Client) details. The GCC Operations Team will review the submitted documents, establish an account, and notify the owner/representative. Refer to Section 3.1.1 of the GCC Program Processes for comprehensive details.

Yes, you can set up a public user account on our project portal.

A single round of completeness check for the Project Submission Form before Global Stakeholder Consultation (GSC) requires 5 days. Similarly, a completeness check for the Request for Registration document takes 5 days as well. Refer to Figure 1 in the GCC Program Processes for further information.

The project registration process takes a minimum of 51 days and includes the following steps:

• Account setup on GCC Project Portal.
• Completeness check of Project Submission Form (PSF) for Greenhouse Gas and Sustainable Criteria (GSC), requiring a minimum of 5 days.
• GCC (Greenhouse Gas and Sustainable Criteria) review, which takes 15 days.
• Completeness check of Request for Registration (RfR) for registration, taking a minimum of 5 days.
• Draft recommendation preparation by GCC Operations Team, taking 10 days.
• Review of RfR by the Steering Committee, taking 10 days.
• Public presentation of Steering Committee decision and project documents, taking 3 days.
• Registration of the project on the S&P Registry Website, requiring 3 days.

For detailed information, please refer to Figure 1 of the GCC Program Processes.

Project owners can track project status through their GCC portal accounts.

Absolutely, you’re welcome to apply for non-CORSIA credits.

Kindly reach out to the GCC Operations Team operations@globalcarboncouncil.com with your request. The GCC Operations Team will assist in reopening the GCC portal for the submission of correct documents.

To proceed with project deregistration, send your request to the GCC Operations Team operations@globalcarboncouncil.com. Additionally, GCC is in the process of developing a digital portal procedure for this purpose.

Approved carbon credits are marketed through the GCC Carbon Registry managed by S&P Global and various exchanges.

No, the GCC, as a regulatory body, is not engaged in credit pricing.

Verifiers conduct on-site and off-site assessments of GHG emission reduction projects, review submission documents, monitoring reports, and other evidence, and develop and submit verification reports. The complete list of GCC verifiers is here.

The verification process involves collaboration between the GCC verifier and Project Owner. For the typical steps, consult Figure 1 of the GCC Program Processes for more details.

The selection and financial responsibility lie solely with the Project Owners.

Yes, Project Owners are required to inform GCC about the appointment of a GCC Verifier for their project.

No, refer to section 4 of clarification no. 1 for comprehensive information on bundled projects.

No, any project submitted or registered with GCC must be verified by verifiers approved by GCC.

No, it’s essential to conduct a local stakeholder consultation, and the outcomes must be outlined in the PSF submitted to GCC.

Certainly, all comments submitted during the GSC will be visible to Project Owners.

Consult section G of the Project Submission Form (PSF). Ensure the LSC process aligns with local regulations. Engage with relevant stakeholders such as community members, organizations, businesses, and government agencies impacted or interested in the project. This process involves respectful communication, addressing concerns, and complying with local rules and regulations.

Not necessarily, if demonstration and evidence are adequate. Nevertheless, GCC may require LSC to be revisited or redone, depending on the GCC assessment, on a case-by-case basis.

A “public stakeholder” is an individual or entity ready to provide feedback on a specific GCC project or GCC developed methodology. Public consultation is essential for project and methodology transparency.