ICVCM Confirms Gold Standard’s Clean Cooking Methodologies as Core Carbon Principles (CCP) Eligible 

Clean cooking methodologies under Gold Standard for the Global Goals have been officially accepted as eligible under the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market’s (ICVCM) Core Carbon Principles (CCPs). 

The landmark decision, announced by the ICVCM today, affirms the environmental integrity and climate impact that can be delivered by Gold Standard-certified clean cooking projects, which represent the majority of cookstove projects in the voluntary carbon market.  

The approval covers the following methodologies: 

• Gold Standard Methodology for Metered & Measured Energy Cooking Devices (versions 1-1.2) 
• Gold Standard’s “TPDDTEC” Methodology for Reduced Emissions from Cooking and Heating – Technologies and Practices to Displace Decentralised Thermal Energy Consumption (version 4) 
• Gold Standard Methodology for Animal Manure Management and Biogas Use for Thermal Energy Generation (version 1) 

Credits issued under these methodologies can now be tagged with the CCP label, provided certain conditions are met.  

Reaffirming Gold Standard’s Leadership 

All Gold Standard cookstove methodologies were submitted to the ICVCM at the earliest opportunity and have not required any updates to be deemed compliant. This latest approval reinforces Gold Standard’s position as a global leader in high-integrity climate action and recognises Gold Standard’s commitment to rigorous scientific principles and the highest environmental and social standards. 

A Milestone for Clean Cooking Projects 

With this approval, the first CCP-eligible credits from cookstove projects can soon be made available, marking a critical step in more appropriately valuing the climate and sustainable development benefits of these interventions. To date, 185 projects registered under these methodologies have issued nearly 3 million credits, with impacts spanning Africa, Asia and Latin America. By providing access to cleaner technologies, these projects reduce harmful emissions, improve household air quality, and ease the economic burden of fuel costs for millions of people—particularly women and children. 

Gold Standard is preparing guidance to support project developers seeking to apply a CCP label for credits under the three approved methodologies. It also awaits the ICVCM’s decision on earlier versions of its TPDDTEC methodology, currently used by a further 450 projects.  

Margaret Kim, CEO of Gold Standard, said: 

"Whenever I visit Gold Standard certified cookstove projects I’m always blown away by the impact that climate finance can have on the lives of people who live in communities most vulnerable to climate change. This decision by the ICVCM highlights the essential role that clean cooking plays in climate mitigation and sustainable development. We are proud that our methodologies have once again been recognised for their scientific rigour and environmental integrity, and l look forward to seeing the sector as a whole go from strength to strength." 

fNRB Decision 

Gold Standard also notes ICVCM’s clarification on the application of the fraction of non-renewable biomass (fNRB) for CCP eligibility —a key technical consideration for clean cooking projects. Under the modelling fuelwood savings scenario (MoFuSS) model highlighted as an option, project developer’s options are limited to default values. Further work is needed to allow the use of local data and studies to refine for the local context. These studies are likely to lead to a more accurate fNRB value, rather than using conservative default regional or national level figures. It is important to note that more conservative averages do not by definition have more integrity – we support striving towards more accuracy where possible and practical, rather than simply racing to conservativeness.  

Gold Standard looks forward to further alignment following the upcoming Clean Development Mechanism Executive Board meeting in March, which will allow project developers to apply clear, consistent guidelines. This harmonisation will enhance transparency, comparability, and ultimately trust in the voluntary carbon market. 

A Call for Corporate Climate Action with Impact 

This decision should remind companies how their carbon investments can deliver impact above and beyond mitigating climate change when they take responsibility for their unavoidable emissions. High impact action like clean cooking projects offer unique benefits beyond emissions reductions, including improvements in health, gender equality, and economic development—making them one of the most effective investments in climate and development outcomes. 

The announcement comes a week after the Clean Cooking Alliance launched a Buyers’ Guide for Clean Cooking Carbon Credits, providing practical guidance on sourcing high-quality credits and maximising impact.