Gold Standard to Launch Digital Platform to Make Assurance Process Simpler and More Efficient

Gold Standard has announced it will launch a digital assurance platform and update its processes to allow broader applications of its standard, Gold Standard for the Global Goals. Coupled with more support resources and streamlined processes, project developers are expected to be able to deliver verified impact more efficiently while maintaining high integrity.  

Gold Standard has announced a new digital assurance platform that will be used for project reviews from 05 December 2024. Following the launch of a digital SDG Impact tool, and alongside the ongoing digital Measurement, Reporting and Verification (dMRV) pilot programme, the new online platform will be integrated with other Gold Standard digital systems, and marks the next step in Gold Standard’s journey to fully digitalise impact certification.

In addition to the new platform, updates to the assurance management system aim to increase efficiency of workflows while maintaining the integrity that Gold Standard-certified projects are known for. These include streamlined processes and decision making, a deeper pool of expert reviewers and additional internal support staff, more stakeholder training and enhanced oversight of the certification process.

Margaret Kim, CEO, Gold Standard said:

“Those applying Gold Standard for the Global Goals already have an incredible impact. We’re pleased to announce a suite of updates that can help them deliver even more. From cutting-edge digital solutions to more training and human resources to support stakeholders around the globe, we hope to make it simpler for those on the ground to deliver and expand their impact for climate, people, and nature.”

Under the updated system any new review of a project activity will be submitted to Gold Standard via a new online assurance platform which will be available to use at no extra cost. The final certification decision will be taken by a Gold Standard approved Validation and Verification Body (VVB), following a quality check of the project documents and validation or verification report by a reviewer, and a public consultation period. This will increase transparency, and ensure the accuracy, consistency and compliance of projects.

Importantly, the platform and assurance system updates have been designed with flexibility to accommodate newer certification pathways under Gold Standard for the Global Goals, including supply chain interventions as well as a range of sustainable finance instruments such as funds, bonds, and portfolios that can deliver climate and development impact at a larger scale. 

In addition to the digital assurance platform, Gold Standard will introduce supporting updates and resources to accelerate the assurance process amidst growing demand for impact certification:​

• Empower more independent, third-party accredited and Gold Standard approved VVBs to make certification decisions, in line with the ISEAL Code of Good Practice for Assurance
• Deepen training resources for VVBs to help them quickly understand the breadth and depth of Gold Standard requirements, rule changes and other technical updates while introducing more Gold Standard internal resources for oversight of VVB performance and continuous improvement
• Introduction of more expert reviewers to manage increasing certification requests
• Increase capacity to the Gold Standard help desk to ensure queries are quickly and efficiently resolved

Together, these enhancements will provide a more streamlined and adaptable certification process that reflects Gold Standard's commitment to maintaining high levels of integrity in climate action that delivers impact for people and nature.

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