New pilot programme for digital Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV)

Gold Standard has started a pilot programme to test digital Measurement, Reporting and Verification (dMRV) solutions as part of its plans for end-to-end digitisation of climate and sustainable development impact certification. Project Developers interested in taking part are encouraged to submit proposals.

Gold Standard has launched a new pilot programme that will integrate digital Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (dMRV) solutions into its certification system. Running until October 2026, it will assess the potential of digital technologies to enhance the accuracy, transparency, and efficiency of monitoring and reporting for carbon credits and verified impacts under Gold Standard for the Global Goals (GS4GG). Following the launch of a digital SDG Impact tool in May 2024, this marks further progress towards an integrated end-to-end digital system.

The pilot builds on the outputs from the “Digital Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (DMRV)’ working group”, part of an Open Collaboration funded by Google.org that reported in November 2023. It aims to reduce the burden on project developers while ensuring high standards of integrity. By integrating dMRV tools, projects can automate data collection and streamline emissions reporting, making the verification process more efficient and transparent.

Margaret Kim, CEO of Gold Standard said:

"Digital technologies have the potential to transform the way climate and sustainable development impacts are measured and verified. This pilot is another step on our journey to bring digital efficiencies to Gold Standard to enhance the integrity of impact data and ensure that benefits are delivered faster and more effectively."

The new digital solutions tested should help verifiers ensure that reported data on emission reductions are accurate and comply with Gold Standard requirements.

By streamlining how projects monitor and report on their greenhouse gas emissions, the pilot contributes to a more robust and efficient process for certifying impact data. Coupled with the SDG Impact Tool, these digital solutions will help project developers and verifiers contribute more effectively to global emission reduction and sustainable development goals – ultimately leading to more verified impact for the climate, nature and people.

Details

• The programme is open for proposals, with the first applications to be considered from 1 November.
• The pilot will gather insights on the operational challenges and benefits of dMRV solutions, informing future guidelines and standards for their use within the GS4GG framework.
• The feasibility and application of proposed dMRV solutions will be assessed by a new expert working group made up of technical experts, sector specialists and dMRV professionals.
• Participating projects will receive support from Gold Standard to ensure compliance with GS4GG and MRV requirements, while those that do not meet the necessary standards may revert to traditional certification methods.
• Projects participating will have the option of issuing credits more frequently through an “interim issuance track”, speeding up access to finance for project developers who want faster access to their credits than historic certification routes allow.

Gold Standard is seeking proposals from project developers who are ready to embrace digital innovation and contribute to the broader understanding of how digital solutions can revolutionise the carbon crediting process. The insights gained during the pilot will shape future policies and help guide the transition to a more automated and data-driven system for climate action and sustainable development.

To get involved with the pilot and find out more about the programme visit Pilot Programme webpage