Sustainability standards body Gold Standard announced the publication of its Engineered Removals Activity Requirements, a new framework aimed at setting benchmark requirements for the certification of high-integrity engineered carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects.
Engineered removals refer to technology-based solutions that physically extract CO2 from the atmosphere, such as direct air capture (DAC) and bio-energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS).
Launched in 2003 by WWF and other NGOs, Gold Standard was established to set best practice standard to ensure projects that reduced carbon emissions under the UN’s clean development mechanism to earn emissions reduction credits also delivered on their dual mandate to foster sustainable development.
The new release marks part of Gold Standard’s broader efforts to accelerate methodology development and project deployment, while upholding scientific rigor and strong stakeholder safeguards.
The framework outlines core requirements for certification, including reversal risk mitigation, buffer contributions and safeguards to ensure sustainable development outcomes. It is also designed to align with key policy and market frameworks such as the EU Carbon Removal Certification Framework, CORSIA, and Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement.
Under the new standard, in order to be eligible for certification, projects are required to following safeguarding principles ensuring no risks to ecosystems or communities, and to establish formal channels to enable inclusive stakeholder engagement. In addition, projects must also contribute towards at least 3 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Gold Standard released its initial engineered CDR methodology in 2022, and as approved two methodologies, including Carbon Mineralization using Reactive Mineral Waste developed by Neustark and Biomass Fermentation with Carbon Capture and Geologic Storage developed by Summit Carbon.
With the new release, Gold Standard said that it aims to develop additional engineered removal methodologies with partners and scale project development, while also maintaining scientific rigor, high integrity, and sustainable development impact.
Gold Standard emphasized that engineered removals must work in tandem with rapid emissions reductions to help keep the 1.5 °C target within reach.
Margaret Kim, Gold Standard’s CEO, said:
“Engineered removals are essential to achieving a 1.5 °C pathway. We have certified biological CDR solutions for two decades; now we are applying that same integrity and collaborative approach to engineered CDR. We invite developers to use these requirements and work with us to build new methodologies and deliver durable projects that benefit local communities.”
Gold Standard added that it is developing a ‘Just and Sustainable Transitions Framework’ to further strengthen the sustainable development impact of projects, ensuring engineered CDR projects deliver economic, social and environmental benefits to host communities.
