EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS FROM SAFE DRINKING WATER SUPPLY

Applicable to projects and programmes that seek to introduce zero or low GHG water purification systems to provide safe drinking water, this methodology quantifies GHG emissions reductions displaced through decentralised thermal energy technologies. Used in conjunction with the GHG Emissions Reduction & Sequestration Product Requirements, projects and programmes applying this methodology may be issued with Gold Standard Verified Emission Reduction (GS VERs).
 

We thank all the organisations and project developers that provided valuable input into the review process. Key updates made to the methodology, include:
 

1.       Applicability 

• The methodology now includes low GHG emission safe water treatment technologies.
• Existing applicability criteria are updated to reflect the latest guidance provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.

2.       Clarity on requirements

• The methodology clearly distinguishes between requirements for household and community water treatment technologies.

3.       Safeguards

• The methodology introduces requirements to align projects with host country regulatory frameworks for provision of safe drinking water.

4.       Emission reduction calculation

• The existing emission reduction calculation approach is updated to simplify and provide clarity. Default values, where available, have been provided for various input parameters and may be used to streamline the monitoring and verification process, though developers still have the option of monitoring various parameters and providing evidence for values that are credible and higher than the default figures.

5.       Field studies & monitoring requirements

• Baseline – options & guidance on fuel/technology considerations for baseline establishment are provided.
• Specific approach to quantify the energy required to boil water has been introduced. It replaces the baseline water boiling test (BWBT) requirement in the current version of Annex 3 of the TPDDTEC methodology. This method allows default values and simplifies the requirements by removing the need to conduct a field test. Developers still have the option of implementing a field test according to the guidance and providing evidence for values higher than the default figures.
• Quantity of treated water – alternative options have been introduced to determine/measure the quantity of treated water and caps for claimable water volume have been updated.
• Water quality testing – updated requirements on frequency of testing, quality parameters to be considered.

GUIDANCE ON THE APPLICATION OF TPDDTEC METHODOLOGY TO SAFE WATER SUPPLY PROJECTS 

The new safe water supply methodology will come into effect on 02 August 2021. This rule update provides guidance on the timelines and requirements for project developers currently applying Annex 3 of the TPDDTEC methodology, including information on registry submission, and changes + flexibilities provided for the issuance of GS VERs. 

SAFE WATER SUPPLY FAQS

If you have a question on this new safe water supply methodology, our frequently asked questions may be able to help. If not, please email standards@goldstandard.org  

What, why, how? – Gold Standard Updates: Q&A Series
– led by Gold Standard

We will be hosting a series of webinars over the coming months to provide additional information and to answer any questions you may have on new methodology releases and rule updates, starting with the new safe water supply methodology.