Using an approved methodology
Once a methodology has been approved, it may be used by other project proponents for similar project activities. However, in conducting validation, a designated operational entity (DOE) may need to submit a request for clarification relating to the application of approved methodologies to proposed new project activities.
The submission of queries is governed by Procedure for the submission and consideration of requests for clarification on the application of approved small-scale methodologies (EB 34, Annex 6).
It should be noted that the terms 'request for clarification' and 'query' are used interchangeably in this context, as is the case with other project types.
Purpose of a clarification/query
Requests for clarification allow stakeholders to gain clarification on the application of approved methodologies. Requests for clarifications to approved methodologies may come from project participants, designated operational entities (DOEs), designated national authorities (DNAs) relevant stakeholders:
This document contains the procedures for the submission and consideration of requests for clarification (also referred to as queries in this document) from PPs, DOEs, DNAs and stakeholders to the Small Scale Working Group (SSC WG) regarding the application of approved simplified baseline and monitoring methodologies for small scale CDM project activity categories specified in appendix B (SSC methodologies). The procedures are drawn from the guidelines for completing the SSC-PDD and other related guidance from the Board (EB 34, Annex, 6, paragraph 1).
Procedure for queries regarding the application of approved methodologies
The person submitting the query must first check the history section of the methodology to see if the query has already been addressed:
Anyone wishing to submit queries regarding the applicability of an approved SSC methodology shall first check the ‘full view and history’ section of the methodology on the UNFCCC CDM website to see if the SSC WG has already addressed the query (EB 34, Annex 6, paragraph 2).
If it has not been addressed, a request for clarification must be submitted using the Form for Submissions on Small Scale Methodologies and Procedures (F-CDM-SSC-Sub):
If the query has not been addressed, then it shall be submitted on the ‘CDM: Form for Submissions on Small Scale Methodologies and Procedures (F-CDM-SSC-Sub)’1 to the UNFCCC Secretariat at secretariat@unfccc.int (EB 34 Annex 6, paragraph 3).
The secretariat will then make the query publicly available via the UNFCCC website and forward it to the Small-Scale Working Group (SSC WG):
The secretariat shall forward the query to the Executive Board and the SSC WG and make it publicly available through the UNFCCC CDM website (EB 34 Annex 6, paragraph 4).
If a query is to be considered at a meeting of the SSC WG, it must be available to the SSC WG at least 4 weeks before the meeting:
For it to be considered at the SSC WG’s next meeting, the secretariat must receive the query at least four (4) weeks before that meeting. Incomplete queries received by the deadline cannot be guaranteed consideration at that meeting (EB 34 Annex 3, paragraph 5).
Queries will be considered on a 'first come, first served' basis:
Bearing in mind the timelines and deadlines for the consideration of documents by the SSC WG and priorities set by the Board and the Chair of the SSC WG, the working group shall consider the query at its next meeting. Submissions received and confirmed to be complete by the secretariat shall be treated on a “first come first served” basis (EB 34, Annex, 6, paragraph 6).
The query will be considered by one member of the Meth Panel, selected by the Chair:
The SSC WG shall analyze the queries and provide responses in accordance with these provisions. Under the guidance of the Chair and Vice-Chair of the SSC WG, one (1) member of the SSC WG shall be selected and in cases when more detailed consideration is required, the Chair may select an additional member of the SSC WG, to review the draft recommendations as prepared by the secretariat. The assigned SSC WG members shall each be paid a half-day (0.5) fee for the consideration and review of each query concerning a SSC methodology considered at a meeting. Any member who does not provide comments by the pre-meeting deadline as provided by the secretariat, shall be paid a quarter-day (0.25) fee and the Chair may decline the payment of any fee outright should he/she determine that input provided is insufficient. The SSC WG, facilitated by the secretariat, may draw on additional expertise as required for the further assessment of the submission (EB 34 Annex 6, paragraph 6).
The secretariat will prepare a draft response to the query to assist the Meth Panel, using the form F-CDM-AM-Subm:
The recommendation and response to the proponents of the query shall be made on the form “CDM: Recommendation form for CDM Small Scale Methodologies (F-CDM-SSCwg”) (EB 34 Annex 6, paragraph 9).
The secretariat may request additional information:
At any stage before the preparation of the final recommendations and response by the SSC WG, the secretariat may request the proponent of the query to provide additional technical information relevant to the query, providing a deadline and copies to the selected member(s) of the SSC WG. The secretariat shall make these communications available to the SSC WG and the public on the UNFCCC CDM website as soon as possible or archive them if the proposal is marked confidential (EB 34, Annex 6, paragraph 10).
Once the SSC WG has made a final recommendation, the secretariat will forward it to the proponent:
The secretariat shall forward the SSC WG’s responses to the queries to the proponent and make them publicly available on the UNFCCC CDM website after consideration and recommendation by the SSCWG (EB 34 Annex 6, paragraph 11).
A response received from the SSC WG can be taken as approved by the Executive Board:
These responses are considered as agreed upon by the Board, in taking note of the working groups report, unless otherwise revised by the Board at its subsequent meeting (EB 34 Annex 6, paragraph 12).
If, however, while preparing the draft response, the secretariat determines that the query is simple enough so as not to require consideration by the Meth Panel, it may seek approval of two members and the Chair of the Meth Panel, and if such approval is given, it may be sent directly to the DOE:
Should the secretariat, while preparing the draft response, assess the requested clarification is simple enough so as not to require the SSC WG’s consideration, it shall forward the proposal for a draft response to the two appointed member(s) for early consideration. If both the appointed working group members agree to the draft response within two working days, the secretariat shall seek the approval of the Chair of the SSC WG within one day and upon endorsement shall forward the final response to the proponents of the query and post it on the UNFCCC CDM web page for SSC methodology clarifications. The response shall be reflected in the report of the meeting of the SSC WG at the next available opportunity. If there is no agreement or endorsement, the request will be considered at the SSC WG meeting (EB 34 Annex 6, paragraph 8).
Responses provided to queries will be displayed in the history of the methodology, in case another stakeholder has the same question:
The UNFCCC CDM website shall display a ‘full view and history’ of all relevant queries to all versions of an approved SSC methodology (EB 34, Annex 6, paragraph 13).