Introduction to the Modular Protocol Structure
Our modular protocol structure expands access to our high-quality carbon crediting program while maintaining rigorous, locally informed standards.
The modular approach organizes protocols into separate components:
- A protocol containing requirements applicable across jurisdictions, such as the Mine Methane Protocol.
- Jurisdiction modules containing location-specific considerations for project registration, such as the India Module.
Key benefits of the modular protocol structure include:
- Scalability. Updates to a provision applicable globally can be done once (i.e., by updating the protocol). Meanwhile, adaptations can focus only on jurisdiction-specific matters.
- Accessibility. The approach sends a clear signal that the Reserve is interested in driving climate impact throughout the world and encourages engagement from stakeholders regarding new modules and new projects.
For more information on the modular protocol structure, please click here.
Submit a New Jurisdiction Module Concept (for an existing protocol)
The Reserve welcomes proposals for new jurisdiction modules that expand the applicability of an existing protocol. A jurisdiction module addresses location-specific requirements for the applicable country, including regulatory considerations, legal frameworks, and implementation requirements, and is used in conjunction with the existing protocol for the applicable project type. Stakeholders interested in proposing a new jurisdiction module are encouraged to submit the concept form below. Reserve staff will review submissions and follow up with next steps as appropriate.
- New Jurisdiction Module (Existing Protocol) Form (English)
Project proponents may also submit a project prior to the development of a jurisdiction module to signal interest in the jurisdiction and establish the submittal date and, if the jurisdiction module is subsequently adopted, the project will proceed immediately to request listing and registration.
For more information on submitting a project: https://climateactionreserve.org/how/voluntary-offset-program/register/
Submit a Protocol Concept (for a new project type)
The Reserve welcomes protocol concept suggestions from interested stakeholders at any time. The concepts can be submitted via the forms below, which are designed to address questions that the Reserve will explore when determining a concept’s potential for standardized protocol development under the Reserve program. Before submitting a concept form, please review the information below concerning the concept review process, important criteria considered by staff for protocol development (Criteria for Protocol Development), and the Reserve’s summary of previously submitted concepts (Past Project Concept Submissions). In addition, submitters of new project concepts are encouraged to review the Reserve’s existing protocols to better understand the general topics that must be covered and the requirements that must be met by all protocols.
Project Concept Review Process
The timeline for scoping new project concepts varies depending on the project type and available information.
- Initial screening: The Reserve will first review the Protocol Concept Form to determine if the concept is of interest to the Reserve. If there is high potential for protocol development, the Reserve will follow up with specific questions and/or additional forms to gather more information.
- Staff review: Staff conducts brief internal reviews of the form and supporting information and documentation. The Reserve will then make a determination on the next appropriate steps, which may be to explore the concept more fully through the development of an issue paper or to hold a scoping meeting to engage stakeholders in further evaluating what types of activities should be targets for protocol development.
- Protocol development: If the concept will be included in future protocol development there may be a protocol kickoff meeting which initiates the protocol development process. From that point forward, the process may take 3 – 18 months, or more, depending on the type of protocol development (i.e. addition of new jurisdiction module, or a new protocol).
For more information on the protocol development process, please see the Reserve Program Manual.
Contact:
Please submit Protocol Concept Forms to policy@climateactionreserve.org. Upon receipt, the Reserve will review the concept and respond with next steps within 4-6 weeks of the submittal date.
If you have questions about protocol development, please contact the Reserve.