PCS METH CN Concept Note_v1.0
Document Control
Document identification
Document code: PCS-METH-CN
Title: Methodology Concept Note Form
Scope: Used by methodology developers/stakeholders to propose a new or revised methodology for PCS screening prior to full methodology development.
Version history and change log
Table DC-1. Revision history
v1.0
TBD
Draft
Release for public consultation
PCS
TBD
Superseded versions
No superseded versions for v1.0.
Governance note on versioning and archiving
Only the latest approved version of this form shall be used. Superseded versions shall be archived and retained for traceability and audit purposes. Printed or downloaded copies are uncontrolled; the PCS Portal version is the authoritative current version.
Purpose
This Concept Note is to be completed by methodology developers or stakeholders proposing a new or revised methodology under the Planetary Carbon Standard (PCS). The submission outlines the concept, scope, and structure of the proposed methodology to allow initial screening by the PCS Methodology Panel. Approval of this Concept Note is required before full methodology development proceeds. Submissions are made through the PCS Digital Portal in accordance with the Procedure for Development, Revision, and Clarification of Methodologies and Methodological Tools (PCS-CL-016 – Clarifications Standard).
Section 1 – General Information
Version
Date (DD/MM/YYYY)
Type of Methodology
☐ New ☐ Revision of Existing Methodology/Tool ☐ Clarification
If Revision – Reference ID and Version of Existing Methodology
Category of Methodology
☐ Renewable Energy ☐ Afforestation/Reforestation ☐ Soil Carbon & Agriculture ☐ Waste Management ☐ Carbon Capture & Storage (CCUS) ☐ Blue Carbon ☐ Transport & Mobility ☐ Other
Section 2 – Applicable Scope and References
Relevant PCS, UNFCCC, or Article 6.4 methodologies (if applicable)
Relevant PCS or external methodological tools
Reference Documents or Data Sources
Section 3 – Key Terms and Definitions
Provide key terms, abbreviations, and definitions used in this concept note:
1
Section 4 – Project Activity Overview
Describe the proposed project activity, including a real-world example if available. Explain how it contributes to measurable, additional, and verifiable emission reductions or removals.
Section 5 – Project Boundary
Define the spatial and operational boundary of the project, identifying GHG sources and sinks included in both baseline and project scenarios.
Section 6 – Baseline Scenario
Describe the most plausible baseline scenario and current practices. Explain what would occur in the absence of the proposed project activity.
Section 7 – Additionality
Explain how additionality will be demonstrated, including: legal or regulatory surplus, investment or financial barriers, common practice analysis, and other relevant criteria as per PCS Methodology Framework.
Section 8 – Emission Reductions / Removals
Outline the approach for quantifying baseline emissions, project emissions, removals, and potential leakage. Provide an overview of data requirements and calculation procedures.
Section 9 – Scalability, Replicability, and Global Mitigation Potential
Describe the scalability and replicability of the proposed methodology across different regions or sectors. Explain how adoption of this methodology can enhance global GHG mitigation potential.
Section 10 – Environmental and Social Impacts
Summarize potential environmental and social impacts of the project activity, including contributions to relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Address the 'no-net-harm' principle as required by PCS safeguard policies.
Section 11 – Risk Analysis and Mitigation
Identify potential risks and mitigation measures related to methodology development and project implementation, such as:
Baseline selection uncertainty
Data availability and reliability
Monitoring and measurement constraints
Permanence and leakage risks
Calculation and double-counting errors
Section 12 – Methodology Developer
Contact Person (Name, Email, Phone)
Relationship to Project Activity (if applicable)
Section 13 – References
List all scientific, technical, and policy references used in preparing this concept note. Include hyperlinks where possible.