How many SDGs must a Gold Standard project show, and which one is compulsory?
At least three, and one must be SDG 13, climate action. A project must show demonstrable positive impact on three Sustainable Development Goals. SDG 13 is defined as emissions reductions or removals and, or, adaptation. Impacts are shown through national SDG indicators, an approved SDG tool or an approved methodology.
The rule
Every project must make demonstrable, positive impacts on at least three SDGs, one of which is SDG 13. These are called SDG impacts.
What counts as an impact
- A primary effect: intentional and direct.
- Not a one-off, and not an effect generated during design, construction, distribution, start-up or decommissioning.
- Positive beyond what would reasonably happen without the project.
Three ways to show it
- Use national SDG indicators, or the latest international ones where none exist, choosing targets and indicators that fit.
- Follow a Gold Standard approved SDG tool.
- Follow an approved impact quantification methodology. This is usually the route to credits.
Plan monitoring from day one
The project must name the monitoring indicators and approach in its design document, so the monitoring reports can follow them. Some SDG impacts also need an expert stakeholder opinion.
What Senseible does here
Senseible is not a registry or an auditor. Its energy and emission records help evidence SDG 13 but cannot supply the other two goals.
Last reviewed 2026-11-03. Read from version 2.1 (31 January 2025), which listed an update for 5 December 2025. Check for a newer version before relying on it.