Methodology Updates

Methodologies will be reviewed periodically to account for changes in underlying assumptions or changes in best practice in the sector. The OCP runs annual audits of all methodologies, but methodology curators are welcome to submit updates at any point. Additionally, anyone can submit a complaint or grievance at any time, which will trigger a full methodology review.

Major and Minor Version Updates

Minor updates will be accounted for within a version update (e.g. v1.0 to v1.1); these can include any number of the list changes:

1. Spelling and grammar

2. Updating sources and references

3. Updating independently set default values/parameters to the most recent version (e.g. new IPCC reports)

4. Minor updates to text which don't impact project eligibility or accounting (e.g. adding explanation to concepts, adding links, updating defintions and acronyms)

5. Adding appendices

All other changes will require a major update will require a new methodology version (e.g. v2.0) and will require public commentary and expert panel approval.

During minor version updates, or author proposed major updates, the current version of the methodology can continue to be used to propose projects. However, if a new major version change is released while a project is in draft or validation, they must update their project proposal to match the new version (all impacted project developers and validators will receive notifications and updates if a methodology update process has been started).

Update Procedure

1. Update process is triggered by:

   1. Methodology author requesting updates

   2. OCP team requesting updates, as part of the annual audit or as new evidence arises

   3. Compliant or grievance has been submitted

2. Original methodology author submits 'v2.0 candidate' changes in the OCP platform, indicating whether they think the changes are minor or major

   1. If the original author is unable or unwilling to make edits, the OCP team will assign a new author

3. The OCP team decides whether the suggested changes are minor or major

   1. If minor > OCP team chooses to approve or reject

   2. If major > OCP team assembles new expert panel to review

4. For major version updates, the expert panel reads the updates and submits feedback. The author can continue to make changes

   1. In parallel, 30 days of public commentary runs

5. Once public commentary is complete and all experts have finished discussion, the voting experts will submit a vote: approve, not approve, abstain. Updates require 80% approval to be published.