# No Double Counting

The OCP does not allow any double counting of OCP carbon credits, and has risk mitigation measures in place to manage these risks.

### Relevant Definitions

*For more terms,* [*see the Glossary*](/ocp-handbook/glossary.md)*.*

<table><thead><tr><th width="198.49609375">Term</th><th>Definition</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Double Counting</td><td>A situation in which a single <strong>GHG emission reduction or removal</strong> is counted more than once towards achieving mitigation targets or goals. <br><br>Double counting can occur through <strong>double issuance</strong>, <strong>double use</strong>, and <strong>double claiming</strong>.</td></tr><tr><td>Double Issuance</td><td>A type of <strong>double counting</strong> in which more than one <strong>carbon credit</strong> is issued for the same emission reduction or removal. Double issuance leads to <strong>double counting</strong> if more than one of these carbon credits is claimed towards achieving mitigation targets or goals.</td></tr><tr><td>Double Use</td><td>A type of <strong>double counting</strong> in which a single <strong>carbon credit</strong> is claimed twice towards achieving mitigation targets or goals.</td></tr><tr><td>Double Claiming</td><td>A type of <strong>double counting</strong> in which the same <strong>GHG emission reduction or removal</strong> is claimed by two different entities towards achieving mitigation targets or goals: once by a country, jurisdiction or other entity that reports lower GHG emissions or higher GHG removals for the purpose of demonstrating achievement of a mitigation target or goal, and once by the entity <strong>retiring</strong> the carbon credit for the purpose of making a GHG emission offsetting claim.</td></tr></tbody></table>

***

## Avoiding Double Issuance

* The OCP only issues **one carbon credit for one tonne of CO**<sub>**2**</sub>**e removed or avoided in the atmosphere**.
* **No double registration**: We do not allow Project Developers to propose a project on the OCP if they are already in the process or planning to register the same project on another registry. Any PD willingly in breach of this rule will have their account banned for 1 year. Two breaches = permanent ban

<figure><img src="/files/h0bev98ulodIoxw2NGCG" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

* **No overlapping boundaries**: As part of [Project Validation](/ocp-handbook/projects/third-party-validation-and-verification.md), the VVB will confirm that the project boundaries have been documented accurately. Projects using a 'Land Use' methodology must submit geospatial information; other project sectors must submit location information for each project location (facilities, headquarters etc.)
* We are a member of the [CAD Trust meta-registry](https://climateactiondata.org/) to confirm no double issuance, use, or counting.
* Credits are issued with a unique serial number with data stored on blockchain to ensure traceability and that each credit only corresponds to the specific emissions within the project boundary. Third-party verification and annual audits are conducted to ensure double issuances have not occurred.&#x20;
* We currently do not allow projects overlapping with mandatory domestic mitigation schemes to be registered on the OCP, due to the potential for benefit duplication.&#x20;

## Avoiding Double Use

* Each credit is issued with a unique serial number with data stored on blockchain to ensure traceability and that each credit only corresponds to the specific emissions within the project boundary.
* Each credit can only have one account owner and one beneficial owner at any given time.
* Once a credit has been retired or canceled, this status and the account & beneficial owner cannot be changed again.
* All transfers and retirements are tracked on the ['Activity'](https://pilot.ocp.earth/registry) tab of the [OCP Registry](https://pilot.ocp.earth/registry).

<figure><img src="/files/2lUElK4b1MAue4tbDSPl" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## Avoiding Double Claiming

* In addition to the provisions against [Double Issuance ](#avoiding-double-issuance)and [Double Use](#avoiding-double-use), **Article 6 and** [**CORSIA-eligible**](/ocp-handbook/registry/certifications-and-labels/corsia.md) **projects must guarantee against Double Claiming**.&#x20;
* Double Claiming occur when a single emissions reduction or removal outcome is claimed by **both the Host Country toward its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)** under the Paris Agreement, and **by an airline operator or other buyer for a separate compliance or voluntary purpose**.&#x20;
* See [**Certification and Labels > CORSIA**](/ocp-handbook/registry/certifications-and-labels/corsia.md) for the full policy and procedure for obtaining a Corresponding Adjustment from a Host Country and the Project Developer and OCP’s responsibilities to ensure no Double Claiming occurs.


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