GCS offers its clients unmatched expertise in the development of agriculture, forestry and other land use (AFOLU) carbon projects throughout the Asia-Pacific, Africa and South America. Our diverse work experience extends from REDD methodology and project development to domestic and UN policy advice.

Project development

GCS works with the private sector, foundations, governments, international and non-governmental organisations on climate change forestry projects and policy. We assist with initial project identification, development of project design documents, management of validation and verification processes, project implementation and ongoing monitoring and evaluation. Our project experience includes work on some of the world’s largest carbon forestry projects and initiatives.

Methodology development

Our team has extensive experience in the development of a range of methodology areas including AFOLU, biofuel, innovative waste processing and energy efficiency in the building sector. Within the forest sector, GCS and our partners are leading the way through the development of an Improved Forest Management (IFM) methodology and a set REDD methodology modules, both which will be recognised under the voluntary Carbon Standard.

Drafting and negotiating complex carbon agreements

GCS and its network of consultants have a diverse range of experience providing transactional and structuring support to carbon projects such as establishing carbon funds, implementing projects and contracting intermediaries. This has included drafting and negotiating forest carbon sale and purchase contracts for projects in Africa, Asia and Latin America as well as preparing template contracts for the sale and purchase of forest carbon credits.

Project and investment due diligence

Our due diligence identifies and analyses a range of risks associated with carbon credit projects that can affect their ability to generate credits. these risks include host country risks (legal and political risks), counter-party risks (experience, capacity, reputation, financial standing, contract management, and ownership structure), project risks, (feasibility, implementation, permits, legal structure), carbon credit estimates (registration, additionality, methodology, carbon credit estimates, carbon credit ownership) and carbon credit generation and delivery risks. This standard assessment can be tailored to the specific needs of clients or particular projects.