> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://standard.nature-value.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://standard.nature-value.org/readme/2-methodology-requirements/2.1-methodology-and-requirements.md).

# 2.1 Methodology Certification Process

All projects must be validated against an NCS-certified methodology and the corresponding mitigation outcomes must be verified against the methodology.

Based on ISO 14064-2, NCS recognises two types of mitigation outcomes:

* GHG Emission Reduction\
  Quantified decrease in GHG Emissions between a baseline scenario and the GHG project
* GHG Removal Enhancement\
  Quantified increase in GHG removals (withdrawal of a GHG from the atmosphere by GHG sinks)  between a baseline scenario and the GHG project

An NCS-certified methodology

* has been developed either by NCS, partners contracted by NCS or third-parties,
* is independently validated against ISO 14064-2:2019,
* fulfils all NCS requirements,
* has undergone a public consultation and
* is listed as certified in the NCS registry.

NCS will provide feedback to new methodologies at any stage. For example, a concept note may be submitted for review before full development of a methodology is initiated.

Methodologies already in use may also be submitted. Once certified, projects that use the methodology can transition into NCS via the grandfathering process ([2.6](/readme/2-methodology-requirements/2.6-grandfathering-of-existing-projects.md)).

NCS reserves the right to reject any methodology at its sole discretion, such as when a reputational risk is perceived.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://standard.nature-value.org/readme/2-methodology-requirements/2.1-methodology-and-requirements.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.