# 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](https://standard.nature-value.org/readme/2-methodology-requirements/2.6-grandfathering-of-existing-projects)).

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