Download Guide for Protocol Developers in PDF format.

Preface

The Offset System is one component of Turning the Corner, the Government of Canada’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It is designed to encourage projects that reduce GHGs through voluntary actions. Information about the Offset System is provided in a series of Guides:

Canada's Offset System for Greenhouse Gases: Overview

The Overview sets out the objectives of the Offset System, and outlines the eligibility requirements and processes for creating offset credits.

Canada's Offset System for Greenhouse Gases: Guide for Protocol Developers

The Guide for Protocol Developers provides detailed information on the requirements and processes to complete an Offset System Quantification Protocol (OSQP). An OSQP describes the approach that must be used to quantify the GHG reductions for a specific project type in Canada’s Offset System. Comprehensive guidance is provided for preparing an OSQP.

Canada's Offset System for Greenhouse Gases: Guide for Project Proponents

The Guide for Project Proponents provides detailed information on all the steps that must be followed to create offset credits from the registration of the project to the issuance of offset credits. It includes the requirements and processes as well as comprehensive guidance for completing the project documentation.

Canada's Offset System for Greenhouse Gases: Guide for Greenhouse Gas Verification Guide

The Guide for Greenhouse Gas Verification Bodies provides detailed information on the Offset System requirements for verifying the eligible GHG reductions or removals achieved from a registered project. It includes comprehensive guidance on completing the verification documentation.

Refinements to this guidance will be on-going. Participants in the Offset System will be responsible for ensuring they are using the most recent version of the guidance material. Information for participants in the Offset System, including the current versions of all the guides will be provided on the Offset System website.

All forms and documents in relation to Canada’s Offset System for Greenhouse Gases are protected by CROWN COPYRIGHT and are provided for the sole purposes of informing the public so they can understand and participate in the Offset System. These materials may be copied and used for this purpose only. Any other use requires written authorization from the Government of Canada.