A climate project moves from an idea through the project design document (PDD), the baseline, the monitoring plan and validation to registration with a program, followed by cycles of monitoring and verification that result in the issuance of carbon units. The sequence of stages is similar across programs; what differs are the document templates and the methodology requirements.
Stage 1. Idea and preliminary assessment
At the outset you answer three questions: which measure reduces emissions, by how much, and whether the project can qualify for units. You need a preliminary reduction estimate, an additionality assessment and a choice of program and methodology. This is also the time to check for any risk of double counting — for example, if the reduction is already reflected in someone else's reporting.
Stage 2. Project design document (PDD)
The Project Design Document (PDD) describes the project in full:
- the project boundary and the emission sources within it;
- the methodology applied and the justification of its applicability;
- the baseline and the calculation of expected reductions;
- additionality;
- the monitoring plan;
- the environmental and social impact assessment and stakeholder consultations.
Stage 3. Baseline and model
This is the computational core of the project: it records the facility's historical data, the normalization (weather, production volume), the emission factors and the formulas for the project scenario. Errors here carry over into every future report, so the baseline must be locked in a form that cannot be altered.
Stage 4. Monitoring plan
The monitoring plan defines which parameters are measured, with which instruments, how often and by whom, how the data are stored and how their quality is controlled.
Stage 5. Validation and registration
An independent body checks the PDD against the methodology and the program rules — this is validation. The general requirements for it are set out in ISO 14064-3:2019. After a positive opinion, the project is submitted for registration with the program or registry. For Verra, bear in mind that VCS Version 5 is already available and becomes mandatory for most new projects from January 1, 2027.
Stage 6. Monitoring, verification and issuance of units
The project operates, data are collected according to the plan, and a monitoring report is prepared at the end of each period. The verifier confirms the actual reduction, after which the program issues units into the registry. This cycle repeats throughout the crediting period.
Sample timeline
| Stage | Output |
|---|---|
| Idea | Reduction estimate, choice of methodology |
| PDD | Project design document |
| Baseline and model | Locked baseline |
| Monitoring plan | List of parameters and procedures |
| Validation | Validation opinion |
| Registration | Project in the program registry |
| Monitoring and verification | Verified reductions, issuance of units |
How long each stage takes depends on the program, verifier workload and how ready your data are; check the specific requirements in regulatory documents.
Uzbekistan specifics
Law No. ZRU-1073 of July 7, 2025 (in force since January 9, 2026) introduces the concept of “green projects,” which may be implemented by legal entities, entrepreneurs and citizens. The criteria and the procedures for verification and state support are set by the Cabinet of Ministers. Presidential Resolution PP-110 (2025) establishes a national carbon unit registry under the Ministry of Economy and Finance; up to 80% of units may be sold abroad, and at least 20% go toward national commitments.
How it works in the platform
- The MRV contour is still in development and is marked “Soon” in the platform: you cannot yet create a climate project in it and take it through the stages, including validation and registration.
- GHG contour data already help with stages 1 and 3. In Data entry, electricity, heat and fuel are entered month by month for each facility, with invoices, certificates of completion and photos of meter readings attached — this gives you the historical series for the preliminary assessment and the baseline.
- A closed facility year is read-only and its change history is preserved, and the administrator creates the annual company report in PDF and DOCX covering all facilities. Read more in the article on closing the year and the annual report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a project start before a program is chosen?
You can start collecting data and doing preliminary calculations, but it is best to choose the methodology and program before writing the PDD: they determine the formulas, the boundaries and the monitoring requirements.
Who can own a climate project in Uzbekistan?
Under Law No. ZRU-1073, “green projects” may be implemented by legal entities, individual entrepreneurs and citizens. The selection criteria are set by the Cabinet of Ministers.
When do carbon units appear?
Only after the actual reduction for the monitoring period has been verified. Validation of the PDD and registration do not generate units by themselves.