DelAgua’s clean cooking Grouped Project in The Gambia has received an outstanding AA rating and been recognition by Calyx Global, an example of how a highly rated cookstove credit project is implemented. This AA rating indicates that DelAgua’s project is assessed as having very high environmental integrity and a low risk of over-crediting.
Independent ratings agencies such as Calyx Global assess carbon credit projects by undertaking a multi-dimensional evaluation to determine the environmental integrity and quantification accuracy of the reported emissions reductions.
Projects are reviewed against several factors including: methodological integrity, transparency of data collection and additionality, which examines whether the project activity is dependent on carbon finance and would not be financially or operationally viable under a business-as-usual scenario.
Assessments also scrutinize the robustness of the baseline scenario, particularly the application of conservative parameters to minimise the risk of over-crediting. Furthermore, the quality and frequency of monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems to confirm that emission reductions are analysed along with mechanisms designed to mitigate double counting risks. Lastly, the project was evaluated on permanence and durability of emission reductions, taking into considering potential reversal risks and long-term adoption rates.
“Cookstoves credits often come with concerns about over-crediting. DelAgua’s Clean Cooking Grouped Project in The Gambia shows how good project-level design choices alongside strong methodology-level guidance can proactively address these questions. As with our standard approach for project developer engagement, this rating review was conducted at no cost to DelAgua to ensure independence and objectivity. We were pleased to see VCS4000 earn a rating in our highest tier for GHG integrity and hope this sets a standard for cookstove projects moving forward.” – Ciska Terblanche, Director of Technology Ratings, Calyx Global.
What Makes Our Project 4000 Stand out?
Our Live Well programme is designed and implemented with conservative real-world-based baselines, rigorous monitoring and auditing and demonstrates low risks across key areas of concern: non-additionality, non-permanence, and overlapping claims. By aligning with Verra’s VM0050 methodology, which sets higher standards for cookstove projects, we ensure that our work benefits from robust guidance and global best practices.
“Given the scrutiny around integrity in carbon markets, maintaining rigorous monitoring, transparency, and conservative accounting approaches is essential. This recognition reinforces our commitment to setting a high standard for cookstove projects and supporting the evolution of credible carbon markets. Beyond emissions reductions, this highlights the tangible benefits that clean cooking brings to Gambian households. We are proud to implement a project that delivers both climate integrity and meaningful social impact.” – Ousman Badjie, The Gambia Country Director.
This recognition comes at a pivotal moment for DelAgua and the broader carbon market following the recent announcement of VCS4000 credits receiving CORSIA tags, underpining growing global confidence in high-integrity clean cooking projects, a development that benefits all stakeholders.
Our Commitment to Integrity and Impact
We believe that integrity and community impact go hand in hand as mutually reinforcing goals. Our programme exemplifies how carbon finance can directly improve household health, reduce deforestation and extend access to cleaner, safer cooking for underserved populations. Investing in credible project development ensures that every credit represents real climate mitigation alongside tangible, lasting development impact.
As the carbon markets now shift to greater regulatory alignment and buyer due diligence, projects must demonstrate quantification accuracy to maintain credibility. We look forward to continued partnership with host Governments, buyers, and communities to accelerate the transition to cleaner cooking, stronger climate outcomes, and sustainable development.
