Kyoto Mechanisms - Clean Development Mechanism
The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is one of the so-called “flexible mechanisms” under the Kyoto Protocol. The Protocol provides for a CDM in Article 12 as a means for companies to undertake projects in countries without a Kyoto target (non-Annex I Parties, i.e. developing countries) which reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases and contribute to sustainable development. Such projects are then credited with “Certified Emissions Reductions” (CERs) which can be used for compliance either (a) by Governments retiring them to help meet Kyoto targets, or (b) by companies surrendering them to help meet their allocations under the EU emissions trading scheme.
The UK Designated National Authority
Defra acts as the UK’s Designated National Authority (DNA) for the CDM, and operates a simple procedure for issuing letters of approval for voluntary participation to prospective project participants.
UK approval of participation
Defra, acting as the UK's DNA can issue a Letter of Authorisation (LOA) to any company irrespective of its location. The only exception to this rule relates to the UK's Overseas Dependent Territories. While we can approve companies based in those territories which have joined our ratifications of the UNFCCC and the Kyoto Protocol, we will not issue LOA to companies based in territories which have not yet ratified, unless the entity in question has a branch in the UK. Please note that the change in policy was announced in Defra news release 461/06. Our online guidance is in the process of being updated to reflect this change. Prior to submitting an application in respect of an entity based in an overseas territory, please contact dna@defra.gsi.gov.uk
In order to receive a Letter of Approval you will need to submit the following documents:
Further information
Contacts
If you have any queries for the DNA you can contact us by email: dna@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Page last modified:
29 August 2008
Page published: 23 November 2005