Climate change & energy

Kyoto Mechanisms: Joint Implementation

Joint Implementation (JI) is one of the so-called “flexible mechanisms” under the Kyoto Protocol. The Protocol provides for JI in Article 6 as a means for companies to undertake projects in countries with a Kyoto target (Annex I Parties) which reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases. Such projects are then credited with “Emissions Reduction Units” (ERUs) 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 international rules for JI (set out in the “Marrakech Accords”) provide two sets of JI procedures, commonly referred to as “Track 1” and “Track 2”. The Two Tracks refer to alternative procedures and projects cycles for JI projects depending on the status of the host country with regard to meeting relevant eligibility requirements. Track 1 is subject to supervision of the host country and Track 2 is subject to international supervision, of the Supervisory Committee for JI.

The UK Designated Focal Point

Defra is the UK’s Designated Focal Point (DFP) for JI. The Government is not currently approving JI projects in the UK, but can issue letters of approval to UK companies wishing to participate in JI projects abroad.

UK approval of participation

Defra acting as the UK's DFP can issue a Letter of Approval (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 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (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 [please link to 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 dfp@defra.gsi.gov.uk .

In order for Defra as the UK DFP to issue a letter of approval to a company wishing to participate in a Joint Implementation (JI) project activity, we require the following

  • A copy of the letter of approval from the host country DFP;
  • A copy of the Project Design Document (PDD);
  • A signed declaration of compliance with the national guidance rules and procedures of the host country as notified to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for a Track 1 project, OR a signed declaration of compliance with the international JI rules and procedures for a Track 2 project, using the following form of words (PDF 10 KB)
    Applications may be made electronically to the DFP for JI. These should be sent to jifp@defra.gsi.gov.uk. Alternatively, you may send a hard copy of the documents to: DFP Team, Global Atmosphere Division, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Zone 3/C1 Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6DE

For further information see:

If you have any queries for the DFP you can contact us by e-mail at jifp@defra.gsi.gov.uk.

Page last modified: 10 March 2008
Page published: 23 November, 2005

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs