Clean Development Mechanism Project Cycle

The timeline for each step of the CDM cycle varies greatly but the process, from PIN writing to registration, typically takes 10 - 18 months.  After registration and commencement of operation of a project, monitoring is often done for one year prior to verification and issuance of CERs.  Typically, verifications and issuances are then completed on an annual basis.

Designated Operational Entity (DOE)
Designated Operational Entities are independent third parties accredited by the UNFCCC to perform validation, the audit which occurs prior to project registration, and verification, the audit which occurs after implementation and monitoring of the project.  There are currently approximately 30 accredited DOEs.  The list of DOEs accredited by the UNFCCC can be found here: cdm.unfccc.int/DOE/list/index.html.  For large scale projects, different DOEs must be used for validation and verification of the project; however, for small scale projects, the same DOE may be used for both audits.  DOEs are selected by the project developer based on factors such as: experience in the region, sector knowledge, cost and workload.