24 July 2015: During its 85th meeting, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) Executive Board approved an integrated CDM methodology for electrification of communities. The new methodology integrates approaches from existing methodologies. It broadens the coverage of small-scale methodologies for electrification and simplifies the monitoring procedures to reduce transaction costs without compromising environmental integrity.

The Executive Board held its 85th meeting (EB85) from 20-24 July 2015 in Bonn, Germany. It approved various revised large- and small-scale methodologies on, among other things: bus rapid transit projects; energy efficiency technologies and fuel switching in new and existing buildings; high speed passenger rail system; and low greenhouse gas (GHG) emitting safe drinking water production systems.

The Board also considered a policy issue with regard to certification of emission reductions for a partial period within a monitoring period, reaffirming that the certified amount of emission reductions shall be equal to the verified amount of emission reductions. Other issues considered by the Board included: demand for development of a database on cost and efficiency of technologies; thresholds for microscale activities under Programmes of Activities (PoAs); and broadening of the applicability of the CDM with regard to the development of methodologies for biofuel activities. [Report of the CDM Executive Board 85th Meeting]