The project design document (PDD) is the key document involved in the validation and registration of a CDM (Clean Development Mechanism) project activity. It is one of the three documents required for a CDM project to be registered, along with the validation report from the designated operational entity (DOE) and the letter of approval from the designated national authority (DNA).

The PDD is reviewed by the DOE during the validation process to ensure that a project meets the requirements for validation. The PDD is also used as the basis of consultation with stakeholders, which is conducted by making the PDD and related documentation publicly available on the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) website.

The project design document is then included in the request for registration which is submitted by the DOE to the Executive Board.

The project design document is the central component in the CDM project cycle, and its preparation is a complex task.

“The PDD is a significant milestone for the Uzbekistan N2O abatement project. The PDD is an engineering plan that proves we have a bankable design. This is the biggest step to our future submission to the United Nations to get permission to sell CERs from the project,” said Shlomi Palas, CEO of Blue Sphere Corporate.

A CER is a certificate which is issued every time the United Nations prevents one tonne of CO2 equivalent being emitted through carbon projects registered with the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).