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Request for Quotation - Advancing the Black Carbon (BC) Add-On Methodology for Clean Cooking Projects

Date
31st March 2026
Categories
Opportunities

Overview

Black carbon (BC) is a critical short-lived climate pollutant (SLCP) with a disproportionately high near-term warming impact relative to its atmospheric lifetime.

While carbon dioxide (CO₂) has long been the dominant metric in carbon finance frameworks, growing scientific and policy attention – including increasing references to BC within updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – underscores the importance of quantifying and reducing BC emissions.

Phase I of this MECS-supported initiative developed a structured methodology to quantify black carbon (BC) and organic carbon (OC) reductions intended as an add-on to the Gold Standard Methodology for Metered & Measured Energy Cooking Devices (MMMECD), incorporating spatially resolved, country-specific radiative forcing conversions.

Phase 2 focused on stakeholder engagement, scientific validation discussions, and preparation for Gold Standard submission, including identification of the steps required for endorsement and eventual market adoption. The Phase 1 and Phase 2 work are written up as a combined report, available here.

MECS now seeks to commission the next steps in advancing the BC add-on methodology toward full market readiness and scalable adoption.

The specific objectives of this assignment

1-Methodology Finalization and Submission Support

On behalf of (and supported by) MECS, submit the methodology to Gold Standard (GS) and lead on responding to review comments and revisions to the methodology.

  • Make formal submission of the BC add-on methodology to GS as an extension to the MMMECD.
  • Respond to comments from the GS Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) (and any reviewers they appoint), in consultation with MECS, through potentially multiple review cycles, making necessary adjustments to the methodology.
  • Assuming the TAC approves the add-on for public consultation, respond to comments from this process, making necessary adjustments to the methodology.

2-Development and Operationalisation of the BC Impact Calculator

The estimation of impacts of the BC and OC emissions and reductions depend on suitable impact factors; work to date has used the GEOS-Chem model, but the consultants may propose an alternative approach as being more suitable. For practical use, some form of accessible look-up table is needed, proposed to be in the form of an online tool.  Building on Phase 2 recommendations, the consultant shall:

  • Develop a functional BC/OC impact calculator capable of translating emissions reductions into warming impact metrics.
  • Incorporate regional differentiation where feasible.
  • Address both direct and indirect radiative impacts.
  • Integrate uncertainty ranges and sensitivity parameters.
  • Develop the tool in an accessible online format suitable for independent use by project developers.
  • Provide costed recommendations for hosting, updating and maintaining the tool over a three-year period.

3-Continue targeted outreach activities

Once the Gold Standard has reviewed and accepted the methodology, a limited programme of awareness raising is suggested. The consultant shall:

  • Propose a series of webinars and other outreach activities to promote the new methodology to key interest groups, such as scientific stakeholders, project developers, and other carbon market actors.
  • Deliver the webinars, in collaboration with MECS.

How to Apply

The total budget is a maximum of £53,000 (This must include all VAT/tax liabilities and all third-party fees/charges associated with the assignment).  A breakdown of the budget should be provided as part of the response. Payment is contingent on successful completion of all deliverables.  All deliverables must be completed and delivered no later than 31st December 2026.

Proposals (max 12 pages, plus CVs) should be emailed to mecs@lboro.ac.uk  with the subject ‘Black Carbon Add-On Methodology – Phase 3’. The full Terms of Reference is available here:

Terms of Reference

Loughborough University will accept the quotation which is the best value for money i.e. a balance between cost and quality. Shortlisted organisations may be invited to an interview (online) to finalise selection.

Deadline

All proposals must be received by 23:55 BST on Friday 24th April 2026.  The time will be determined using the time of arrival in the MECS inbox. Any offers received after 23:55 will be rejected.