Introduction to the ICAT Assessment Guides

The Introduction to the ICAT Series of Policy Assessment Guides (Introductory Guide) provides an overview of the ICAT Series of Policy Assessment Guides and provides a shared foundation for their application. Users of any of the guides should read the Introductory Guide first, and then use it in conjunction with the other guides, such as the relevant GHG impact assessment guide, which contains detailed sector-specific methodology, data needs, parameters and calculation tools.

The Introductory Guide is split into two Parts:

Part I - Overview of the ICAT series of policy assessment guides - Describes the purpose, structure and potential uses of all guides in the series, and explains how they relate to and support objectives of the Paris Agreement, including its ETF, and the update and implementation of NDCs. It also provides advice on when and how to use the different guides.

Part II – Planning and conducting the assessment - Presents the common elements that apply across all GHG impact assessment guides. This includes assessment quality principles, stakeholder engagement, setting objectives, and methodological considerations such as data needs and baselines. It also provides guidance on cost estimation, monitoring, reporting and finalizing assessments.