New Delhi, Feb 2 (IANS): For its energy efficient measures, the Delhi Metro has become the first rail system in the world to be awarded the Gold Standard foundation -- a globally accepted certification standard for carbon mitigation projects, a statement said Sunday.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) registered for the certification as the energy efficiency measures undertaken in 51 of its stations in phase II qualified under the criterion verified by the auditors.

"The energy efficiency measures have been undertaken primarily in the heating, venting and air conditioning systems, lighting system and other energy efficient measures of station buildings," said DMRC statement.

"All these steps lead to tremendous amount of energy savings and is more efficient than phase I and thus results in reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by at least 25 percent," it added.

Compared to the United Nations rate for one carbon credit (70 cents), the Gold Standard carbon offset carries a price premium (4-5 Euros).

In 2008, the DMRC was registered by the UN under the clean development mechanism which has enabled it to earn over Rs.9.5 crore as carbon credits through measures like regenerative braking, wherein the kinetic energy released from the application of brakes is used to accelerate the train.

With the Gold Standard registration, the DMRC is hoping to earn around 7,500 credits annually for the next ten years.

"We are also working on other projects to get them registered under Gold Standard," the Delhi Metro said.