ISO 14064 is a set of internationally recognised standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), designed to support effective greenhouse gas (GHG) management / emissions reporting within the broader context of environmental sustainability.
The standard is divided into three parts: Part 1 provides a framework for quantifying and reporting GHG emissions and removals at the organisational level; Part 2 focuses on the quantification, monitoring, and reporting of emissions from specific GHG mitigation projects, such as renewable energy installations; and Part 3 outlines the principles and requirements for verifying and validating GHG inventories and reports to ensure transparency, accuracy, and credibility.
What is ISO 14064?
ISO 14064 is a set of international standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), focused on providing a globally recognised framework for the quantification, reporting, verification, and validation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These standards apply to both public and private sector organisations and are part of the broader ISO 14000 family, which covers various aspects of environmental management. The ISO 14064 standard is divided into three distinct parts, each addressing a specific element of GHG management.
What are the components of ISO 14064?
1. ISO 14064 - 1: GHG Inventories and Reporting
This part outlines the principles and requirements for quantifying and reporting GHG emissions and removals at the organisational level. It provides a structured approach for companies to build comprehensive GHG inventories and report on their emissions performance.
2. ISO 14064 - 2: GHG Projects
Part 2 focuses on specific projects aimed at reducing GHG emissions or enhancing removals. Examples include carbon capture and storage initiatives or renewable energy projects such as solar and wind farms. This section provides a framework for calculating a projectโs carbon footprint and tracking its impact over time.
3. ISO 14064 - 3: GHG Verification and Validation
This section sets out the process for verifying and validating GHG emissions reports and inventories. It is intended for third-party assessors and outlines how to conduct independent assurance, assess data accuracy, and issue verification statements with either limited or reasonable assurance.
What are the main requirements of ISO 14064?
Although each part of ISO 14064 contains detailed and technical guidance, the key requirements can be summarised as follows:
ISO 14064-1: GHG Inventories and Reporting
- Develop a comprehensive GHG inventory covering Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
- Disclose calculation methodologies, data sources, and assumptions to ensure transparency and traceability.
ISO 14064-2: GHG Projects
- Define the project scope, boundaries, and establish a baseline for measuring emission reductions.
- Implement a monitoring system to assess ongoing performance.
- Clearly disclose data sources, methods, assumptions, limitations, and any uncertainties.
ISO 14064-3: GHG Verification and Validation
- Define the scope of verification, including the data to be verified and the level of assurance required (limited or reasonable).
- Validate the accuracy and appropriateness of emission calculation methodologies.
- Conclude with the issuance of a formal verification statement.
What are the benefits of ISO 14064 compliance?
Compliance with ISO 14064 is voluntary, but aligning with these internationally recognised standards demonstrates best practice in sustainability reporting. Verification can be undertaken to meet mandatory requirements, such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), or on a voluntary basis to enhance credibility in a companyโs sustainability report.
Benefits include:
- Increased transparency and trust among investors, customers, and stakeholders.
- Independent assurance of GHG data reduces the risk of greenwashing.
- Demonstrates a companyโs commitment to climate action.
- Enhanced readiness for regulatory reporting and sustainability audits.
- Ensures a companyโs year-on-year carbon reduction claims are assured and credible
What ISO 14064 services do NUS provide?
At NUS, our Energy and Sustainability Services (ESS) team specialises in the quantification of Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions. NUS support organisations in developing robust GHG inventories and reports in full alignment with ISO 14064-1. Additionally, our team of qualified assessors can provide data verification and validation services in accordance with ISO 14064-3, offering either limited or reasonable assurance to strengthen the credibility and accuracy of your GHG disclosures.
If you wish to speak further about areas on how NUS can support with alignment with ISO 14064, please contact us.