The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
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ISO 14064: Objectives and Requirements
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CO2e, or carbon dioxide equivalent, is a standardized unit used to measure the climate impact of various greenhouse gases. While carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most commonly referenced greenhouse gas, it’s not the only one contributing to global warming. Other gases, such as methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O), have a much higher warming potential than CO2, making it difficult to compare their effects on the climate. CO2e solves this by providing a way to express the impact of different greenhouse gases using a single, comparable metric.
Whether you’re reading a corporate sustainability report, assessing your personal carbon footprint, or reviewing climate policy targets, you’re likely to encounter CO2e. But how exactly is it calculated, and why is it such a crucial tool in the fight against climate change?
👉 In this article, we'll explore what CO2e is, how it’s calculated, and why it plays a key role in emissions reporting and sustainability efforts.
What is CO2e?
ISO 14064 is an international standard developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) to provide a consistent framework for measuring, reporting, and verifying GHG emissions. It is part of the broader ISO 14000 family, which focuses on environmental management standards designed to support sustainability efforts across industries.
ISO 14064 is particularly valuable for organizations seeking to improve transparency around their carbon footprint, ensure regulatory compliance, and participate in voluntary sustainability initiatives or carbon markets.
ISO 14064 overview
ISO 14064 is divided into three interconnected parts, each targeting a different aspect of GHG management:
| ISO 14064 Part | Focus Area | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 14064-1: GHG Inventories and Reporting | Organizational-level GHG Accounting | Provides principles and requirements for developing and managing a GHG inventory, including identifying direct and indirect emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) and reporting data transparently. |
| ISO 14064-2: GHG Projects | Project-Based Emissions Reduction and Removal | Focuses on quantifying, monitoring, and reporting emissions reduction projects. Examples include renewable energy installations or reforestation efforts. |
| ISO 14064-3: GHG Verification and Validation | Third-Party Data Verification | Provides a framework for verifying and validating GHG data and assertions, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and consistency in emissions reporting. |
💡 By dividing the standard into these three parts, ISO 14064 ensures a comprehensive approach to emissions management - covering everything from data collection to independent verification.
Key requirements of ISO 14064
ISO 14064 sets out specific requirements for organizations aiming to measure, report, and verify their GHG emissions. These requirements are divided across the three parts of the standard, each focusing on a different aspect of emissions management.
ISO 14064-1: GHG inventories and reporting requirements (organizational level)
ISO 14064-1 outlines the principles and criteria for creating a GHG inventory at the organizational level. Its key requirements include:
- GHG inventory development: Organisations must establish a comprehensive GHG inventory, identifying all relevant emission sources and carbon sinks. This involves defining the organizational boundaries (eg. operational control, financial control, or equity share).
- Emission classification: Emissions must be categorized as:
- Scope 1 (Direct emissions): Emissions from owned or controlled sources.
- Scope 2 (Indirect emissions from energy use): Emissions from purchased electricity, heat, or steam.
- Scope 3 (Other indirect emissions): Emissions from the value chain, including supply chain activities and business travel.
- Quantification and methodologies: The standard requires using recognized quantification methodologies and emission factors to ensure consistency and accuracy. Organizations must also disclose the methods used for measuring emissions and any assumptions made.
- Transparency in reporting: Reports should clearly present the results of emissions measurements, including:
- The reporting period.
- Data sources and calculation methods.
- Any limitations, assumptions, or uncertainties affecting the data.
- Data verification: To ensure data integrity, ISO 14064-1 recommends independent third-party verification, though it is not mandatory under this section.
ISO 14064-2: GHG project requirements (project level)
ISO 14064-2 focuses on specific projects aimed at reducing or removing GHG emissions, such as renewable energy initiatives or afforestation projects. The key requirements include:
- Project definition: Clear definition of the project scope, including boundaries, objectives, and expected GHG reduction outcomes.
- Baseline scenario: Establishment of a baseline scenario representing the emissions level without the project intervention, to measure actual emission reductions accurately.
- Quantification and monitoring:
- Selection of recognized methodologies for measuring GHG reductions.
- Implementation of a monitoring plan to track project performance over time.
- Transparency and reporting: Reporting should disclose all relevant project data, including how reductions were calculated and any uncertainties involved.
- Data management and retention: Maintenance of records to support future audits and verification.
ISO 14064-3: GHG verification and validation requirements
ISO 14064-3 provides the framework for validating and verifying GHG data to ensure its accuracy and reliability. It is often used for third-party audits of GHG reports and project claims. Key requirements include:
- Verification planning: A clear verification plan must outline:
- The level of assurance required (reasonable or limited).
- Objectives and criteria for data verification.
- The scope of data being verified.
- Data assessment: Verification involves reviewing the GHG inventory or project data to:
- Confirm data accuracy.
- Identify any errors or inconsistencies.
- Ensure alignment with ISO 14064 principles.
- Validation statements: Upon successful verification, a statement is issued confirming the accuracy of the GHG data, supporting stakeholder confidence in reported results.
Summary of the core requirements of ISO 14064 across its three parts:
| ISO 14064 Part | Key Requirements | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 14064-1 (Organizational Level) |
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| ISO 14064-2 (Project Level) |
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| ISO 14064-3 (Verification & Validation) |
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Why ISO 14064 matters
ISO 14064 plays a critical role in helping organizations manage their environmental impact, improve sustainability performance, and demonstrate accountability in a world increasingly focused on climate action. By offering a standardized framework for GHG measurement, reporting, and verification, it brings multiple benefits for businesses, regulators, and stakeholders.
Here’s why ISO 14064 is essential:
Enhanced credibility and transparency
Implementing ISO 14064 ensures a consistent and reliable approach to emissions reporting. This standard requires organizations to disclose their methodologies, assumptions, and data sources, reducing the risk of greenwashing and making sustainability claims more trustworthy.
Regulatory compliance
As environmental regulations become stricter worldwide, ISO 14064 offers a solid framework for organizations to meet compliance requirements. Many governments and sustainability frameworks, such as the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the UK SECR, align with ISO 14064 standards.
Supporting emission reduction strategies
ISO 14064 provides a foundation for setting and tracking emission reduction targets by clearly outlining how to measure current emissions and monitor progress over time. This data can inform energy efficiency measures, renewable energy projects, and supply chain improvements.
Facilitating participation in carbon markets
Organizations aiming to engage in carbon trading schemes or offset programs need reliable emissions data. ISO 14064 supports the credibility of carbon reduction projects, ensuring emission reductions are measurable and verified before being issued as carbon credits.
Strengthening stakeholder relations
Investors, customers, and partners increasingly expect businesses to demonstrate sustainability leadership. ISO 14064 provides a transparent framework for emissions disclosure, helping organizations build trust and improve brand reputation.
Operational efficiency and cost savings
By identifying high-emission areas within operations, ISO 14064 can highlight inefficiencies and opportunities for cost reduction, such as energy-saving initiatives or resource optimization.
How to implement ISO 14064 in your organisation
Successfully implementing ISO 14064 involves a structured approach to measuring, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By following these steps, organizations can ensure compliance with the standard while gaining valuable insights into their environmental impact.
Step 1: Identify organizational boundaries and emission sources
- Determine the boundaries of the GHG inventory (eg. operational control, financial control, or equity share).
- Identify all relevant emission sources, including direct emissions (Scope 1), indirect emissions from energy use (Scope 2), and value chain emissions (Scope 3).
Step 2: Develop a GHG inventory and quantify emissions
- Establish a GHG inventory covering all identified emission sources.
- Apply standardized methodologies and emission factors, such as those from the GHG Protocol or IPCC Guidelines, to ensure accuracy.
- Include data quality controls to avoid material errors or omissions.
Step 3: Implement monitoring and reporting systems
- Set up systems for continuous data collection and monitoring, ensuring consistency over time.
- Develop clear reporting structures that outline emission data, calculation methods, and any assumptions made.
- Include disclosures on data limitations and uncertainties for full transparency.
Step 4: Set reduction targets and action plans
- Use the GHG data collected to identify high-emission areas and develop targeted reduction strategies.
- Establish short- and long-term emission reduction goals aligned with science-based targets.
Step 5: Seek third-party verification (ISO 14064-3)
- Engage a qualified third-party verifier to review the GHG inventory or project data.
- The verification process involves checking data quality, methodologies, and the accuracy of reported figures.
- After successful verification, the organization receives a statement confirming the data’s reliability.
Step 6: Continuous improvement and reporting
- Regularly update the GHG inventory to reflect operational changes.
- Adjust data collection methods and emission reduction strategies as needed.
- Disclose progress transparently in sustainability reports and stakeholder communications.
By following these steps, organizations can not only comply with ISO 14064 but also build a foundation for credible, long-term climate action. A structured implementation ensures emissions data is both actionable and verifiable, supporting regulatory compliance and enhanced stakeholder trust.
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How Greenly can help your company
At Greenly, we specialize in helping organizations measure, manage, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with international standards like ISO 14064. Our suite of carbon management services ensures companies can meet their sustainability goals with accuracy and confidence.
Here’s how Greenly can support your organization:
- GHG Inventory Creation and Management
Our platform assists organizations in developing a comprehensive GHG inventory, ensuring all emission sources are accounted for, including Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. - Project-Based Emissions Management
For businesses undertaking carbon reduction initiatives, Greenly provides the tools to quantify, monitor, and report emission reductions. Whether it’s renewable energy installations or supply chain efficiency projects, we help track impact and results. - Data-Driven Insights for Reduction Strategies
Beyond compliance, our platform provides actionable insights to help you identify key emission hotspots and develop tailored reduction strategies. This ensures your sustainability efforts go beyond reporting and lead to measurable results. - Support for Regulatory Compliance and Carbon Markets
Whether you're aiming to comply with national regulations, such as SECR or CSRD, or seeking to participate in carbon markets, Greenly's solutions ensure your data is audit-ready and meets the highest standards for accuracy and transparency.
By leveraging Greenly’s expertise, your organization can streamline the complex process of GHG emissions management, helping you take meaningful steps toward a lower-carbon future. Get in touch with us today to find out more.
Sources
- ISO, ISO 14064-1:2018, https://www.iso.org/standard/66453.html
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