ESG / CSR
Industries
Greenly solutions
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.
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 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.
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 outlines the principles and criteria for creating a GHG inventory at the organizational level. Its key requirements include:
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:
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:
Summary of the core requirements of ISO 14064 across its three parts:
| ISO 14064 Part | Key Requirements | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 14064-1 (Organizational Level) |
|
|
| ISO 14064-2 (Project Level) |
|
|
| ISO 14064-3 (Verification & Validation) |
|
|
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.
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
Step 2: Develop a GHG inventory and quantify emissions
Step 3: Implement monitoring and reporting systems
Step 4: Set reduction targets and action plans
Step 5: Seek third-party verification (ISO 14064-3)
Step 6: Continuous improvement and reporting
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.
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:
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.
If you’re going carbon neutral or net zero, you’ll need sophisticated carbon tracking and reporting in place. In this article, we explain why carbon tracking is pivotal in your climate journey.
In this article, we’ll share the best Plan A alternative and 5 suitable choices – and all of the reasons why our carbon accounting platform at Greenly is the best choice.
In this article, we’ll explain what energy self sufficient villages are, how we can learn from them, but also – how they may not be an effective role-model in the long-term.
In this article, we’ll share our favorite start-ups working to reduce our current impact, and how your company can get started, too.
