ISO 14068-1
Organizations
Last updated
Organizations
Last updated
Climate change management — Transition to net zero — Part 1: Carbon neutrality
ISO 14068-1 is an international standard that outlines principles, requirements, and guidance for achieving and demonstrating carbon neutrality. Published in 2023, this standard is designed to help organizations and products transition toward net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by providing a structured and credible approach to managing their carbon footprint.
The purpose of ISO 14068-1 is to support entities in reducing their GHG emissions and enhancing GHG removals, with offsetting used only as a last resort for residual emissions. It emphasizes transparency, accountability, and a science-based approach, ensuring that actions taken to achieve carbon neutrality are both effective and credible. The standard prioritizes emission reductions and removal enhancements within the entity's boundary, promoting continual improvement over time.
ISO 14068-1 is part of the broader ISO 14060 family of standards, which includes ISO 14064-1 for quantifying and reporting organizational GHG emissions and ISO 14067 for calculating the carbon footprint of products. Together, these standards provide a comprehensive framework for GHG management and reporting.
This standard applies to a wide range of subjects, including organizations, goods, services, and events. It provides a roadmap for entities aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by defining clear boundaries, quantifying emissions and removals, setting reduction targets, and ensuring the integrity of offsetting activities. It also supports organizations in aligning their efforts with global climate goals, such as the Paris Agreement.
To conform to ISO 14068-1, organizations must establish a carbon neutrality management plan. This includes identifying the carbon footprint of the subject (e.g., an organization, product, or service), implementing measures to reduce emissions, and enhancing removals. The plan should also include short- and long-term targets, supported by detailed methodologies and documented information to ensure transparency and verifiability.
ISO 14068-1 requires entities to quantify their emissions and removals using recognized standards, such as ISO 14064-1 or ISO 14067, and to report progress in a transparent, consistent, and non-misleading manner. This includes detailing the actions taken to reduce emissions, enhance removals, and, where necessary, offset residual emissions using high-quality carbon credits that meet specific criteria.
The standard not only helps entities reduce their environmental impact but also provides economic and reputational benefits. By adopting ISO 14068-1, organizations can demonstrate leadership in sustainability, meet stakeholder expectations, and enhance their brand value while contributing to global climate objectives.
ISO 14068-1 is an important tool for entities committed to achieving carbon neutrality. By integrating the principles and requirements of this standard, organizations can credibly demonstrate their progress toward net zero, support sustainable development, and align with the urgent need for climate action.
