ISO 14068 Implementation Guide

ISO 14068:2023 provides a framework for organizations to demonstrate and verify their carbon neutrality efforts. Implementing the standard involves several steps, from planning to third-party verification. Below is a detailed guide to help organizations implement ISO 14068 effectively.

1. Understand the Standard

• Read and Comprehend ISO 14068:
  Familiarize yourself with the standard’s principles, requirements, and guidelines. Key principles include transparency, scientific integrity, credibility, and continuous improvement.
• Determine Applicability:
  Decide whether the standard will apply to the entire organization, a specific product, a service, a project, or an event.

2. Define Boundaries

• Operational Boundaries:
  Identify the operations included in the carbon neutrality claim (e.g., production facilities, offices).
• Geographical Boundaries:
  Specify locations covered under the claim (e.g., global, regional, local).
• Emission Scopes:
• Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources.
• Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased energy.
• Scope 3: Other indirect emissions, such as those from supply chains and product use.
• Ensure boundaries align with ISO 14064-1 (Greenhouse Gas Inventory).

3. Develop a GHG Inventory

• Quantify Emissions:
  Calculate GHG emissions using credible methodologies, such as ISO 14064-1 or the GHG Protocol.
• Data Collection:
  Gather activity data (e.g., fuel consumption, energy use) and apply appropriate emission factors.
• Emission Factors:
  Use recognized databases such as the IPCC or regional emission factor libraries.
• Address Uncertainty:
  Quantify and disclose any uncertainties in the GHG inventory.

4. Set Reduction Targets

• Science-based Goals:
  Establish ambitious, science-based targets to reduce emissions.
• Reduction Prioritization:
  Focus on reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions before addressing Scope 3.
• Action Plans:
  Develop a roadmap with specific actions, timelines, and responsibilities to achieve reduction targets.

5. Address Residual Emissions

• Identify Residual Emissions:
  After implementing reduction measures, quantify the remaining emissions.
• Offset Residual Emissions:
  Use high-quality carbon offsets to neutralize residual emissions. Ensure offsets meet these criteria:
• Additionality (projects would not happen without funding).
• Permanence (long-term carbon storage).
• Verified by recognized standards (e.g., Gold Standard, Verified Carbon Standard).

6. Develop Supporting Documentation

• GHG Inventory Report:
  Compile all emissions data, methodologies, and calculations.
• Reduction Plan:
  Document the measures and timelines for achieving emission reductions.
• Offset Evidence:
  Maintain records of purchased offsets, including verification certificates.
• Communication Plan:
  Prepare stakeholder communication materials to ensure transparency and credibility.

7. Engage Stakeholders

• Internal Stakeholders:
  Involve leadership and employees to ensure alignment with carbon neutrality goals.
• External Stakeholders:
  Transparently communicate progress to customers, investors, and regulators.
• Feedback Mechanism:
  Set up a process to gather and address stakeholder concerns.

8. Verify Carbon Neutrality Claims

• Internal Review:
  Conduct an internal audit to identify and address gaps in the carbon neutrality claim.
• Third-party Verification:
  Engage an accredited certification body to verify compliance with ISO 14068. This typically involves:
• Stage 1 Audit: Documentation review and gap analysis.
• Stage 2 Audit: On-site or remote verification of implementation.

9. Maintain and Improve

• Monitoring:
  Regularly monitor emissions and reduction efforts. Update the GHG inventory annually.
• Continuous Improvement:
  Identify opportunities to further reduce emissions and improve processes.
• Reverification:
  Ensure claims are regularly verified to maintain credibility.

10. Communicate Results

• Transparency:
  Publicly disclose carbon neutrality achievements, reduction plans, and offset strategies.
• Credibility:
  Avoid greenwashing by presenting accurate and verifiable information.
• Certification Display:
  Use the ISO 14068 verification certificate as proof of carbon neutrality.

Key Considerations for Implementation

• Align with Other Standards:
  ISO 14068 can integrate with ISO 14064-1 (GHG inventories) and ISO 14067 (product carbon footprints).
• Adapt to Context:
  Tailor implementation strategies to the organization’s size, industry, and operational complexity.
• Stay Updated:
  Monitor regulatory changes and best practices in carbon neutrality and climate action.

By following this guide, organisations can systematically implement ISO 14068:2023, demonstrate credible carbon neutrality claims, and contribute to global climate goals.