ISO 14068 FAQs

ISO 14068-1:2023 is an international standard providing a framework for organizations to claim and demonstrate carbon neutrality. It outlines principles, requirements, and guidelines for achieving and maintaining carbon neutrality, emphasizing transparency, integrity, and a science-based approach.

The standard is applicable to:

• Organizations of all sizes and sectors.
• Products, services, projects, and events aiming to achieve carbon neutrality.
• Governments or regions managing carbon neutrality initiatives.

Carbon neutrality is achieved when the net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with an entity, product, or service are reduced to zero by:

1. Reducing emissions as much as possible.
2. Offsetting remaining emissions using credible GHG removal or compensation measures.

• Transparency: Disclosures must be clear, consistent, and backed by verifiable data.
• Scientific Integrity: Emission reductions and offsets must be based on credible and scientifically validated methodologies.
• Continuous Improvement: Prioritizing ongoing emission reductions over reliance on offsets.
• Credibility: Claims must align with internationally recognized standards and avoid greenwashing.

ISO 14068-1 complements ISO 14064 (GHG quantification and reporting) by focusing specifically on the achievement of carbon neutrality. While ISO 14064 provides the basis for GHG inventories and reporting, ISO 14068-1 outlines additional steps and requirements for reaching and maintaining carbon neutrality.

1. Define Boundaries:
   • Identify the scope (organization, product, service) and operational, geographical, or lifecycle boundaries.
2. Quantify Emissions:
   • Use credible methodologies, like ISO 14064 or equivalent, to measure Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
3. Set Reduction Goals:
   • Develop science-based targets to reduce emissions.
4. Implement Reduction Measures:
   • Prioritize efforts to minimize emissions within the organization or value chain.
5. Offset Residual Emissions:
   • Use verified carbon credits or removal measures for unavoidable emissions.
6. Communicate and Verify:
   • Disclose claims and seek third-party verification to ensure credibility.

ISO 14068-1 emphasizes high-quality offsets that meet criteria such as:

• Additionality: The offset would not have occurred without intervention.
• Permanence: The GHG removals are maintained over the long term.
• Verification: Offsets must be independently verified by recognized bodies.
• No Double Counting: Offsets must not be claimed by multiple entities.

The standard requires organizations to consider all significant Scope 3 emissions (e.g., upstream and downstream activities) in their GHG inventory. This ensures a comprehensive understanding of the carbon footprint.

For products, services, or events, ISO 14068-1 requires the use of lifecycle assessments (e.g., ISO 14040/14044) to ensure all emissions across the product's lifecycle are considered.

The standard requires:

• Full transparency in claims and disclosures.
• Verification of all emission reductions, removals, and offsets.
• Avoidance of misleading language or exaggerated environmental benefits

• Carbon Neutrality: Balancing emissions through reductions and offsets for a defined scope or activity.
• Net-Zero: Achieving near-zero emissions across all operations and value chains, with residual emissions offset by removals.

The standard requires periodic reviews, typically aligned with reporting periods, to:

• Reassess GHG inventories.
• Monitor progress on reduction targets.
• Adjust offset strategies as necessary.

No, the standard focuses solely on achieving and maintaining carbon neutrality. Adaptation and resilience to climate change are covered by other standards, such as ISO 14090 (climate adaptation).

The standard aligns with SDG goals like:

• Goal 13: Climate Action (reducing emissions and promoting carbon neutrality).
• Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (emphasizing lifecycle impacts).
• Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy (encouraging renewable energy use).

No, certification is voluntary. However, organizations may choose certification to demonstrate commitment to carbon neutrality and to enhance credibility.

• Enhanced reputation and stakeholder trust.
• Reduced regulatory risks and compliance with climate policies.
• Contribution to global climate action goals.
• Improved operational efficiency and cost savings from reduced emissions