ISO 14064 Explained: Simplifying GHG Accounting and Verification

One way to show your commitment to climate responsibility is by obtaining ISO 14064 Certification.

If you are wondering how to get ISO 14064 certification, this blog will walk you through the entire process from understanding the standard to obtaining third-party verification and maintaining compliance.

What is ISO 14064?

ISO 14064 is an international standard that assists organizations in measuring and reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By getting ISO 14064 Certification, businesses are able to pledge towards environmental protection and contribute to efforts to reduce the global carbon footprint. It focuses on:

• Quantification: Calculation and measurement of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by a firm.

• Management: Establish and implement measures to reduce GHG emissions.

• Reporting: Communicating GHG emissions data and reduction efforts to the clients.

Benefits of ISO 14064 Certification

1. Implies that your organization complies with the GHG regulatory standards that many other organizations worldwide follow.

2. Establishes a clear framework to achieve carbon reduction targets.

3. Ensures GHG reporting through accurate and transparent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data.

4. Improves operational efficiency by identifying emission sources and reducing resource waste.

5. Positions your company as a responsible, environmentally conscious leader.

How to Achieve ISO 14064 Certification?

Getting ISO 14064 certification is a simple way to be known for taking steps toward reducing greenhouse gases. Let's understand each step in detail:

Step 1: Familiarize yourself with the ISO 14064 Standard

ISO 14064 is divided into three parts, each addressing a specific aspect of GHG management:

1. ISO 14064-1 gives the requirements and principles for the development of GHG inventories at the organizational level.

2. ISO 14064-2 provides guidance for quantifying and reporting GHG emission reductions or removal enhancements at the project level.

3. ISO 14064-3 validates and verifies GHG statements through independent third-party audits.

Step 2: Assess Current Emissions Management Practices

Evaluate how your organization is currently managing greenhouse gas emissions. Identifying all relevant sources of emissions and reviewing existing processes and controls to ensure compliance. This internal assessment will help you find gaps and areas for improvement before building your GHG inventory.

Step 3: Develop a GHG Inventory (ISO 14064-1)

An organization must build a GHG inventory to comply with ISO 14064-1. It encompasses:

• Defining the boundaries of the organization on an operational control or equity share basis.

• Select a start year and a reporting period to allow for comparison over time.

• Emissions identification and classification:
  Scope 1: Direct emissions from sources owned.
  Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam or heat generation.
  Scope 3: Indirect emissions such as business travel or downstream supply chain impacts.

Step 4: Establish Quantifiable Reduction Goals

Once you are satisfied with your GHG inventory, you will then have to determine emission reduction targets. They should be as specific, measurable and targeted as possible towards your climate goals. For example, an organisation might define a target of reducing Scope 2 emissions by 20% within three years through sources of renewable energy.

Step 5: Implement Emission Reduction Strategies

You want to create and put in place feasible emission reduction strategies based on your targets. This might be:

• Upgrading to energy-efficient tools and equipment

• Optimizing transportation or logistics

• Using renewable energy

• Redesigning processes that created waste itself

Consider following ISO 14064-2 where it makes sense to as it specifies the documentation, quantification and monitoring of reduction projects.

Step 6: Monitor and Report Emissions

Monitoring emissions on a regular basis helps ensure consistent data and an update on your reduction progress. This includes:

• Collecting emissions data on a regular basis

• Updating emission factors and reviewing them

• Recording changes and improvements in performance

• Be honest in every report

*Monitoring may also point out any errors or anomalies prior to third-party verification.

Step 7: Conduct an Internal Review

Before carrying out external verification, conduct a strict internal verification of your GHG report and inventory. Internal verification confirms that the data conforms to the ISO 14064 standard and corrects any errors at the earliest moment. Internal verification will also prepare the team for verification as well.

Step 8: Engage a Third-Party Verification Body (ISO 14064-3)

To get GHG accounting certification, organizations must conduct an independent verification process as prescribed under ISO 14064-3. This is to be conducted by a third party organization called a Validation and Verification Body (VVB) such as INTERCERT.

The verification process includes:

1. A review of all documents

2. Assessment of risks and sampling data

3. Site visits and staff discussions(if applicable).

4. Evaluation of methodologies and calculation processes.

5. Formal verification report and opinion.

Step 9: Apply for the ISO 14064 Certificate

Once the third-party verification is done, it's time to submit your GHG report, verification statement and related documents to a certifying body like INTERCERT. If all requirements are met, you will be issued an ISO 14064 GHG Accounting Certification after carefully verifying that your greenhouse gas inventory and practices conform to international standards.

Step 10: Maintenance of Certificate

The job does not end when you receive the certificate. The ISO 14064 GHG accounting certification is valid for a specified duration and requires constant conformance. To maintain your certificate up to date:

• Regularly update your GHG inventory

• Monitor and adjust emission strategies as needed

• Get ready for timely verification and audits

• Transparent reporting and documentation

Wrap up

Getting ISO 14064 Certification is a smart decision for organizations that are committed to sustainability, carbon accountability and climate-conscious leadership. From building a solid GHG inventory to undergoing third-party verification, every step contributes to greater transparency and measurable climate impact.

If you want to start your GHG verification journey, get in touch with our team at INTERCERT. We specialize in auditing businesses through each stage of the ISO 14064 certification process with clarity and confidence.