Understanding ISO 14068: Your Guide to Carbon Neutrality 

In today’s world, with climate change being a pressing concern, organizations are increasingly focusing on sustainability and achieving carbon neutrality. This has led to growing interest in ISO 14068, a globally recognized standard for organizations seeking to manage their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and demonstrate their commitment to carbon neutrality. 

What is ISO 14068? 

ISO 14068 is a series of standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that provide a framework for organizations to: 

• Quantify their greenhouse gas emissions and removals. 
• Reduce their emissions through internal measures. 
• Offset remaining emissions through verified carbon credits. 
• Demonstrate their carbon neutrality claims through independent verification. 

There are three main parts to the ISO 14068 series: 

• ISO 14064-1: This standard specifies the requirements for quantifying and reporting greenhouse gas emissions and removals. 
• ISO 14064-2: This standard provides guidance for organizations on preparing for verification/validation of their greenhouse gas statements. 
• ISO 14065: This standard outlines the requirements and competence criteria for bodies verifying/validating greenhouse gas statements. 

Benefits of Implementing ISO 14068: 

Implementing ISO 14068 offers several benefits for organizations, including: 

• Reduced environmental impact: By actively managing and reducing their carbon footprint, organizations can contribute to combating climate change. 
• Enhanced brand reputation: Demonstrating commitment to sustainability through a recognized standard like ISO 14068 can improve brand image and reputation. 
• Increased efficiency: The process of quantifying and analyzing emissions can lead to identifying areas where an organization can improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. 
• Improved stakeholder engagement: By demonstrating transparency and accountability in their sustainability efforts, organizations can build trust and engagement with stakeholders. 

Getting Started with ISO 14068: 

The process of implementing ISO 14068 requires dedication and expertise. Here are some initial steps: 

1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the standard and its requirements. 

2. Conduct a greenhouse gas inventory to quantify your organization’s emissions. 

3. Establish a strategy for reducing emissions and achieve carbon neutrality. 

4. Choose an accredited verification body to verify your GHG statements. 

5. Continually monitor, improve, and report on your progress towards carbon neutrality. 

Important Resources: 

• International Organization for Standardization (ISO): https://www.iso.org/home.html 
• The Greenhouse Gas Protocol: https://ghgprotocol.org/ 

By taking the initiative to understand and implement ISO 14068, organizations can actively contribute to a more sustainable future while reaping the benefits of responsible environmental practices.