As climate accountability becomes a core business requirement, organizations are under increasing pressure to accurately measure, manage, and report their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. ISO 14064 certification provides a globally recognized framework for quantifying, verifying, and reporting emissions consistently and transparently.
ISO 14064 helps organizations demonstrate environmental responsibility, meet regulatory and stakeholder expectations, and build trust through verified emissions data.
What Is ISO 14064?
ISO 14064 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that focuses on greenhouse gas accounting and verification. It provides guidance for organizations to:
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Quantify GHG emissions and removals
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Develop credible emissions inventories
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Validate and verify emissions data
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Report emissions in a transparent and consistent way
The standard is widely used by companies, governments, and verification bodies across industries.
Parts of ISO 14064 Standard
ISO 14064 is divided into three parts:
ISO 14064-1 – Organizational GHG Inventories
Focuses on measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions and removals at the organizational level.
ISO 14064-2 – GHG Projects
Covers quantification, monitoring, and reporting of emission reduction or removal projects.
ISO 14064-3 – Verification and Validation
Specifies requirements for validating and verifying GHG statements to ensure accuracy and credibility.
Why ISO 14064 Certification Is Important
ISO 14064 certification helps organizations:
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Establish credible and auditable emissions data
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Support ESG, sustainability, and net-zero goals
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Improve transparency with investors, regulators, and customers
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Prepare for carbon regulations and reporting requirements
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Strengthen environmental governance and risk management
Verified emissions reporting also reduces the risk of greenwashing claims and reputational damage.
Who Should Get ISO 14064 Certification?
ISO 14064 certification is relevant for:
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Manufacturing and industrial companies
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Energy, utilities, and infrastructure firms
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Logistics, transportation, and aviation companies
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Corporations with ESG or sustainability reporting obligations
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Organizations participating in carbon markets or offset programs
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Businesses preparing for regulatory carbon disclosures
Any organization tracking or reducing greenhouse gas emissions can benefit.
ISO 14064 Certification Process (Detailed Explanation)
The ISO 14064 certification process is a structured approach that helps organizations accurately quantify, manage, and verify their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Each stage builds on the previous one to ensure credibility, transparency, and audit readiness.
1. Initial Gap Analysis
The process begins with a comprehensive gap analysis to evaluate the organization’s current GHG management practices against ISO 14064 requirements.
This stage involves:
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Reviewing existing emissions data and sustainability records
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Assessing current measurement methods and calculation tools
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Identifying gaps in data accuracy, documentation, or controls
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Defining organizational and operational boundaries
The outcome is a clear roadmap outlining corrective actions needed to achieve compliance.
2. Defining Organizational Boundaries and Scope
Clear boundary definition is essential for accurate emissions reporting. During this step, the organization determines:
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Organizational boundaries (equity share or control approach)
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Operational boundaries across Scope 1, Scope 2, and relevant Scope 3 emissions
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Inclusion or exclusion of subsidiaries, facilities, and joint ventures
This ensures consistency and prevents underreporting or double counting of emissions.
3. Identification of Emission Sources
All relevant emission sources are systematically identified, including:
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Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources
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Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heat, or steam
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Other indirect emissions such as transportation, waste, or supply chain activities
Each source is documented to establish a complete and auditable emissions inventory.
4. Data Collection and Activity Measurement
Accurate data collection is critical to ISO 14064 compliance. This phase includes:
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Gathering activity data such as fuel consumption, electricity usage, and operational metrics
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Validating data sources for reliability and consistency
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Establishing data collection methodologies and controls
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Addressing data gaps through estimation techniques where necessary
Robust data management practices reduce audit risks and ensure reporting accuracy.
5. GHG Quantification and Calculations
Once data is collected, emissions are calculated using approved methodologies and emission factors.
This step involves:
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Applying internationally recognized emission factors
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Converting activity data into CO₂-equivalent emissions
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Ensuring consistency in units, assumptions, and calculation logic
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Documenting calculation methods for transparency
Accurate quantification forms the foundation of credible emissions reporting.
6. Development of GHG Inventory and Reports
A formal GHG inventory report is prepared in accordance with ISO 14064-1 requirements.
The report typically includes:
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Organizational profile and boundary definitions
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Description of emission sources and scopes
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Detailed emissions calculations and totals
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Methodologies, assumptions, and limitations
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Internal controls and quality assurance processes
This report serves as the primary document for verification and stakeholder communication.
7. Internal Review and Quality Assurance
Before external verification, an internal review is conducted to ensure:
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Data completeness and accuracy
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Alignment with ISO 14064 clauses
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Consistency across reporting periods
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Proper documentation and recordkeeping
This step minimizes nonconformities during third-party audits.
8. Independent Verification and Validation
An accredited verification body conducts an independent assessment of the GHG inventory.
Verification activities include:
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Review of documentation and calculation methods
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Sampling and testing of emissions data
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Interviews with relevant personnel
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Site visits, if required
The objective is to confirm that the GHG statement is accurate, complete, and compliant with ISO 14064.
9. Resolution of Nonconformities
If the verifier identifies gaps or nonconformities, corrective actions must be implemented.
This may involve:
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Revising calculations or assumptions
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Improving data controls
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Updating documentation
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Providing additional evidence
Once resolved, the verification process proceeds to final approval.
10. Certification and Ongoing Compliance
After successful verification, the organization receives ISO 14064 certification or a verified GHG statement.
Post-certification activities include:
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Maintaining emissions records for future audits
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Updating inventories annually or as required
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Monitoring changes in operations or boundaries
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Supporting continuous improvement in emissions management
Ongoing compliance ensures long-term credibility and audit readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is ISO 14064 certification used for?
ISO 14064 certification is used to measure, report, and verify an organization’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in a standardized and transparent manner. It helps organizations create credible emissions inventories, support sustainability and ESG reporting, and demonstrate accountability to regulators, investors, and customers. The standard is commonly used as a foundation for carbon management, emissions reduction planning, and participation in carbon markets or climate disclosure programs.
2. Is ISO 14064 certification mandatory for businesses?
ISO 14064 certification is not legally mandatory in most countries, but stakeholders increasingly require it. Many organizations adopt it to meet ESG reporting expectations, supply-chain requirements, investor disclosures, or regulatory preparedness. It is often requested by large customers, financial institutions, or government bodies as proof of credible emissions reporting and environmental responsibility.
3. Which emissions are covered under ISO 14064?
ISO 14064 primarily covers Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, which include direct emissions from owned or controlled sources and indirect emissions from purchased energy. Scope 3 emissions, such as supply-chain or transportation emissions, may also be included where relevant. The standard allows organizations to define boundaries clearly, ensuring emissions are reported consistently and without double counting.
4. How long does the ISO 14064 certification process take?
The duration of the ISO 14064 certification process depends on the size of the organization, complexity of operations, and availability of emissions data. For smaller or well-prepared organizations, the process may take a few weeks. Larger organizations with multiple facilities or complex supply chains may require several months to complete data collection, verification, and certification.
5. How often does ISO 14064 certification need to be updated?
ISO 14064 certification is typically reviewed and verified on an annual basis to ensure emissions data remains accurate and current. Organizations are expected to update their GHG inventories regularly, especially when there are changes in operations, facilities, or organizational boundaries. Regular updates help maintain credibility and ensure ongoing compliance with sustainability and reporting requirements.