Within the ISO 14064 series, ISO 14064-1 and ISO 14064-2 are the primary standards that address GHG accounting and verification, respectively.

ISO 14064-1: Greenhouse Gas Accounting

 ISO 14064-1 sets out principles, requirements, and guidelines for organizations to develop and report their GHG inventories. It provides a structured approach to quantify GHG emissions and removals, enabling organizations to understand, manage, and report their carbon footprint.

Key components of ISO 14064-1 include:

 Organizational Boundaries: Defining the organizational boundaries within which GHG emissions and removals are to be accounted for. This includes identifying operational boundaries and determining which emission sources and removal activities are included.

GHG Emission Sources: Categorizing and quantifying GHG emissions from various sources, including direct emissions (Scope 1), indirect emissions from energy consumption (Scope 2), and other indirect emissions (Scope 3).

Data Collection and Calculation Methodologies: Establishing robust methodologies for collecting data on GHG emissions and removals. This may involve using emission factors, activity data, and other relevant parameters to calculate GHG emissions accurately.

Reporting: Presenting GHG inventory data in a transparent, accurate, and consistent manner. ISO 14064-1 provides guidance on the content and format of GHG inventory reports to ensure they meet the needs of stakeholders.

ISO 14064-2: Greenhouse Gas Verification

ISO 14064-2 complements ISO 14064-1 by providing requirements and guidance for the verification of GHG inventories. Verification involves independent assessment by qualified third parties to confirm the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of GHG inventory data and reporting processes.

Key aspects of ISO 14064-2 include: 

Verification Process: Defining the scope, objectives, and criteria for GHG inventory verification. This includes assessing data collection procedures, calculation methodologies, and the overall quality management system.

Verification Activities: Conducting on-site visits, data reviews, interviews, and other verification activities to evaluate the accuracy and completeness of GHG inventory data. Verifiers may also assess the organization's adherence to ISO 14064-1 requirements.

Verification Report: Documenting the findings of the verification process in a verification report. This report provides assurance to stakeholders regarding the credibility and reliability of the GHG inventory and its compliance with ISO 14064 standards.

Benefits of ISO 14064:

Credibility and Transparency: ISO 14064 standards enhance the credibility and transparency of GHG accounting and reporting practices, facilitating trust and confidence among stakeholders.

Informed Decision-Making: Accurate and reliable GHG inventories enable organizations to make informed decisions regarding carbon management strategies, resource allocation, and risk mitigation.

Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with ISO 14064 standards can help organizations meet regulatory requirements related to GHG reporting and verification.

Continuous Improvement: The ISO 14064 framework encourages organizations to continuously improve their GHG accounting and verification processes, driving efficiency and effectiveness in carbon management initiatives.

In summary, ISO 14064 provides a robust framework for organizations to account for and verify their GHG emissions, supporting efforts to address climate change and promote sustainable development. By adhering to ISO 14064 standards, organizations can enhance their environmental performance, mitigate risks, and demonstrate leadership in combating climate change.