ISO 14064 - Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Accounting
Measure, Report, Verify Climate Impact
Climate change is the defining challenge of our time. Investors, customers, regulators, and communities demand that organizations measure, report, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Yet many organizations struggle with inconsistent GHG accounting, lack of credibility in emissions claims, and difficulty demonstrating progress toward net zero goals. Without standardized, verified GHG accounting, organizations face greenwashing accusations, stakeholder skepticism, and inability to participate in carbon markets. At Glocert International, we specialize in providing independent third-party ISO 14064 verification that validates your organization's greenhouse gas inventory and emissions reporting. As a leader in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification industry, we conduct thorough ISO 14064 verification audits that ensure your GHG data meets international standards, helping you quantify emissions accurately, demonstrate climate action credibly, support net zero commitments, and access carbon markets.
What is ISO 14064?
ISO 14064 is the international standard for greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting and verification. Published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO 14064 is a family of three standards that provide clarity and consistency for quantifying, monitoring, reporting, and verifying GHG emissions and removals.
The ISO 14064 family consists of three parts that work together to provide comprehensive GHG accounting and verification:
ISO 14064 Standard Family
ISO 14064-1
Organization Level GHG Inventory
Specifies requirements for designing, developing, managing, and reporting organizational GHG inventories including scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
ISO 14064-2
Project Level GHG Accounting
Specifies requirements for quantifying, monitoring, and reporting GHG emission reductions or removal enhancements from climate change mitigation projects.
ISO 14064-3
GHG Verification and Validation
Specifies requirements for verifying GHG inventories and validating/verifying GHG projects, providing principles and requirements for verification bodies.
Key Components of ISO 14064
- GHG Inventory: Systematic quantification of organizational emissions across all scopes
- Scope Classification: Clear categorization of direct and indirect emissions (Scope 1, 2, 3)
- Emission Sources: Identification and quantification of all GHG sources and sinks
- Quantification Methods: Standardized calculation methodologies and emission factors
- Data Management: Quality control for GHG data collection and management
- Reporting: Transparent disclosure of GHG information
- Third-Party Verification: Independent assurance of GHG inventory accuracy
- Continuous Improvement: Ongoing enhancement of GHG management
Why is ISO 14064 Important?
ISO 14064 is essential for organizations seeking to demonstrate credible climate action. Here's why this standard is crucial:
1. Climate Action and Net Zero Commitments
Organizations face mounting pressure for climate action:
- Thousands of organizations committing to net zero targets by 2050
- Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) requiring verified baseline emissions
- Paris Agreement creating global momentum for emissions reduction
- Investors demanding climate risk disclosure and emissions transparency
- Customers preferring low-carbon products and services
- Employees seeking climate-conscious employers
2. Regulatory and Disclosure Requirements
Mandatory GHG reporting expanding globally:
- EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requiring scope 1, 2, 3 emissions
- SEC climate disclosure rules (proposed) for US public companies
- UK mandatory climate disclosures for large companies
- Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations
- CDP (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project) requiring GHG data
- National and regional carbon pricing schemes requiring verified emissions
3. Credibility and Greenwashing Prevention
ISO 14064 verification provides credibility for climate claims by preventing greenwashing accusations through third-party assurance, ensuring consistency and comparability of emissions data, demonstrating methodological rigor in GHG accounting, building stakeholder trust in emissions reporting, and providing defensible basis for carbon neutrality claims.
4. Carbon Markets and Climate Finance
Access to carbon markets and climate finance requires verified GHG data including participation in voluntary carbon markets, generation of credible carbon credits, access to green bonds and sustainable finance, eligibility for carbon offset programs, and compliance with carbon trading schemes.
5. Supply Chain Requirements
Large organizations increasingly require suppliers to measure and reduce scope 3 emissions, necessitating verified GHG inventories for supplier qualification, demonstrating emissions performance to customers, participating in supply chain decarbonization programs, and meeting customer carbon footprint reporting requirements.
ISO 14064 GHG Accounting Framework
ISO 14064 provides comprehensive guidance on greenhouse gas accounting and verification:
GHG Emission Scopes
Scope 1: Direct Emissions
Emissions from sources owned or controlled by the organization: stationary combustion (boilers, furnaces), mobile combustion (company vehicles, fleet), process emissions (manufacturing), fugitive emissions (refrigerants, leaks)
Scope 2: Indirect Emissions
Emissions from purchased energy: electricity consumption, purchased heat, purchased steam, purchased cooling. Can be reported using location-based or market-based methods.
Scope 3: Value Chain Emissions
All other indirect emissions: purchased goods/services, upstream transportation, business travel, employee commuting, waste, downstream transportation, product use, end-of-life treatment. 15 categories under GHG Protocol.
Six Greenhouse Gases (Kyoto Protocol)
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Primary greenhouse gas from fossil fuel combustion
- Methane (CH₄): From agriculture, waste, natural gas systems (28-36x CO₂ warming potential)
- Nitrous Oxide (N₂O): From agriculture, combustion (265-298x CO₂ warming potential)
- Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): Refrigerants, air conditioning (12-14,800x CO₂ warming potential)
- Perfluorocarbons (PFCs): Aluminum production, electronics (7,390-12,200x CO₂ warming potential)
- Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF₆): Electrical equipment (22,800x CO₂ warming potential)
All emissions are reported in CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) using Global Warming Potential (GWP) factors.
Quantification Methodologies
- Activity Data x Emission Factor: Most common approach (e.g., fuel consumed x CO₂ factor)
- Mass Balance: For process emissions based on material inputs/outputs
- Direct Measurement: Continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS)
- Modeling and Estimation: For scope 3 and complex sources
Benefits of ISO 14064 Verification
Achieving ISO 14064 verification provides organizations with numerous strategic, reputational, and operational benefits:
Credible Climate Claims
Third-party assurance for carbon neutral and net zero claims.
Regulatory Compliance
Meet mandatory GHG reporting and disclosure requirements.
Investor Confidence
Demonstrate climate risk management to ESG investors.
Carbon Market Access
Participate in carbon trading and offset programs.
Supply Chain Qualification
Meet customer requirements for scope 3 emissions data.
Emission Reduction Insights
Identify opportunities to reduce emissions and costs.
Stakeholder Trust
Build credibility with customers, employees, communities.
Global Recognition
Internationally recognized GHG verification standard.
Our ISO 14064 Verification Process
At Glocert International, we follow a structured and systematic approach to conduct ISO 14064 verification. Our verification process is designed to be transparent, thorough, and supportive, ensuring that your GHG inventory meets all ISO 14064 requirements:
Engagement and Scope Definition
Define verification scope, boundaries, materiality, and assurance level (limited or reasonable).
Risk Assessment and Planning
Assess GHG assertion risks, identify material emission sources, plan verification approach.
Document Review
Review GHG inventory report, quantification methodologies, emission factors, data management processes.
Site Visits and Data Verification
Conduct site visits, interview personnel, verify activity data, test calculations, assess data quality.
Evaluation of Findings
Evaluate conformance with ISO 14064, assess materiality of any discrepancies.
Verification Opinion
Issue verification statement confirming GHG inventory accuracy and conformance with ISO 14064.
Annual Re-verification
Annual verification to ensure continued accuracy of GHG inventory and reporting.
Assurance Levels: We offer both Limited Assurance (moderate level of assurance) and Reasonable Assurance (high level of assurance) depending on your needs and stakeholder requirements.
Steps in Obtaining ISO 14064 Verification
While obtaining ISO 14064 verification may seem daunting, following a structured approach makes the process manageable. Here's the path your organization should take:
- Define Organizational Boundaries: Establish organizational boundaries using equity share, operational control, or financial control approach.
- Define Reporting Period: Establish base year and reporting period (typically calendar year or fiscal year).
- Identify GHG Sources and Sinks: Comprehensively identify all emission sources across scope 1, 2, and 3.
- Select Quantification Methodology: Choose appropriate quantification approach and emission factors for each source.
- Establish Data Management System: Implement systems to collect, manage, and quality-control GHG activity data.
- Collect Activity Data: Gather data on energy consumption, fuel use, refrigerant purchases, waste, travel, etc.
- Calculate Emissions: Apply emission factors to activity data to quantify GHG emissions in CO₂e.
- Quantify Scope 1 Emissions: Calculate direct emissions from owned/controlled sources.
- Quantify Scope 2 Emissions: Calculate indirect emissions from purchased energy (location-based and/or market-based).
- Quantify Scope 3 Emissions: Assess relevance and quantify significant scope 3 categories.
- Assess Data Quality: Evaluate uncertainty, completeness, and accuracy of GHG data.
- Prepare GHG Inventory Report: Document GHG inventory following ISO 14064-1 requirements.
- Internal Review and Quality Assurance: Conduct internal review of GHG calculations and report.
- Select Verification Body: Choose accredited verification body like Glocert International.
- Define Verification Scope: Agree on verification scope, boundaries, materiality, and assurance level.
- Undergo Verification Audit: Participate in verification process including document review and site visits.
- Address Verification Findings: Resolve any non-conformities or material discrepancies identified.
- Receive Verification Statement: Obtain independent verification statement for your GHG inventory.
- Public Disclosure: Disclose verified GHG inventory to stakeholders (CDP, sustainability report, etc.).
- Annual Re-verification: Maintain verification through annual re-verification of GHG inventory.
Typical Timeline: First-time ISO 14064 verification typically takes 3-6 months from inventory preparation to verification statement, depending on organizational complexity and data availability.
ISO 14064 Verification Pricing
Our ISO 14064 verification pricing is transparent and based on your organization's size, complexity, and scope. We offer competitive rates with no hidden fees. Contact us for a customized quote tailored to your specific needs.
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Get a personalized estimate based on your organization's size, emission sources, scope 3 complexity, and assurance level requirements.
Contact Us for PricingWhat's Included in ISO 14064 Verification Pricing:
- GHG inventory document review
- Risk assessment and verification planning
- Site visits and data verification (scope-dependent)
- Activity data sampling and testing
- Emission calculation verification
- Independent verification statement
- Technical review and quality assurance
- Annual re-verification (if required)
Note: ISO 14064 verification pricing may vary based on emission source complexity, number of sites, scope 3 inclusion, assurance level (limited vs. reasonable), and multi-year agreements. Small organizations typically start from $4,000, medium organizations from $7,000. Contact us for a detailed, no-obligation quote.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find answers to common questions about ISO 14064 verification:
ISO 14064 is the international standard for greenhouse gas accounting and verification. You need it to quantify emissions accurately using standardized methodology, gain third-party assurance for climate claims, meet regulatory GHG reporting requirements, demonstrate credibility to investors and stakeholders, support net zero and carbon neutral commitments, participate in carbon markets, and meet customer supply chain requirements.
ISO 14064 is a family of three standards: ISO 14064-1 specifies requirements for organizational GHG inventories (scope 1, 2, 3 emissions for companies). ISO 14064-2 specifies requirements for project-level GHG accounting (emission reduction or removal projects, carbon credits). ISO 14064-3 specifies requirements for GHG verification and validation (process for verification bodies to verify inventories and projects). Most organizations start with ISO 14064-1 for their corporate GHG inventory.
The three scopes classify emissions: Scope 1 are direct emissions from sources you own/control (company vehicles, on-site fuel combustion, process emissions). Scope 2 are indirect emissions from purchased energy (electricity, heat, steam, cooling). Scope 3 are all other indirect emissions in your value chain (purchased goods, business travel, employee commuting, product use, waste). Scope 3 typically represents 70-90% of total emissions but is most complex to measure. ISO 14064 requires reporting all three scopes.
The timeline varies based on organizational complexity and data readiness. Typically, ISO 14064 verification takes 3-6 months for first-time verification, including inventory preparation (2-4 months) and verification process (1-2 months). Annual re-verification is faster, typically 1-2 months. Complex organizations with many sites, diverse emission sources, or extensive scope 3 may take longer. Good data management systems significantly accelerate the process.
While not legally required in most jurisdictions, ISO 14064 verification is essential for credible carbon neutral claims. Without third-party verification, carbon neutral claims lack credibility and risk greenwashing accusations. Major carbon neutral standards (PAS 2060, Climate Neutral Certification) require verified GHG inventories. Stakeholders (investors, customers, regulators) increasingly demand independently verified emissions data. ISO 14064 verification provides the assurance needed for defensible climate claims.
ISO 14064 verification costs vary based on organization size, emission source complexity, number of sites, scope 3 inclusion, and assurance level. Small organizations typically start from $4,000, medium organizations from $7,000, and large multi-national organizations require custom pricing. Limited assurance is less expensive than reasonable assurance. Annual re-verification is typically 50-70% of initial verification cost. The cost is modest compared to the benefits of credible GHG data and stakeholder confidence. Contact us for a detailed quote.
Assurance level affects verification rigor: Limited assurance provides moderate confidence that GHG data is materially accurate (most common, less costly, less testing required). Reasonable assurance provides high confidence that GHG data is materially accurate (more rigorous, more costly, extensive testing). Most organizations start with limited assurance, which is sufficient for most stakeholder requirements. Reasonable assurance may be required for carbon credit projects, regulatory compliance, or when stakeholders demand highest confidence. We can advise on appropriate assurance level for your needs.
Yes, ISO 14064-1:2018 requires organizations to quantify material Scope 3 emissions. Organizations must assess all 15 scope 3 categories for relevance, quantify material categories, and report rationale for exclusions. Scope 3 typically represents the largest portion of total footprint (70-90%). Many regulatory requirements (EU CSRD, SEC proposed rules) now require scope 3. Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) requires scope 3 for most organizations. Scope 3 is challenging but essential for comprehensive climate action. We can help you prioritize and quantify material scope 3 categories.
ISO 14064 and GHG Protocol are compatible and complementary. GHG Protocol Corporate Standard provides detailed guidance on GHG accounting methodology. ISO 14064-1 provides requirements for GHG management systems and verification. ISO 14064-1:2018 was revised to align closely with GHG Protocol. Organizations can use GHG Protocol guidance for quantification and ISO 14064-1 for management system and verification requirements. Most organizations use both: GHG Protocol for "how to calculate" and ISO 14064 for "how to manage and verify".
After verification, you receive a verification statement confirming your GHG inventory accuracy. You can disclose verified emissions to stakeholders (CDP, sustainability report, website, investor communications), use verification statement to support carbon neutral claims, submit verified data for regulatory compliance, demonstrate credibility to customers and supply chain partners, and establish baseline for science-based targets. Annual re-verification is recommended to maintain credibility and track progress toward reduction goals.
Yes, ISO 14064 integrates naturally with ISO 14001 (Environmental Management System). ISO 14064 GHG accounting can be incorporated into ISO 14001 environmental management. Both standards use similar risk-based thinking and management system approach. Organizations with ISO 14001 can add GHG quantification and verification requirements from ISO 14064. Climate change and GHG emissions are increasingly important environmental aspects within ISO 14001. Integration provides comprehensive environmental and climate management.
Why Choose Glocert for ISO 14064 Verification?
Accreditations
Glocert International is a globally accredited Conformity Assessment Body for ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 by IAS Inc, USA, a member of the IAF (International Accreditation Forum) and signatory to a number of bilateral, regional and international agreements.
This provides international recognition and acceptance to certificates issued by Glocert International in the following schemes:
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems (QMS)
- ISO 20000-1 – Information Technology Service Management Systems (ITSMS)
- ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management Systems (BCMS)
- ISO 27001 – Information Security Management Systems (ISMS)
- ISO/IEC 27701 – Privacy Information Management Systems (PIMS)
- ISO 55001 – Asset Management Systems (AMS)
Expertise in GHG Verification
Our team of experienced GHG verifiers possess in-depth knowledge of ISO 14064, GHG Protocol, emission quantification methodologies, scope 3 accounting, and industry-specific emission sources. Our verifiers include engineers, environmental scientists, and carbon accounting specialists. We understand different industries (manufacturing, energy, technology, finance, logistics) and their unique emission profiles. We conduct thorough ISO 14064 verification that assesses your quantification methodology, activity data quality, emission calculations, and reporting completeness.
Continuous Verification Support
Beyond initial ISO 14064 verification, we provide ongoing verification services through annual re-verification to help you track emissions reduction progress and maintain stakeholder confidence. We pride ourselves in providing the highest standard of verification services in the industry and it is a major reason why more and more organizations choose us as their verification partner for their ISO 14064 verification needs.
Related Services
Many organizations combine ISO 14064 GHG verification with other certifications for comprehensive environmental and sustainability management. ISO 14064 pairs naturally with ISO 14001 for environmental management systems. Consider also ISO 50001 for energy management or ISO 9001 for quality management to create an integrated management system framework supporting sustainability goals.
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