ISO 14064-1 Standard is part of a series of ISO 14064 standards that focus on GHG management and accounting. The standard provides a comprehensive framework for organizations to quantify, monitor, report, and verify their greenhouse gas emissions and removals. By following the guidance provided in the standard, organizations can more accurately measure their GHG footprint, identify opportunities for emissions reductions, and contribute to global efforts to address climate change.
ISO 14064-1 Standard is similar to the GHG Protocol in that it provides a framework for GHG accounting and reporting. However, there are some differences in the way the two standards are structured and the specific guidance they provide. Particularly, ISO 14064-1 Standard provides more detailed guidance on the verification of GHG emissions data than the GHG Protocol.
Both ISO 14064-1 and the GHG Protocol are widely recognized frameworks for GHG accounting and reporting, and many companies use both standards to manage their GHG emissions. However, some companies may choose to focus on one standard over the other, depending on their specific needs and priorities.
Scope of emissions
In ISO 14064-1 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are classified into two categories: direct and indirect emissions.
Direct emissions, also known as Scope 1 emissions, are emissions that result from sources that are owned or controlled by the reporting organization. This includes emissions from combustion of fuels in boilers, vehicles, and other equipment, as well as emissions from industrial processes.
Indirect emissions, also known as Scope 2 and 3 emissions, are emissions that result from sources that are not owned or controlled by the reporting organization, but are associated with the organization’s activities. Indirect emissions are further divided into two categories:
- Scope 2 emissions: Indirect emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity, heat, or steam. These emissions are associated with the production of the energy used by the reporting organization, but are not emitted by the organization itself.
- Scope 3 emissions: All other indirect emissions that are not included in Scope 2. These emissions may include emissions from the production of purchased goods and services, employee commuting, waste disposal, and other activities that are associated with the reporting organization’s operations but occur outside of the organization’s boundaries.
By distinguishing between direct and indirect emissions, ISO 14064-1 allows organizations to more accurately measure their GHG footprint and identify opportunities for emissions reductions. This information can be used to develop strategies to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and promote sustainable practices.
ISO 14064-1 Standard structure
The ISO 14064-1 standard consists of the following main sections:
- Scope: This section defines the scope of the standard, including the types of GHG emissions and removals that are covered.
- Normative references: This section lists other standards and guidance documents that are referred to in the standard.
- Terms and definitions: The main terms and definitions used in the standard.
- Principles: This section provides definitions of key principles that any organization engaged in GHG management should apply.
- GHG Inventory Boundaries: This section outlines the requirements for defining organizational boundaries and establishing reporting boundaries. It is also defines direct and indirect emissions and inventory categories.
- Quantification approaches: This section addresses GHG sources and sinks, quantification approaches, data collection and emissions calculation, as well as base year setting.
- Mitigation activities: This section provides guidance on GHG mitigation and removal initiatives, projects, targets.
- GHG Inventory quality management: This section guides GHG Information management, document retention and record keeping, and uncertainties assessment.
- Reporting: This section outlines the requirements for reporting GHG emissions and removals, including guidance on the format and content of GHG inventories.
- Organization role in verification activities