Corporate Carbon Footprint Verification – ISO 14064-1 and GHG Protocol

Carbon footprint verification at organizational level by ISO 14064-1

ISO 14064-1 sets a series of standards for measuring, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas emissions. This standard requires organizations to verify their greenhouse gas emissions, including their carbon footprint.

A carbon footprint is a measure of an organization’s greenhouse gas emissions. ISO 14064-1  requires organizations to verify their carbon footprints. This verification must be conducted by an independent third party.

Verification includes verifying the conformity of the organization’s greenhouse gas measurement, reporting, and verification processes with ISO 14064-1 standards. Through verification, organizations demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of their greenhouse gas emissions.

According to ISO 14064-1, the verification process consists of three stages:

• Initial verification: Planning the verification process and determining requirements.
• Site verification: Measuring greenhouse gas emissions and identifying sources.
• Reporting and verification: Reporting data and preparing a verification report.

Carbon footprint verification can help organizations to identify policies and strategies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the verification process allows organizations to gain better understanding of their greenhouse gas emissions and to develop effective carbon management plans.

How to get ISO 14064-1 verified?

To obtain ISO 14064-1 statement, organizations must follow these steps:

1. Familiarize yourself with the ISO 14064-1 standard and its requirements.
2.  Develop and implement a greenhouse gas management system that conforms to the requirements of the ISO 14064-1 standard.
3. Conduct a self-assessment of the greenhouse gas management system to ensure that it meets the requirements of the ISO 14064-1 standard.
4. Engage an independent third-party certification body to conduct an audit and verify that the greenhouse gas management system meets the requirements of the ISO 14064-1 standard.
5. Address any non-conformities identified during the audit and implement corrective actions.
6. Obtain statement from the third-party certification body, which will issue a statement and logo that can be used on company communications.

Although the ISO 14064-1 notification may seem like a one-off, it is important not to forget to ensure continuous compliance with the ISO 14064-1 standard and continue to improve their systems, by continuing the process regularly every year in order to increase the awareness of the organizations and reduce the amount of emissions.

Why certify according to the ISO 14064-1 standard?

There are several reasons why organizations choose to certify according to the ISO 14064-1 standard:

• Credibility: ISO 14064-1 certification provides credibility to an organization’s greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint reporting. It demonstrates to stakeholders that the organization has implemented a credible greenhouse gas management system and that its reported emissions are accurate and reliable.
• Competitive Advantage: Certification according to the ISO 14064-1 standard can provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace, especially for companies that want to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
• Regulatory Compliance: ISO 14064-1 certification can help organizations comply with environmental regulations related to greenhouse gas emissions and carbon reporting. It provides a framework for measuring, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas emissions that is consistent with international standards.
• Improved Resource Management: The ISO 14064-1 standard provides a framework for organizations to better understand their greenhouse gas emissions and identify opportunities for improvement in resource management. This can lead to cost savings, improved efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.
• Positive Reputation: Certification according to the ISO 14064-1 standard can help enhance an organization’s reputation as an environmentally responsible and sustainable business. It can improve stakeholder trust and confidence in the organization’s environmental performance.