Carbon Neutrality
Free guide to ISO 14068-1:2023 - principles and requirements for achieving carbon neutrality, covering GHG footprints and reduction targets.
- Carbon Neutrality Claims
- GHG Footprint
- Reduction Targets
- Carbon Offsetting
- Net Zero Pathway
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About ISO 14068:2023 - Carbon Neutrality
ISO 14068-1:2023 provides principles, requirements, and guidance for achieving and claiming carbon neutrality. It establishes a rigorous, internationally recognized framework for organizations, products, events, and projects to demonstrate that their net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are zero.
The standard defines carbon neutrality as a state in which the GHG footprint of a subject has been reduced to zero through a combination of GHG reductions and the use of high-quality carbon credits to compensate for any remaining emissions. ISO 14068-1 requires that carbon neutrality claims be supported by a credible GHG footprint quantification (using ISO 14064-1 for organizations or ISO 14067 for products), a documented GHG reduction pathway aligned with science-based targets, and the use of carbon credits that meet strict quality criteria.
The standard specifies requirements for the GHG reduction commitment - organizations must demonstrate year-on-year absolute reductions in their GHG footprint and must not rely solely on carbon credits to achieve carbon neutrality claims. Carbon credits used for compensation must be real, additional, permanent, independently verified, and retired in a recognized registry.
ISO 14068-1 also specifies requirements for carbon neutrality claims and communications, including the distinction between carbon neutral claims for the current year and net zero claims that represent a long-term state. Third-party verification of carbon neutrality claims against ISO 14068-1 is conducted by bodies accredited under ISO 14065.
The standard is used by organizations pursuing science-based net zero targets, responding to CDP questionnaires, meeting supply chain decarbonization requirements, and making credible public carbon neutrality claims. It works within the broader ISO 14060 family alongside ISO 14064, ISO 14065, ISO 14066, and ISO 14067.
Source: ReadSafety.com - Free ISO Educational Resource by USQC · readsafety.com/iso/14068