What is ISO 14064?

James Vjestica 28 Jul 2021

ISO 14064 is an addition to the ISO 14000 environmental management standard series which was unveiled back in 2002. 

The standard was introduced as a response to growing concerns in relation to climate change and the energy sector’s contribution towards this global issue. Since its introduction, this has allowed organisations to account and verify their Green House Gas (GHG) emissions with the intention of reducing their global footprint. 

The ISO 14064 standard is issued in three parts, as follows:

Part 1 - Outlines the principles and requirements at organisational level for the quantification and reporting of GHG emissions and its removal. This includes focused guidance on GHG management, including its design, development, management and reporting and verification.

Part 2 – Provides guidance for quantifying, monitoring and reporting of activities intended to cause emission reductions and removal enhancements from GHG projects. 

Part 3 – Defines the principles and requirements for the conducting of GHG information validation and verification, while guiding those who are conducting or managing this procedure. This can be applied to organisational or GHG project quantification, monitoring and reporting.

Why is it important to manage GHG emissions?

Global warming has become an increasing concern in recent years, and governments across the world have made a priority of tackling this issue. The energy sector has therefore been under scrutiny for its contribution towards global warming, as well as becoming a target for potential legislation being enforced as a response.

A high-profile example is the UK government’s 10-point plan for a ‘green industrial revolution’ which aims to reduce the nation’s emissions to meet a net zero-carbon target by 2050. This focuses on 10 sectors, several of which relate to energy. The importance of adhering to GHG emission obligations has become essential as it appears increasingly likely that further legislation will be passed for these long-term goals to be achieved.

With new legislation on the cards, it's paramount your business understands and adheres to these regulations to avoid crippling fines and reputational damage. 

Find out more about the government’s 10-point plan.

Benefits of adhering to the ISO 14064 standard

Implementing a quality management system that adheres to ISO 14064 will see tangible results for your business that extend beyond the general organisation of your GHG emissions. In the fast-moving and dynamic energy sector, maintaining safety, security, quality and compliance are essential daily activities that can lead to substantial benefits, including the following:

• Identify GHG related risks and opportunities
• Promote consistency and transparency around your GHG quantification, monitoring, reporting and reduction
• Build the trust of key stakeholders and customers
• Implement a clear GHG management strategy plan
• Track performance in the reduction of GHG emissions
• Promote accountability across your organisation
• Demonstrate conformity to specified quality management system requirements
• Ability to make informed decisions from the outset

Adhering to your regulatory obligations is crucial for maintaining your company’s brand and reputation. Therefore, having a quality management system that allows you to take responsibility for your GHG emissions represents a benchmark for your quality operations.

Manage ISO 14064

To simplify how your organisation meets its GHG obligations, consider implementing tools such as ISO compliance software. Modern digital quality management tools ease your compliance burden and allow you to embed unshakeable compliance, while ensuring that you meet your essential regulatory requirements.

ISO compliance software offers powerful benefits including:

Gaining a full insight into your organisation – Get a complete picture of your business and apply unprecedented intelligence and insight for long-term development.

Adhering to any ISO standard - Manage, automate and centralise quality and compliance activities applicable to any ISO standard, from ISO 14064 to ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.

Making smart data-driven decisions – Make swift decisions with confidence which can contribute towards growing your business, unlocking new markets and securing new quality standards.

Creating a culture of quality – Ensure quality and compliance are the responsibility of everyone within your organisation by aligning your business around the satisfaction of both your customers and regulators.

Identifying risks and opportunities – Quickly identify potential issues and turn them into opportunities, guided by a single source of truth comprised of your quality information.

Impressing your auditors - Pull all your management system information into a single software system. 

Find out how Ideagen's software suite can assist your business with your ISO 14064 obligations.

ISO 14064

Discover how we can help you adhere with your organisations ISO 14064 obligations.