Over the past decade, the concept of carbon neutrality has gained traction, but the absence of a standardized and verifiable framework has led to scepticism and concerns of greenwashing.

This has become such a big concern that in September 2023, the EU announced that it is aiming to ban ‘climate neutral’ claims by 2026, including those based on emissions offsetting, unless organizations can prove the claim is accurate.

There will be a period of 24 months from the date of publication of BS ISO 14068-1 before the PAS 2060:2014 document will be withdrawn. This is to allow users to address changes that may be needed to meet the revised requirements detailed in the new BS ISO 14068-1:2023 standard.

Enter BS ISO 14068-1 Climate change management – Transition to Net Zero – Part 1: Carbon neutrality. This ground-breaking new international standard not only addresses the quality issues associated with carbon neutrality claims, but also sets a robust foundation for businesses seeking to make a genuine impact.

What is BS ISO 14068-1?

Unlike many previous labels for carbon neutrality, which often lacked verification options or relied solely on the purchase of carbon offsets, BS ISO 14068-1 introduces a comprehensive and verifiable approach.

The standard establishes strong principles that underpin detailed requirements related to quantification, greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions, and the identification and purchase of high-quality carbon credits. This not only ensures the credibility of carbon neutrality claims but also provides consumers with confidence that such claims are meaningful.

One of the key strengths of BS ISO 14068-1 is its applicability to any organization, irrespective of its size or industry. Furthermore, it goes beyond a narrow focus on carbon dioxide, encompassing all greenhouse gases.

The standard emphasizes a full value chain or life cycle approach to GHG emissions, promoting a holistic view that is essential for a genuine understanding of an organization's environmental impact.

What are the benefits of implementing BS ISO 14068-1?

In an era where environmental consciousness is a key driver of consumer decisions, BS ISO 14068-1 emerges as a beacon guiding businesses towards genuine carbon neutrality and sustainable practices.

Global recognition is a significant advantage offered by BS ISO 14068-1. As an International Standard, it provides a platform for businesses to make globally recognized claims around carbon neutrality. While it may face limitations in the European Union post-2025, its adoption is poised to set a new benchmark for businesses worldwide.

Notably, BS ISO 14068-1 builds upon and replaces the widely respected but less globally recognized PAS 2060 Specification for the demonstration of carbon neutrality, marking a shift towards a more universally applicable standard.[CY1]

Organizations embracing BS ISO 14068-1 stand to benefit both internally and externally:

Internally, the standard serves as a clear guide on best practices, offering a structured pathway to achieving and maintaining carbon neutrality.

Externally, compliance with BS ISO 14068-1 demonstrates a commitment to a rigorous standard, instilling confidence in consumers and stakeholders alike.

The clear principles outlined in BS ISO 14068-1 include the establishment of a hierarchy for GHG emission reductions, emphasizing the prioritization of cost-effective strategies such as direct emission reductions over the purchase of carbon credits.

This not only aligns with the growing preference for tangible actions but also minimizes the reliance on potentially costly market-based solutions.

Crucially, BS ISO 14068-1 combats the issue of greenwashing that has plagued claims of carbon neutrality in recent years. By providing a structured process and requiring a commitment from senior management, the standard ensures that organizations substantiate their claims through real action to reduce GHG emissions. This includes the development of a detailed carbon neutrality management plan, offering clear guidance for implementation.

To learn more about how BS ISO 14068-1 can benefit your organization, download the free Executive Briefing here.

What other standards can help your organization achieve its sustainability goals?

At BSI, we are committed to supporting organizations to achieve their net zero and sustainability goals. To this end, we provide an extensive range of standards and publications that consolidate the best practice thinking of the global experts in this field.

These include:

• BS EN ISO 50001 Energy management systems. Requirements with guidance for use

• PD IWA 42 Net zero guidelines

• BS EN ISO 14064-1 Greenhouse gases - Specification with guidance at the organization level for quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and removals

• BS EN ISO 14067 Greenhouse gases. Carbon footprint of products. Requirements and guidelines for quantification

• BS EN ISO 14083 Greenhouse gases. Quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions arising from transport chain operations

Ultimately, our suite of greenhouse gas management sustainability and net zero standards lead businesses through a transformative journey, from senior management commitment to the establishment of ambitious reduction targets. Their implementation not only reassures customers that they are making low-carbon choices but also fosters increased loyalty and confidence in the companies they choose to support.

Explore how our net zero standards can help your business, by visiting our Net Zero topic page.

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