ISO (International Organization for Standardization) recently launched a new platform called ISO Net Zero aimed at providing guidelines and standards to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions. The platform is designed to help organizations of all sizes and types, including governments, businesses and communities, transition to a low-carbon future.

ISO Net Zero offers a comprehensive set of tools and resources to help organizations set targets, measure and reduce emissions, and monitor progress towards net zero. The platform also provides guidance on topics such as carbon offsets, renewable energy and carbon credits.

ISO Net Zero comprises three main components: the ISO 14067 “Greenhouse gases — Carbon footprint of products — Requirements and guidelines for quantification”, which provides guidance for calculating the carbon footprint of products and services; the ISO 14064 “Greenhouse Gases” standard, which provides guidelines for measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions; and the ISO 14025 standard “Environmental labels and declarations — Type III environmental declarations — Principles and procedures”, which provides guidance on environmental product declarations.

ISO Net Zero aims to help organizations meet the growing demand for reliable and transparent information about greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on the environment. By providing a framework for measuring and reducing emissions, the platform can help organizations demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change.

The International Organization for Standardization also published the IWA 42:2022 “Net zero guidelines” standard for net zero greenhouse gas emissions after the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference COP27 in Egypt to ensure unification.

The standard gives clear definitions of the various terms we use today: net zero emissions, removals, credits, offsets, greenhouse gases, etc. It recognizes the importance of strategies to achieve decarbonisation and the need to follow sector-specific, science-based pathways to reduce emissions. IWA 42:2022 calls on organizations to be ambitious and assertive in their climate plans, such as reducing baseline emissions by more than 50% by 2030, developing climate solutions to support other organizations and consumers, etc.

ISO IWA 42:2022 principles for transitioning to net zero emissions provides guidance on how organizations can reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of their transition to net zero. Here are some of the main measures specified in the standard:

Energy efficiency: organizations can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by improving the energy efficiency of their operations, buildings and equipment. This can include measures such as installing energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems, improving insulation and optimizing manufacturing processes.
Renewable energy: organizations can reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the use of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and geothermal energy.
Carbon capture and storage: new technologies can help organizations capture and store CO2 emissions from industrial processes, power plants and other sources.
Low-carbon transport: organizations can reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by using low-carbon transport, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, public transport and cycling.
Sustainable land use: Sustainable practices such as reforestation, afforestation and sustainable agriculture can increase carbon sequestration from the atmosphere and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
Circular Economy: a circular economy is a system that minimizes waste and maximizes the reuse, repair and recycling of resources. Applying circular economy principles can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the need for new production and minimizing waste.

By implementing these mitigation measures and other strategies, organizations can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to global efforts to address climate change. If we all look to tomorrow and make efforts today to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy, we will help meet the Paris Agreement’s goals of limiting global warming to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.