What is ISO 14064 and GHG reporting?
ISO 14064 sets out the principles and requirements for the design, development, management and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions at organisation or project level. The standard provides a rigorous methodology for quantifying GHG emissions and removals, supporting credible, comparable and transparent GHG reporting. Based on these statements, organisations can set reduction targets, monitor progress and communicate the results to customers, investors and authorities.
The three parts of the ISO 14064 standard
The ISO 14064 standard is divided into three complementary parts:
- SR EN ISO 14064-1:2019 sets out the requirements for quantifying and reporting greenhouse gas emissions and removals at the level of an organisation or entity;
- SR EN ISO 14064-2:2019 sets out the requirements for quantifying, monitoring and reporting GHG emission reductions or improvements in GHG removal at project level;
- SR EN ISO 14064-3:2019 sets out requirements and guidance for the validation and verification of GHG statements.
ISO 14064-3 – validation and verification of GHG statements
ISO 14064-3 is the part of the standard dedicated to the independent verification of greenhouse gas statements. It sets out how validation and verification should be planned and carried out, what level of assurance applies, and how an objective conclusion is reached. In practice, ISO 14064-3 is the framework on the basis of which an independent body such as SRAC assesses whether an organisation’s GHG statement is accurate, complete and compliant with the applicable criteria.
The difference between validation and verification
Validation and verification are two distinct activities. Validation involves assessing a claim regarding a future or estimated outcome – for example, the projected emissions reductions of a project. Verification, on the other hand, assesses a claim regarding historical data that has already been realised – for example, an organisation’s GHG emissions inventory for a completed year. In both cases, the outcome is an independent statement confirming the level of confidence in the reported data.
Why is reporting greenhouse gas emissions important?
GHG reporting is no longer merely a voluntary option. The European regulatory framework is becoming increasingly stringent, and independent verification of emissions is taking on a central role:
- Under the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), companies report consolidated emissions indicators across the entire value chain;
- Under the EU ETS (the EU Emissions Trading Scheme), industrial and energy installations monitor, report and verify their emissions, trading emission allowances within a cap;
- Under the CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism), which comes into force in 2026, importers in sectors such as steel, aluminium, cement, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen must report embedded emissions, using methodologies compatible with ISO 14064.
In all these contexts, a GHG statement validated and verified in accordance with ISO 14064 provides the necessary credibility with authorities, partners and markets.
The benefits of ISO 14064 validation and verification
The validation and verification of GHG statements bring tangible benefits:
- greater credibility, consistency and transparency in the quantification, monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions;
- support for the development and implementation of GHG management strategies and plans;
- a solid foundation for launching emission reduction projects and quantifying the results achieved;
- identifying opportunities to reduce energy costs;
- demonstrating, to customers and stakeholders, a genuine commitment to environmental responsibility;
- competitive advantages, including in green public procurement procedures;
- easier adaptation to the introduction of mandatory schemes or regulations.
How does the ISO 14064 validation/verification process work?
The process of validating/verifying GHG statements against the SRAC follows clear stages, in accordance with ISO 14064-3.
Stages of the verification process
- Commencement of work – analysing the information provided by the organisation, identifying potential risks, objectives, scope, criteria and assurance level, and appointing the head of the verification/validation team.
- Planning – selecting the audit team, liaising with the organisation and drawing up the audit plan.
- Verification/Validation – assessing the GHG statement against the requirements, analysing the information, verifying the data and the sampling plan, and evaluating the evidence.
- Issuing the verification/validation statement – formulating the conclusion and issuing the independent statement, based on the findings.
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The cost of ISO 14064 validation/verification
The cost of validating or verifying GHG statements depends on the size of the organisation, the complexity of its emission-generating activities, the scope of the statement and the level of assurance required. To find out the exact cost, the best option is to request a personalised quote.
Why SRAC?
SRAC is an independent body with extensive experience in conformity assessment, offering you objectivity and rigour in the validation and verification of GHG statements. The team of verifiers assesses the reported data in accordance with the requirements of ISO 14064-3 and provides you with a credible verification statement recognised by stakeholders.
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Who needs a GHG audit?
Verifying greenhouse gas emissions is useful for any organisation that reports emissions, whether voluntarily or to comply with regulatory requirements. Typical scenarios include: contributing to the annual report, communicating with customers, complying with reporting requirements set by authorities or investors, and publishing achievements in emissions reduction. As regulations such as the CSRD and CBAM become mandatory, the independent verification of GHG statements is becoming relevant for an increasing number of companies.
Frequently asked questions about the validation and verification of GHG reports
What does the validation and verification of GHG statements involve?
These are processes through which an independent body assesses whether a greenhouse gas emissions statement is accurate, complete and compliant with the applicable criteria. The outcome is a validation or verification statement confirming the level of confidence in the reported data.
What is the difference between validation and verification?
Validation assesses a statement regarding a future or estimated outcome (for example, the projected reductions from a project), whilst verification assesses historical data that has already been realised (for example, the annual emissions inventory). Both are carried out in accordance with ISO 14064-3.
What is ISO 14064-3?
ISO 14064-3 (SR EN ISO 14064-3:2019) is the third part of the ISO 14064 standard, which sets out requirements and guidance for the validation and verification of greenhouse gas claims.
Who needs to have their greenhouse gas emissions verified?
Any organisation that reports GHG emissions, whether voluntarily or for compliance purposes. Verification is becoming increasingly relevant for companies subject to regulations such as the EU ETS, CSRD and CBAM.
How does ISO 14064 support CBAM and CSRD reporting?
ISO 14064 provides a rigorous methodology for quantifying and reporting emissions, which is compatible with the monitoring, reporting and verification requirements of these regulations. A GHG statement verified in accordance with ISO 14064 enhances the credibility of the reported data.
What do I receive following the ISO 14064 verification?
Following the process, the verification body issues a verification (or validation) statement confirming the conclusions of the assessment and the level of confidence in the GHG statement.
How much does ISO 14064 validation/verification cost?
The cost depends on the size of the organisation, the complexity of the emissions, the scope of the report and the level of assurance required. For an exact cost, we recommend that you request a personalised quote.