ISO Net Zero Standard: What you need to know
Reaching net zero is one of the most important, and urgent, goals for businesses around the world. The upcoming ISO Net Zero Standard will lay the groundwork for businesses to navigate the transition to net zero, raising the bar for organisations globally. Here, we outline the key things you need to know about the new Standard.
But first, what are the ISO Net Zero Guidelines?
To understand the new ISO Standard, first you need to look at how it came about. The ISO Net Zero Guidelines were launched at COP27 in Glasgow. They were designed to provide a ‘universal baseline’ to give businesses an example of best practice when it comes to reaching net zero.
The Guidelines lay out a framework for organisations to understand and plan for net zero, across all sectors, sizes and jurisdictions. You can download the Guidelines here.
What is the ISO Net Zero Standard?
In 2024, it was proposed that the ISO Net Zero Guidelines be converted into an international, independently verifiable standard. This will be the ISO’s first international standard dedicated to reaching net zero and will provide clarity on how to navigate the net zero transition.
The Standard will set out robust requirements and will help drive climate action that is independently verified and comprehensive, accelerating process towards a sustainable future.
How is the ISO Net Zero Standard different to the ISO 14001?
You may already be familiar with the ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems framework. While both the ISO 14001 and ISO Net Zero Standard both address your business’ sustainability performance, there are fundamental differences between the two standards.
The ISO 14001 sets out guidance for managing your business’ overall environmental impact using a robust management system, focusing on things like resource usage, waste and collaborating with your suppliers.
On the other hand, the ISO Net Zero Standard specifically targets achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions. There is a stronger emphasis on carbon reduction strategies and offsetting to help your business achieve a carbon neutral state by 2050.
Why are ISO Standards important?
It’s important to remember that ISO standards will persist regardless of political changes. Despite the uncertainty surrounding global climate commitments and the rise of the anti-ESG movement, businesses around the world are continuing to invest heavily in climate solutions.
Now, more than ever, people are looking to businesses to lead the way with ambitious action to future-proof our world. Business-as-usual cannot continue and the ISO Standards provide businesses of all sectors and sizes with the guidance required to take credible, verifiable and effective climate action.
By aligning your business with the ISO Standard, you can increase the credibility of your sustainability strategy, reduce the risk of misleading information and improve your global reputation.
What will the ISO Net Zero Standard cover?
The Standard will cover the entire journey of net zero action, covering seven key steps:
Prepare – Sets out clear guidance for delivering against your net zero commitment efficiently. This includes making net zero a priority within internal governance and getting buy-in from across your business.
Measure – Considers how business policies can be designed to account for all greenhouse gas emissions, not just carbon dioxide. This includes all scopes of emissions and establishing a credible baseline.
Target – Sets out how to appropriately set science-based targets, while considering the specific needs of your sector and region.
Reduce – Prioritises methods that ensure absolute reduction of emissions, such as transitioning away from fossil fuels.
Remove – Sets out requirements for high-quality carbon removals to compensate for residual emissions. This includes permanent or sufficiently long-term carbon storage comparable to the lifetime of GHG emissions.
Report – Considers what good climate reporting looks like, for example making data publicly accessible, and considering how to appropriately highlight any data limitations.
Impact – Considers the impact of your net zero policies across the economy. This includes the impact on nature, biodiversity and society, and aligning with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
What are the timelines of this international process?
The ISO Net Zero Standards were proposed last year and are currently in the Preparatory Stage where a working group will prepare a working draft of the new Standard. The Standard is expected to reach the approval stage by 2026; you can see the full timeline below:
- Proposal stage 2024
- Preparatory stage 2025
- Committee stage 2025
- Enquiry stage 2025
- Approval stage 2026
What’s next?
The new ISO Net Zero Standard won’t be finalised until 2026, but don’t let that stop you from starting your net zero journey. By establishing your baseline, tracking your emissions and implementing a reduction plan, you can get a head start on the race to net zero.
We can provide you with a bespoke carbon reduction strategy, tailored to the needs of your business. Powered by data-driven insights, we help organisations of all sizes measure and manage their emissions, helping you reach net zero faster: learn more about our net zero solutions
