Comparison: GHG protocol vs ISO 14064
There are two globally used and accepted protocols for GHG calculation, verification and reporting - GHG protocol and ISO 14064.
The GHG Protocol and ISO 14064 are two distinct but related frameworks for measuring and managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon footprints. They are often used in conjunction to help organisations and governments address climate change and sustainability issues.
Here are the key differences between the two:
GHG Protocol | ISO 14064 |
Developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). | Developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO 14064 is a set of international standards specifically focused on greenhouse gas accounting and verification. |
It is a set of voluntary international standards and guidelines for accounting and reporting GHG emissions specifically designed for businesses and organisations. | ISO 14064 is a more structured and rigorous framework that covers GHG accounting, monitoring, and reporting, but it also includes provisions for GHG projects and project-based emissions reductions. |
The GHG Protocol provides a comprehensive methodology for measuring and reporting emissions from different sectors, known as the Corporate Standard, which includes Scope 1 (direct emissions), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased electricity), and Scope 3 (indirect emissions from the value chain) emissions. | ISO 14064 consists of three parts: Part 1 (Specifications for GHG Inventories and Verification), Part 2 (Specification with Guidance for the Validation and Verification of GHG Assertions), and Part 3 (Specifications for the Quantification, Monitoring, and Reporting of GHG Emissions and Removals for Organizations). |
The GHG Protocol is often seen as a practical tool for businesses to assess their environmental impact and develop strategies for reducing emissions. | ISO 14064 is designed for use by a broader range of stakeholders, including businesses, governments, and project developers, to provide transparency and credibility in reporting GHG emissions and removals. |
In summary, the GHG Protocol is a more business-oriented, practical tool for measuring and reporting GHG emissions. At the same time, ISO 14064 is a set of international standards that offer a more structured and rigorous approach to GHG accounting, verification, and project-based emissions reduction. Organisations may choose to use one or both of these frameworks depending on their specific needs and goals in addressing climate change and sustainability.
Both the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064 address Scope 3 emissions, which are indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with an organization's value chain. While the core concept of Scope 3 emissions is consistent between the two frameworks, there may be some differences in how the emissions categories are defined or categorized. However, it's important to note that the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064 are complementary and can be used together, and they both provide a common basis for categorizing and reporting Scope 3 emissions.
Below are some common Scope 3 categories, which are typically consistent between the two frameworks:
Upstream and Downstream Transportation and Distribution: These are emissions associated with the transportation of products or materials to and from an organization. This includes the transportation of goods, as well as employee commuting.
Purchased Goods and Services: This category encompasses emissions related to the production of goods and services that an organization purchases. This may include emissions from the supply chain, such as manufacturing and transportation.
Use of Sold Products: This category accounts for emissions generated during the use of the products or services an organization sells to customers. It includes energy consumption or other emissions related to customer use.
Waste Generated in Operations: This category covers emissions from the waste generated by an organization's operations, including disposal and treatment of waste.
Employee Commuting: These are emissions from employees' commuting to and from work, including both personal and business travel.
Business Travel: This category includes emissions associated with employee travel for work, such as flights, train rides, and car rentals.
While these categories are generally consistent between the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064, there may be subtle differences in how emissions are classified or reported. It's essential for organizations to carefully review the specific guidance provided by each framework to ensure they are reporting Scope 3 emissions accurately and in line with their reporting objectives. Additionally, both frameworks may evolve over time, so it's a good practice to refer to the latest versions and guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
Conclusion
When determining which standard to follow for GHG accounting and management, there are several factors to consider, such as purpose, scope, audience, resources, and preferences. The GHG Protocol is a comprehensive and detailed standard that covers all aspects of GHG accounting and management, and is aligned with most voluntary and mandatory reporting programs. Alternatively, the ISO 14064 is a more generic and concise standard that focuses on the requirements and specifications for GHG quantification, monitoring, reporting, and verification. Both standards are compatible and complementary; you can use the GHG Protocol to identify and calculate your GHG emissions and removals, then use the ISO 14064 to report and verify them.