Steps to Net Zero

Step 1:

Quantifying your GHG emissions in a standardised, consistent and comparable way is critical to success. By following the process requirements set out in ISO 14064-1, the internationally recognised and highest tier standard for GHG quantification, you can have the highest degree of confidence. NQA offer UKAS Accredited Verification to ISO 14064-1, resulting in a Verification Opinion Statement to recognise your efforts. 

Alternatively, you may choose to follow the requirements set out in ISO 14068-1, the internationally recognised standard for Transition to Net Zero - Carbon Neutrality. This standard follows ISO 14064-1 as the GHG quantification process, then goes further by requiring Science Based Targets to be set for Net Zero, and uses carbon offsetting and carbon removals to enable carbon neutrality to be recognised as a transition step towards Net Zero. NQA offer UKAS Accredited Verification to ISO 14068-1, resulting in a Verification Opinion Statement to recognise your efforts.  

Step 2:

Whichever of these standards you choose to use, an important next step is to set a Science Based Target to enable your progress to your Net Zero goal to happen in a targeted and measurable way. Science Based Targets are set by companies to ensure GHG emission reduction goals are aligned with the level of decarbonisation needed to limit global warming to internationally recognised targets, ie below 2°C, with an aim to limit to 1.5°C. Science based targeting tools can be freely obtained online – simply enter the data which has been verified by NQA, and your company’s net zero target year, and you will be provided with a trajectory with short and long term goals for Net Zero.

At this point you may wish to seek certification to NQA’s Net Zero Aligned service. Net Zero Aligned is based on ISO’s IWA42 Net Zero Guidelines. NQA will audit your Science Based Target and your arrangements to achieve it, and provide a Net Zero Aligned certificate to recognise your efforts.  

Note that Step 1 is a requirement for progression to Net Zero Aligned. 

Step 3:

Now that you have the highest level of verified GHG data and have set and are measuring your performance against your Science Based Target to Net Zero, you may wish to consider NQA’s verification service for ISO 14060, the forthcoming world’s first ISO standard for Net Zero Aligned Organizations. Whilst this standard is not expected to be launched until late 2026, you will be able to make great strides to prepare for it via Step 2 with NQA’s Net Zero Aligned certification service. Why not prepare now alongside NQA, and then become one of the world’s first companies to be verified to ISO 14060 when it is launched?   

Talk to one of our friendly team today to discuss and to plan your journey to Net Zero with NQA.