The value of accredited greenhouse gas (GHG) verification

The old adage of, ‘if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it’ holds particularly true when quantifying carbon footprints. Ensuring that carbon footprint calculations are comprehensive, accurate, robust and credible is fundamentally critical for carbon footprint reporting and for ensuring a truly successful journey to net zero.     

Selecting the correct greenhouse gas (GHG) quantification standard is crucial therefore. There are a plethora of options out there, but the most rigorous and credible option is the international standard, ISO 14064-1. Many organisations which are not Verification Bodies offer services for carbon data, carbon reductions and, to a lesser extent, net zero targets. However there are key differences between these unaccredited schemes and verification to ISO 14064-1 by an independent, third party Verification Body accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), such as NQA. 

What is ISO 14064-1 verification? 

ISO 14064-1 is the internationally accepted standard that provides a framework for quantifying and reporting GHG emissions. UKAS accreditation ensures that Verification Bodies adhere to stringent, globally recognised principles of impartiality, competence, and consistency. This means that organisations obtaining ISO 14064-1 verification under UKAS accreditation can demonstrate the highest level of credibility and accuracy in their emissions reporting. 

ISO 14064-1 is also the basis for other international standards, including ISO 14068-1 (Transition to Net Zero, Carbon Neutrality) and the pending ISO 14060 (Net Zero Aligned Organisations). So working to ISO 14064-1 is also the recognised methodology for further transition to, and alignment with, net zero targets.

How does accredited ISO 14064-1 verification differ from unaccredited schemes? 

⇒ 1. International recognition and credibility 

ISO 14064-1 verification accredited by UKAS is internationally recognised and ensures the credibility and accuracy of GHG reporting. In particular, the criteria around permitted exclusions of some GHG reporting categories, including those which are more difficult to quantity, are very limited in the ISO standard. This is to ensure you are taking responsibility for all of your organisation’s GHG emissions, and not only accounting for those which are easier to quantify.

Many unaccredited schemes, whilst well-intentioned, are typically developed as proprietary frameworks that may not align with the robust and comprehensive nature of the ISO standard. 

⇒ 2. Third-party independence, impartiality and competence 

UKAS accreditation requires Verification Bodies, such as NQA, to maintain strict independence and impartiality, ensuring that GHG data is verified without conflict of interest. Some unaccredited schemes are designed and operated by organisations which may also provide consultancy services. This may create a potential conflict where the same entity both advises and verifies the carbon footprint. 

UKAS accreditation also requires Verification Bodies to adhere to the highest standards for the conduct of the verifications undertaken. For example, all of NQA’s GHG verifiers need to meet the competency requirements of ISO 14066 (competence requirements for verifiers) and ISO 14064-3 (specifying requirements for the verification of GHG statements).  

⇒ 3. Rigour and methodological consistency 

ISO 14064-1 verification follows a consistent methodology based on globally recognised best practice. Accredited Verification Bodies must adhere to strict technical protocols and undergo regular audits by GHG experts from UKAS. In contrast, unaccredited schemes may use proprietary or less stringent methodologies, leading to variations in data quality and comparability. 

⇒ 4. Compliance with government and industry requirements 

ISO 14064-1 verification can assist with ensuring that the GHG data reported by organisations for regulatory and industry requirements is accurate and compliant. For example carbon reporting obligations are becoming more prevalent in the Energy Savings and Opportunities Scheme (ESOS) Regulations, the Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) and in  

Climate Change Agreements (CCA). If your GHG data is verified to ISO 14064-1, you can have increased assurance that what your are reporting is correct.    

⇒ 5. Enhanced market and stakeholder trust 

For organisations seeking to enhance their corporate reputation, stakeholder trust is paramount. Investors, customers, and partners increasingly demand verified, transparent, and comparable carbon data. ISO 14064-1 verification, backed by UKAS accreditation, provides assurance that carbon reporting meets internationally accepted levels of accuracy and reliability. 

Why choose UKAS accredited ISO 14064-1 verification with NQA? 

If an organisation is serious about quantifying and managing its GHG emissions, the most credible verification path is one that meets globally accepted standards, is free from conflicts of interest, and stands up to scrutiny from customers and investors. UKAS-accredited ISO 14064-1 verification with NQA offers this assurance, helping businesses build confidence in their sustainability efforts while aligning with international best practice. 

While unaccredited schemes can provide valuable insights and a level of assurance, they may lack the independent governance, rigour, and global recognition of an accredited standard. As the corporate world moves towards more stringent carbon transparency requirements, organisations that invest in ISO 14064-1 verification with NQA, a UKAS accredited Verification Body, position themselves as industry leaders in sustainability and responsible carbon management. 

ISO 14064-1 also provides a high level of preparation for other relevant current and future international standards, including ISO 14068-1 (Transition to Net Zero, Carbon Neutrality) and the pending ISO 14060 (Net Zero Aligned Organisations).  

Final thoughts 

For any organisation that takes its carbon footprint seriously, the choice is clear: ISO 14064-1 verification with NQA, accredited by UKAS, offers the highest level of credibility, compliance, and stakeholder confidence. While unaccredited schemes can complement sustainability efforts, accredited verification ensures carbon reporting is robust, comprehensive, independent, and globally recognised. Choosing verification to ISO 14064-1 with NQA will help organisations to prepare for a low-carbon future with confidence. 

Find out what sustainability standard suits you best here.

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