ISO launches consultation international net-zero standard

Guidance has also been published on transition plans and climate risk assessments

The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has launched a consultation on its planned net-zero standard.

ISO 14060 seeks to codify global best practices for net-zero strategies, including how to measure baselines, set targets, develop transition plans, use carbon removals, make claims, and monitor progress. 

“We set out to say what is the best practice across the whole journey, in a way that’s designed to be auditable and assurable,” says Andrew Griffiths, director of policy at consultancy Planet Mark, and one of the experts appointed to help create the standard. 

“It says that, in order to claim you’re progressing toward net zero, you must have measured or assessed these things using an appropriate standard or measurement.” 

The proposal refers to existing frameworks like the GHG Protocol, Science Based Targets initiative, and other ISO standards. 

“It will bring clarity and definition to the whole net-zero process in a way we haven’t had until now, and the industry has been crying out for,” says Griffiths.  

Over the next three months, national standards bodies will collect feedback and come up with their positions, which will form the basis for negotiations and a revised final draft – expected early next year. 

That will then be voted on by the ISO secretariat and national bodies.

This week also saw the publication of a guide to creating corporate climate transition plans. 

Tata Consultancy Services released the document “to provide practical, actionable steps” based on the Transition Plan Taskforce’s guidelines. 

It includes case studies of Qantas, Levi Strauss, Mercedes, Nestle and Danone. 

Meanwhile, Frank Bold published guidance on Monday to help companies undertake climate risk assessments. 

“While companies have traditionally relied on external consultants, many are now able to conduct at least parts of the assessment in-house,” said the non-profit law firm, saying this was down to the simplification of complex ideas and models over recent years.  

The new document “supports the development of a robust assessment process by helping organisations apply appropriate methodologies, focus the scope effectively, and translate results into actionable insights,” it continued.  

“For larger organisations, it is particularly valuable in mapping and screening activities against climate risks, prioritising mitigation and adaptation measures, and demonstrating risk exposure and its effective management to investors.”