ISO 14068-1: 2023 Carbon Neutrality Certification

ISO 14068 is the international standard for climate change management and the validation and verification of carbon neutrality. It provides a globally recognised framework for organisations to demonstrate that their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have been measured, reduced, and offset in a credible and transparent way. ISO 14068 builds on the UK’s PAS 2060 specification, which it replaces, and establishes clear principles, requirements, and reporting practices to ensure that carbon neutrality claims are scientifically robust and trusted by stakeholders worldwide.

Achieving ISO 14068 certification delivers multiple benefits:

• Credibility and trust: Demonstrates that your carbon neutrality claims are independently verified to internationally agreed standards.
• Market recognition: Aligns your organisation with global best practice, supporting stakeholder confidence and strengthening your reputation.
• Regulatory and investor confidence: Shows regulators, investors, and customers that your climate neutrality approach is transparent and science based.
• Strategic advantage: Supports sustainability and ESG goals, helping to differentiate your organisation in competitive markets.
• Future proofing: Replaces PAS 2060 with a more rigorous framework that aligns with international climate targets and the Paris Agreement.

The path that your organisation takes to achieve ISO 14068 certification will depend on factors such as your size, complexity, and current approach to carbon management. However, the standard process typically includes three main steps.

Stage 1 Audit – document review and planning: Your auditor will review the design and documentation of your carbon neutrality framework, including your GHG inventory, reduction plans, and offsetting strategy. This is often carried out remotely.

Stage 2 Audit – evaluating implementation: Your auditor will assess how effectively your organisation is applying the requirements of ISO 14068, including evidence of emissions reductions and the accuracy of your reporting. If there are no non-conformities, you will be awarded ISO 14068 certification. This stage may be completed remotely or on-site.

Promote your ISO 14068 certification: Achieving certification demonstrates that your carbon neutrality claims are credible and internationally recognised. You can use it to build trust with customers, stakeholders, and regulators while supporting your wider sustainability and net-zero commitments.

Our services blend remote and on-site audit activities to provide unrivalled insight and expertise.  Using secure, remote technology, we can provide a fast and flexible way to maintain your audit schedule, help reduce carbon footprint associated with travel, and minimise health and safety risks for people working on hazardous sites or hard-to-reach areas. Outcomes are consistent with on-site audits, so the integrity of your audit and accredited certification remains exactly the same.

Certificates are valid for 3 years from the date of completing the initial certification process. The certification renewal audit is discussed and planned by the auditor well in advance of the expiration to ensure that the ISO certification continues.

Certification costs will depend on the size and complexity of your organisation and its systems. To get a bespoke quote, please fill in the form below and one of our team members will get in touch with all the details you need.

ISO 14068-1:2023 is structured into 13 main clauses which set out the principles and requirements for carbon neutrality:

• Scope
• Normative references
• Terms, definitions and abbreviated terms
• Principles
• Approach
• Commitment to carbon neutrality
• Selection of the subject and its boundary
• Quantification of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals
• Carbon neutrality management plan
• GHG emission reductions and removal enhancements
• Offsetting the carbon footprint
• Carbon neutrality report
• Carbon neutrality claims

Together, these clauses provide the framework for demonstrating, reporting, and verifying carbon neutrality in a consistent and internationally recognised way.

PAS 2060, the British specification for demonstrating carbon neutrality, is being phased out and replaced by ISO 14068, the new international standard. This means that organisations currently certified to PAS 2060 will need to transition to ISO 14068 to maintain recognised carbon neutrality claims. 
The change brings several important implications:

• Global recognition: Unlike PAS 2060, ISO 14068 has been developed and agreed internationally, which strengthens credibility with regulators, customers, and stakeholders around the world.
• More rigorous requirements: ISO 14068 places greater emphasis on transparent greenhouse gas accounting, measurable emission reductions, and alignment with long-term climate science and the Paris Agreement.
• Transition timelines: PAS 2060 certificates will remain valid until their renewal date, but certification bodies such as LRQA will provide a defined transition period (typically 2–3 years) to migrate to ISO 14068.
• Overall, the move to ISO 14068 is not just a compliance update – it is a strategic opportunity to demonstrate your organisation’s commitment to credible, science-based climate neutrality on a global stage.