As the world gradually shifts towards a greener, more sustainable future, one term is echoing across industries, government bodies, and environmental advocates alike: carbon neutrality. In this evolving landscape, ISO 14068 is making waves as the newest and most comprehensive international standard to define and guide carbon neutrality. But what exactly is it? And why is everyone talking about it? Let’s explore how ISO 14068 is setting the bar for carbon neutrality and why it matters now more than ever. What is ISO 14068? ISO 14068 is a recently published international standard that seeks to give definitions, principles, and frameworks for carbon neutrality and its validation. While previous guidelines were often local, unclear, or vague as to their applicability, ISO 14068 is a scientifically based international standard that can be trusted by companies and organisations. This standard is not only about emissions but also about how they are to be quantified, how it has been ensured that they have been reduced, and how those that cannot be reduced have been offset. It is a plan that is accessible to the public, which is also responsible and measurable in relation to climate change. Why ISO 14068 Is a Big Deal We have all heard of it – businesses and institutions that claim to be “carbon neutral.” However, until now, there has not been a single method to support or assess such statements. Enter ISO 14068. This standard introduces consistency. It defines what carbon neutrality is and how it can be measured in terms of operations, products, services, or events. It offers a level playing field for environmental claims to be supported. The best part? It is relevant to all industries and types of organisations – state and private, large and small. Going Beyond Offsetting Another important aspect of ISO 14068 is that it moves away from carbon offsetting. Carbon offsetting is still part of the picture, but ISO 14068 is based on the realisation of emission reductions. It makes organisations strive to reduce emissions in the first instance before resorting to offsetting for the balance. This is in concordance with climate science and encourages long-term environmental solutions rather than short-term ones. The Building Blocks of ISO 14068 Nevertheless, the standard is rather vast, but the structure of the document is quite easy to follow. The following are five basic principles that are the foundation of ISO 14068: These ensure that an organisation does not only look sustainable on paper but also acts sustainably on climate. A Shift from Greenwashing to Green Action One of the most significant problems that have been common in the climate space is the problem of greenwashing, which is the act of making claims that are good to the environment but are not as good as they are portrayed to be. ISO 14068 addresses this head-on. It also assists in reducing the likelihood of organisations making false sustainability claims because of the validation and third-party verification procedures. This not only assists in building the confidence of the consumers and investors but also makes sure that the companies are serious about their climate pledges. Empowering Organisations to Take Control The beauty of ISO 14068 lies in its flexibility. It can be used by a manufacturer, a retail brand, a logistics provider, or even an event planner, and the guidelines can be tweaked to reflect the exact carbon footprint of the company in question. As per ISO 14068, the organisations are able to know the sources of emissions and how they can move forward in the future. It is not a case of getting it right and then leaving it at that; it is a process of continuous improvement. ISO 14068 can be implemented as an extra layer of assurance and framework for organisations that are already engaged in sustainability reporting or ESG reporting. A Tool for Future-Proofing Your Business In the current world that is faced with so many regulations and customers who are becoming more conscious of their environment, sustainability is not an option but a necessity. ISO 14068 helps future-proof your operations. In terms of trade relations, procurement policies, and other aspects, obtaining the ISO 14068 certification for carbon neutrality can open up new opportunities in international markets, new business partners, and investors’ trust.It also helps organisations to be ready to address the next carbon regulation or carbon taxation. It’s About People, Too Besides processes, numbers, and carbon units, ISO 14068 is about people: the employees who put into practice sustainable management, the customers who select eco-friendly products, and the communities that suffer from climate change. A standard such as ISO 14068 helps to bring all the people together towards a common goal. It mobilises people and organisations to work together towards the achievement of environmental goals. The more organisations that adopt it, the more the movement that is generated at the international level. Ready to Be Part of the Solution? It is not as complicated as one would think to become carbon neutral. ISO 14068 is a clear guideline that helps to avoid the climate change uncertainty of accountability. This standard is helpful for organisations that are at the early stage of sustainability or those that are already on the journey of decarbonisation. It is quite evident that the world is at a crossroads at the moment. Climate change is not something that is expected to occur in the future but is already a reality in the present. But with frameworks like ISO 14068, we now have a way forward. Conclusion ISO 14068 is not just a standard, it is a step towards credible and effective climate change management. However, when it comes to implementing this standard in your organization, it is always wise to seek the services of professionals. If you are willing to go for ISO 14068 and carbon neutrality, then you should consider the services offered by IRQS, one of the leading certification bodies for management systems. Begin with the correct standards and the correct support for your dedication to the