01Foundational principles3
ISO 14040:2006/Amd 1:2020
Method or guidanceInternational Standard (IS)
Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Principles and framework
Principles and framework for life cycle assessment (LCA): goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, interpretation, reporting, and critical review
- When
- When planning a study of the life cycle environmental impacts of a product or service
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Does not specify detailed LCA techniques or calculation methods for individual phases
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance A principles document, not a certification standard; LCA studies can undergo critical review under ISO 14071
- Edition
- Confirmed in the 2022 systematic review—no revision in progress
ISO 14044:2006/Amd 1:2017/Amd 2:2020
Method or guidanceInternational Standard (IS)
Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Requirements and guidelines
Requirements and guidelines for LCA goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, interpretation, reporting, and critical review
- When
- When conducting a product LCA and writing up the results
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Detailed calculation rules for product categories (PCR) are covered by ISO/TS 14027 and EPD programs
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance Not a certification standard; LCA results can undergo critical review under ISO 14071
- Edition
- Confirmed in the 2022 systematic review—no revision in progress
ISO/TS 14048:2002
Method or guidanceTechnical Specification (TS)
Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Data documentation format
Requirements and structure for a data documentation format that records and exchanges LCA and life cycle inventory (LCI) data transparently
- When
- When recording and exchanging information on LCA and LCI data collection, calculation, and quality in a consistent way
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Does not set data completeness requirements or prescribe any specific software or database format
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance
- Edition
- Confirmed in the 2025 systematic review
02Calculation17
ISO 14064-2:2019
Third-party verificationUnder revisionInternational Standard (IS)
Greenhouse gases — Part 2: Specification with guidance at the project level for quantification, monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emission reductions or removal enhancements
Principles, requirements, and guidance for planning, monitoring, quantifying, and reporting GHG emission reductions and removal enhancements at project level
- When
- When quantifying the baseline and results of a reduction or removal project, such as biochar
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Verification is covered by ISO 14064-3, and credits are issued by registries
- How it’s checked
- Third-party verification Project plans are validated and results verified (ISO 14064-3)—the standard itself is not a certification
- Edition
- Revision in progress (ISO/WD 14064-2.2)—current edition remains valid
ISO 14067:2018
Third-party verificationUnder revisionInternational Standard (IS)
Greenhouse gases — Carbon footprint of products — Requirements and guidelines for quantification
Principles, requirements, and guidelines for quantifying and reporting the carbon footprint of a product (CFP) and partial CFP, consistent with the LCA standards (ISO 14040 and 14044)
- When
- When customers or export markets ask for a product carbon footprint (PCF) figure
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Does not cover impacts other than climate change, carbon offsetting, or external communication of carbon footprint information
- How it’s checked
- Third-party verification There is no “ISO 14067 certificate”; instead, a third party verifies or reviews the calculated footprint
- Edition
- Revision at working draft stage (ISO/WD 14067.2; comment period closed May 2026)—current edition remains valid
GHG Protocol Product Standard 2011 edition
Third-party verificationUnder revisionProduct accounting standard
Product Life Cycle Accounting and Reporting Standard
Requirements and guidance for quantifying and reporting the life cycle GHG emissions and removals of a single product (cradle-to-gate for intermediate products whose end use is unknown)
- When
- When a customer asks for a product carbon footprint based on the GHG Protocol, or when applying it alongside ISO 14067
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Does not cover results reduced through offsets or avoided emissions, or carbon neutrality claims
- How it’s checked
- Third-party verification Requires first- or third-party assurance of product inventories
- Edition
- A joint GHG Protocol–ISO working group is revising the product standard to align with ISO 14067—current edition remains valid
ISO 14046:2014
Third-party verificationInternational Standard (IS)
Environmental management — Water footprint — Principles, requirements and guidelines
Principles, requirements, and guidelines for assessing and reporting the water footprint of products, processes, and organizations, based on LCA
- When
- When assessing the environmental impacts of water use and discharges for a product or an organization
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Does not cover communicating water footprint results through labels or declarations
- How it’s checked
- Third-party verification Not a certification standard; assessment results can undergo critical review following ISO 14071
- Edition
- Systematic review opened in October 2025 and closed in March 2026; decision pending—current edition remains valid
ISO 14064-1:2018
Third-party verificationUnder revisionInternational Standard (IS)
Greenhouse gases — Part 1: Specification with guidance at the organization level for quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and removals
Principles and requirements for quantifying and reporting GHG emissions and removals at organization level, and for designing, managing, reporting, and verifying inventories
- When
- When preparing a company- or site-level GHG inventory and having it verified
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Product carbon footprints (ISO 14067) and reduction or removal projects (ISO 14064-2) are covered separately
- How it’s checked
- Third-party verification The inventory is verified under ISO 14064-3—the standard itself is not a certification
- Edition
- Revision in progress (ISO/WD 14064-1.2)—current edition remains valid
ISO 14072:2024
Method or guidanceRecently publishedInternational Standard (IS)
Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Requirements and guidance for organizational life cycle assessment
Additional requirements and guidance for organizational LCA, applying ISO 14040 and 14044 at organization level
- When
- When assessing the life cycle environmental impacts of a whole company or site rather than a single product
How it’s checked, edition, related standards
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance
- Edition
- Published as an International Standard (IS) in October 2024, replacing ISO/TS 14072:2014
ISO 14083:2023
Third-party verificationInternational Standard (IS)
Greenhouse gases — Quantification and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions arising from transport chain operations
A common methodology for quantifying and reporting GHG emissions from passenger and freight transport chain operations
- When
- When calculating and reporting GHG emissions from freight and passenger transport and logistics services
How it’s checked, edition, related standards
- How it’s checked
- Third-party verification Not a certification standard; calculated and reported transport emissions can be verified by a third party
- Edition
- Replaced IWA 16:2015—no revision in progress
ISO 27914:2026
Method or guidanceRecently publishedInternational Standard (IS)
Carbon dioxide capture, transportation and storage — Geological storage
Requirements for site selection, characterization, design, operation, and closure preparation for geological storage of CO₂ streams, and a method for calculating the net quantity (mass) stored
- When
- When evaluating a project to store captured CO₂, including biomass-derived CO₂, in geological formations
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Excludes storage linked to EOR (ISO 27916) and the post-closure period
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance Technical requirements for storage projects—credit issuance and verification follow the requirements of each program or regulatory regime
- Edition
- Replaces ISO 27914:2017 (published March 2026)
EU PEF Recommendation (EU) 2021/2279
Third-party verificationEU recommendation
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2021/2279 of 15 December 2021 on the use of the Environmental Footprint methods to measure and communicate the life cycle environmental performance of products and organisations
Common EU methods for calculating and communicating the life cycle environmental impacts of products (PEF) and organizations (OEF) across multiple impact categories, with a recommendation to use category rules (PEFCRs)
- When
- When EU customers ask for multi-impact results using the PEF method or data based on a PEFCR
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- A non-binding recommendation that does not in itself create any labeling obligation
- How it’s checked
- Third-party verification The PEF method (Annex I) includes procedures for verifying and validating studies and reports
GHG Protocol Corporate Standard 2004 revised edition
Third-party verificationUnder revisionCorporate accounting standard
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (Revised Edition)
Principles and requirements for quantifying and reporting a company’s or organization’s GHG inventory within its organizational and operational boundaries (Scope 1 and 2 reporting required)
- When
- When customers, investors, or disclosure standards require company-wide Scope 1 and 2 emissions
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Does not cover product carbon footprints (PCF)
- How it’s checked
- Third-party verification The GHG Protocol does not certify or verify. Inventories are verified by verification bodies under ISO 14064-3 or similar standards.
- Edition
- Being revised into a joint corporate standard integrated with ISO 14064-1 (public consultation on the draft expected in Q2 2027, publication in Q4 2028)—current edition remains valid
GHG Protocol Scope 2 Guidance 2015 edition
Third-party verificationUnder revisionCorporate accounting guidance
GHG Protocol Scope 2 Guidance: An amendment to the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard
Requirements for calculating and reporting indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heat, and cooling (Scope 2) using both the location-based and market-based methods
- When
- When reporting market-based Scope 2 that reflects renewable energy contracts such as RECs and PPAs
How it’s checked, edition, related standards
- How it’s checked
- Third-party verification No separate certification; Scope 2 emissions are checked as part of corporate inventory verification
- Edition
- Public consultation (October 20, 2025–January 31, 2026) has closed, and the results will feed into the joint corporate standard being developed with ISO—current edition remains valid
GHG Protocol Scope 3 Standard 2011 edition
Third-party verificationUnder revisionCorporate accounting standard
Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard
Requirements for calculating and reporting indirect emissions (Scope 3) across 15 value chain categories, such as purchased goods, transportation, and the use and end-of-life treatment of sold products
- When
- When customers ask suppliers for emissions data or product PCFs to calculate their supply chain emissions
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Rules for calculating suppliers’ product-level PCFs are set by the Product Standard, PACT, and others
- How it’s checked
- Third-party verification The GHG Protocol does not verify. Whether third-party assurance is obtained is up to the company or the applicable disclosure regime.
- Edition
- Being revised into a joint corporate standard integrated with ISO 14064-1 (public consultation on the draft expected in Q2 2027)—current edition remains valid
ISO 14033:2019
Method or guidanceInternational Standard (IS)
Environmental management — Quantitative environmental information — Guidelines and examples
Guidelines and examples for systematically defining, collecting, processing, interpreting, presenting, and reviewing quantitative environmental information
- When
- When designing a system that makes environmental data accurate, verifiable, and reliable
How it’s checked, edition, related standards
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance
- Edition
- Confirmed in the 2024 systematic review—this edition replaced ISO/TS 14033:2012
ISO 27916:2026
Method or guidanceRecently publishedInternational Standard (IS)
Carbon dioxide capture, transportation and storage — Carbon dioxide storage using enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR)
Requirements for demonstrating that a CO₂-enhanced oil recovery (CO₂-EOR) site and its operations can contain CO₂ over the long term, and for quantifying the amount stored
- When
- When you need to quantify and demonstrate how much of the CO₂ injected during EOR is stored
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Excludes storage without hydrocarbon production (ISO 27914) and life cycle emissions
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance Requirements for quantifying stored CO₂—whether it qualifies for credits is up to each program
- Edition
- Replaces ISO 27916:2019 (published June 2026)
ISO/TR 27915:2017
Method or guidanceTechnical Report (TR)
Carbon dioxide capture, transportation and geological storage — Quantification and verification
A literature review of good practice for quantifying and verifying GHG emissions and reductions from CCS projects across capture, transport, and storage
- When
- When identifying quantification and verification issues for a CO₂ capture and storage project early on
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- A Technical Report (TR) reviewing the literature; it sets no requirements
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance A Technical Report for reference—not in itself a basis for certification or verification
ISO/TR 27923:2022
Method or guidanceTechnical Report (TR)
Carbon dioxide capture, transportation and geological storage — Injection operations, infrastructure and monitoring
A state-of-the-art overview of CO₂ injection facilities and operating practices, monitoring methods including baseline measurements, and quantification tools and their accuracy
- When
- When reviewing the monitoring plan and measurement methods for a storage site
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- A Technical Report (TR) summarizing current practice; it sets no requirements
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance A Technical Report for reference—not in itself a basis for certification or verification
ISO/TS 14064-4:2025
Method or guidanceRecently publishedTechnical Specification (TS)
Greenhouse gases — Part 4: Guidance for the application of ISO 14064-1
Guidance on applying ISO 14064-1: setting organizational boundaries (control or equity share approach) and reporting boundaries, quantifying direct and indirect emissions, and reporting transparently
- When
- When setting the boundaries of an ISO 14064-1 inventory and deciding how to quantify indirect emissions
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- The requirements are in ISO 14064-1—this document does not replace it
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance Application guidance—inventories are quantified under ISO 14064-1 and verified under ISO 14064-3
- Edition
- Replaces ISO/TR 14069:2013 (published November 2025)
03Rules and methodologies10
ISO/TS 14027:2017
Method or guidanceTechnical Specification (TS)
Environmental labels and declarations — Development of product category rules
Principles, requirements, and guidelines for developing, reviewing, registering, and updating product category rules (PCR) within EPD and footprint communication programs
- When
- When looking for the right PCR for a product category, or taking part in developing or reviewing one
How it’s checked, edition, related standards
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance The document itself is not a certification standard; PCRs are reviewed and registered within each program
- Edition
- Confirmed in 2023; systematic review in progress since July 2026—current edition remains valid
Catena-X PCF Rulebook v4.0
Third-party verificationUnder revisionIndustry PCF calculation rules
Catena-X Product Carbon Footprint Rulebook
Industry rules, based on ISO 14067, for calculating cradle-to-gate PCFs in the automotive supply chain, covering cut-off, allocation, electricity, primary data share, and more
- When
- When European automakers or Tier 1 suppliers ask you to submit part PCFs via Catena-X
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- The data model and exchange API are defined in a separate standard, CX-0136
- How it’s checked
- Third-party verification The Rulebook does not cover verification, which follows the Catena-X/TfS PCF Verification and Certification Framework (v2.0)
- Edition
- The current release (CX-Titan) contains v4.0 (published September 2025), and v4.1 is posted in the preview release (CX-Neptune). The transition period runs until the end of 2027.
EBC v10.5E
Program registration and issuanceRecently publishedBiochar certification standard
European Biochar Certificate
A certification standard for biochar feedstocks, the pyrolysis process, and emissions control, with quality grades by end use (including contaminant limits)
- When
- When producing or selling biochar, or when a carbon removal project must meet biochar quality requirements
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- C-Sink (carbon sink) certification is covered by a separate standard
- How it’s checked
- Program registration and issuance Operated by Carbon Standards International; production facilities undergo annual third-party on-site inspections
- Edition
- Current version published September 15, 2025
EU CRCF (EU) 2024/3012
Program registration and issuanceRecently publishedEU regulation
Regulation (EU) 2024/3012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 November 2024 establishing a Union certification framework for permanent carbon removals, carbon farming and carbon storage in products
A voluntary framework for quantifying and certifying carbon removals, carbon farming, and carbon storage in products against common EU quality criteria and certification methodologies
- When
- When a biochar, BECCS, or other carbon removal project is preparing for EU certification, or buyers ask about CRCF compliance
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- A separate scheme from EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) allowances
- How it’s checked
- Program registration and issuance Third-party certification bodies confirm compliance through audits; certified units are issued by the registries of certification schemes recognized by the European Commission
- Edition
- Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/285 on DACCS, BioCCS, and biochar methodologies was adopted on February 3, 2026; carbon farming methodologies followed in July 2026. Recognition of certification schemes is under review.
Isometric Standard v2.1
Program registration and issuanceRecently publishedCredit program
Isometric Standard
Common requirements, such as additionality, durability, buffers, and verification, for carbon removal and reduction projects (applied together with pathway-specific protocols for biochar, enhanced rock weathering, and more)
- When
- When seeking credit issuance on the Isometric Registry for a biochar, ERW, or similar project
How it’s checked, edition, related standards
- How it’s checked
- Program registration and issuance An accredited VVB carries out validation and verification, after which Isometric issues credits on its registry
- Edition
- Version 2.1, according to the registry’s main page. The Biochar Production and Storage protocol v1.3 and the Enhanced Weathering in Agriculture protocol v1.2 are published.
PACT Methodology v3.0
Third-party verificationRecently publishedPCF calculation and exchange methodology
Methodology for Calculating and Exchanging Cradle-to-Gate Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs)
WBCSD’s PACT Methodology, which sets calculation rules for cradle-to-gate PCFs exchanged in supply chains and is used together with the data exchange Technical Specifications (v3.0.3)
- When
- When customers request part or material PCFs in PACT format, or when preparing for system-to-system PCF exchange
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- The use and end-of-life stages (cradle-to-grave) are out of scope
- How it’s checked
- Third-party verification Specifies that PCFs are verified by an independent third party, and sets out a roadmap toward PCF program certification after 2030
- Edition
- Released April 30, 2025 (amended December 2025), replacing v2. Data exchange Technical Specifications v3.0.3 (November 18, 2025).
Puro Standard General Rules v4.4
Program registration and issuanceRecently publishedCredit program
Puro Standard General Rules
Program rules for engineered carbon removal, such as biochar, enhanced rock weathering, and geological storage, covering eligibility, net removal calculation, monitoring, and CORC issuance requirements
- When
- When seeking Puro.earth CO₂ Removal Certificates (CORCs) for a biochar or ERW project
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Does not cover emission reduction or avoidance credits
- How it’s checked
- Program registration and issuance An independent auditor conducts site checks and verification; Puro.earth then issues a CORC on the Puro Registry for each verified tonne
- Edition
- General Rules v4.4 (May 2026). The current biochar methodology is the 2025 edition (V2); the audit transition period for the 2022 edition has ended.
ISO 21930:2017
Program registration and issuanceInternational Standard (IS)
Sustainability in buildings and civil engineering works — Core rules for environmental product declarations of construction products and services
Core product category rules (core PCR) for EPDs of construction products and services, supplementing ISO 14025, with principles and requirements for preparing them
- When
- When preparing an EPD for building materials or other construction products
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Does not cover the assessment of social or economic impacts at product level
- How it’s checked
- Program registration and issuance Construction product EPDs are registered and published through EPD programs operating under ISO 14025
- Edition
- Confirmed in the 2023 systematic review—no revision in progress
EN 15804+A2:2019/AC:2021
Program registration and issuanceCore rules for construction EPDs
Sustainability of construction works — Environmental product declarations — Core rules for the product category of construction products
Europe’s common core product category rules (core PCR) for construction product EPDs, defining information modules (A–D), environmental impact indicators, calculation rules, and reporting format
- When
- When supplying building materials to projects in Europe or other overseas markets and being asked for an EN 15804-based EPD
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- EPD verification and registration follow each EPD program’s operating rules
- How it’s checked
- Program registration and issuance EN 15804-based EPDs are third-party verified, then registered and published by an EPD program
- Edition
- The current version incorporates amendments A1 and A2 and the 2021 corrigendum (AC:2021)
EU CBAM (EU) 2023/956
Third-party verificationUnder revisionEU regulation
Regulation (EU) 2023/956 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023 establishing a carbon border adjustment mechanism
Requires embedded emissions in iron and steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, hydrogen, and electricity imported into the EU to be declared, and a matching number of CBAM certificates to be purchased and surrendered
- When
- When you export covered goods to the EU and your EU importer requests installation-level embedded emissions data
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Calculation boundaries differ from those of a product life cycle carbon footprint (PCF)
- How it’s checked
- Third-party verification Using actual emissions requires verification by an accredited third-party verifier
- Edition
- The definitive period began January 1, 2026. The simplification amendment (EU) 2025/2083 introduced an annual 50 t threshold, and certificate sales start February 1, 2027. A proposed amendment extending coverage to downstream products is under discussion.
04Review, verification, and testing8
ISO 14064-3:2019
Third-party verificationInternational Standard (IS)
Greenhouse gases — Part 3: Specification with guidance for the verification and validation of greenhouse gas statements
Principles, requirements, and guidance for verifying and validating GHG statements (applies to organization, project, and product statements)
- When
- When having calculated GHG results confirmed through third-party verification or validation
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Requirements for verification bodies are in ISO 14065; quantification methods are in ISO 14064-1, ISO 14064-2, and ISO 14067
- How it’s checked
- Third-party verification Verification bodies issue verification or validation opinions under this standard—it is not a standard that awards certificates
- Edition
- Confirmed in the August 2024 systematic review—unlike Parts 1 and 2, there is no revision project at ISO
ISO 14071:2024
Method or guidanceRecently publishedInternational Standard (IS)
Environmental management — Life cycle assessment — Critical review processes and reviewer competencies
Critical review processes for all types of LCA study, and the competencies reviewers need, supplementing ISO 14040 and 14044
- When
- When having LCA or carbon footprint results reviewed before publishing them or using them in comparative assertions
How it’s checked, edition, related standards
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance Not a certification standard; also applicable to reviews of studies under LCA-based standards such as ISO 14025, 14046, and 14067
- Edition
- Published as an International Standard (IS) in October 2024, replacing ISO/TS 14071:2014
ISO/IEC 17025:2017
AccreditationInternational Standard (IS)
General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
General requirements for testing and calibration laboratories to demonstrate competence, impartiality, and consistent operation
- When
- When using lab analyses of biochar, soil, or rock samples as MRV evidence
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Not a standard for certifying products or projects—it covers the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
- How it’s checked
- Accreditation Testing and calibration laboratories are accredited against this standard by accreditation bodies—the basis for trusting measurement results
- Edition
- Confirmed in the August 2023 systematic review
ISO 14064-5:2026
Method or guidanceRecently publishedInternational Standard (IS)
Greenhouse gases — Part 5: Guidance on activities and techniques used remotely in conducting verification and validation of greenhouse gas statements
Guidance on planning, risk assessment, and conduct of activities and techniques used remotely in verifying and validating GHG statements
- When
- When preparing for remote verification, either without a site visit or alongside one
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Does not cover on-site activities (remote activities and techniques only)
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance Guidance on how verification is carried out—applicable to first-, second-, and third-party verification and validation
- Edition
- First edition published February 2026
ISO 14065:2020
AccreditationInternational Standard (IS)
General principles and requirements for bodies validating and verifying environmental information
Principles and requirements for bodies that verify and validate statements of environmental information (the sector application of ISO/IEC 17029)
- When
- When choosing a verification body or checking its scope of accreditation
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- The verification process itself is covered by verification standards such as ISO 14064-3
- How it’s checked
- Accreditation Accreditation bodies accredit verification bodies against this standard together with ISO/IEC 17029
- Edition
- Confirmed in the March 2026 systematic review
ISO/IEC 17029:2019
AccreditationInternational Standard (IS)
Conformity assessment — General principles and requirements for validation and verification bodies
General principles and requirements, applicable across all sectors, for the competence, consistent operation, and impartiality of validation and verification bodies
- When
- When you want to understand the common requirements for validation and verification bodies and the basis for their accreditation
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Does not apply to testing, inspection, or certification activities
- How it’s checked
- Accreditation Can serve as the basis on which accreditation bodies accredit verification bodies, with sector-specific program requirements added
- Edition
- Confirmed in the March 2025 systematic review
ICVCM CCP v1.1
Program registration and issuanceRecently publishedCredit quality benchmark
Core Carbon Principles, Assessment Framework and Assessment Procedure
The 10 Core Carbon Principles for high-quality carbon credits, and the criteria and procedure for assessing crediting programs and methodologies (credit categories) against them
- When
- When buyers ask about credit quality, or when checking whether a project’s methodology is CCP-Approved
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Does not itself verify individual projects or issue credits
- How it’s checked
- Program registration and issuance ICVCM assesses programs (CCP-Eligible) and methodologies (CCP-Approved); credits are issued by each program’s registry
- Edition
- CCP Book v1.1 (revised May 2024). As of August 2026, 13 programs, including Isometric and Puro.earth, are CCP-Eligible.
ISO 14066:2023
AccreditationInternational Standard (IS)
Environmental information — Competence requirements for teams validating and verifying environmental information
Competence requirements for teams that verify and validate environmental information, including technical experts, and for independent reviewers
- When
- When checking that a verification team has the right competence for the sector
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Requirements for how bodies operate and safeguard impartiality are in ISO 14065 and ISO/IEC 17029
- How it’s checked
- Accreditation Teams are not accredited separately—the verification body manages team competence under ISO 14065 (clause 7.3)
- Edition
- Second edition (August 2023), replacing ISO 14066:2011
05Labels, claims, and disclosure16
ISO 14025:2026
Program registration and issuanceRecently publishedInternational Standard (IS)
Environmental statements and programmes for products — Environmental product declarations (EPDs)
Principles, requirements, and guidelines for EPD programs and environmental product declarations (EPDs), which are prepared using LCA under ISO 14040 and 14044
- When
- When turning LCA results into an EPD and registering and publishing it with an EPD program
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Sector-specific rules, such as for construction products, are in separate ISO documents (e.g., ISO 21930)
- How it’s checked
- Program registration and issuance The EPD program operator registers and publishes EPDs under its own operating rules
- Edition
- Replaces ISO 14025:2006 (Type III environmental declarations)—published June 2026 with a new title
K-EPD
Program registration and issuanceKorean certification scheme
Certification of Environmental Product Declaration (Korea)
Korea’s EPD (Type III) program, which certifies and labels a product’s life cycle environmental impacts, from raw material extraction to disposal, as figures in 7 impact categories, including carbon footprint
- When
- When you must give project owners or customers certified figures on a product’s life cycle environmental performance
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Different from the Korea Eco-Label, which recognizes products with superior environmental performance
- How it’s checked
- Program registration and issuance The Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute (KEITI), as the certification body, reviews and certifies products (certification valid for 3 years); participation is voluntary
- Edition
- Legal basis: Article 18 of the Environmental Technology and Industry Support Act. Competent ministry: Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment.
ISO 14020:2022
Method or guidanceUnder revisionInternational Standard (IS)
Environmental statements and programmes for products — Principles and general requirements
Principles and general requirements common to environmental statements for products and their programs, including self-declared claims, ecolabels, EPDs, and footprint communication
- When
- When checking the common principles before communicating a product’s environmental performance through labels, declarations, or claims
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Detailed requirements for each type are in separate standards such as ISO 14021, 14024, 14025, and 14026
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance
- Edition
- Amendment ISO 14020:2022/DAmd 1 at DIS ballot (since July 2026)—current edition remains valid
ISO 14021:2026
Method or guidanceRecently publishedInternational Standard (IS)
Environmental statements and programmes for products — Self-declared environmental claims
Principles, requirements, and guidelines for self-declared environmental claims that companies make about their products, plus usage conditions and evaluation methods for commonly used terms
- When
- When using environmental wording or symbols on products, packaging, advertising, or digital channels
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- A different type from third-party certified ecolabels (ISO 14024) and EPDs (ISO 14025)
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance Claims the company makes itself, without third-party certification; supporting evaluation documentation must be in place
- Edition
- Replaces ISO 14021:2016 (including Amd 1:2021)—published June 2026
ISO 14026:2017
Third-party verificationUnder revisionInternational Standard (IS)
Environmental labels and declarations — Principles, requirements and guidelines for communication of footprint information
Principles, requirements, and guidelines for communicating environmental footprint information about products, plus footprint communication programs and verification procedures
- When
- When communicating a calculated product carbon footprint or other footprint information externally through labels or reports
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Does not cover footprint calculation methods or organization-level footprint communication
- How it’s checked
- Third-party verification Not a certification standard; includes requirements for procedures to verify footprint information
- Edition
- Revision approved as a new work item (ISO/AWI 14026, October 2026)—current edition remains valid
ISO 14068:2026
Third-party verificationRecently publishedInternational Standard (IS)
Climate change management — Carbon neutrality
Principles and requirements for achieving and demonstrating the carbon neutrality of organizations and products, under a hierarchy that puts reductions and removal enhancements first and offsets only the remaining footprint
- When
- When planning to make a carbon neutrality commitment or claim for an organization or product
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Sets no requirements or recommendations for net zero
- How it’s checked
- Third-party verification Not a certification standard; it sets requirements for carbon neutrality commitments and claims, building on GHG quantification and verification standards
- Edition
- Replaces ISO 14068-1:2023—published September 2026, with “-1” dropped from the number
EU Batteries Regulation (EU) 2023/1542
Third-party verificationEU regulation
Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 July 2023 concerning batteries and waste batteries
Sets sustainability, safety, labeling, and battery passport requirements for batteries placed on the EU market, and carbon footprint declaration obligations for EV batteries and other categories
- When
- When supplying EV or industrial batteries, or their components or materials, into supply chains for the EU market
How it’s checked, edition, related standards
- How it’s checked
- Third-party verification Carbon footprint requirements (Article 7) are subject to conformity assessment involving a notified body
- Edition
- EV battery carbon footprint declarations apply from February 18, 2025, or 12 months after the delegated act on calculation and verification methods enters into force, whichever is later—the delegated act is not yet final as of October 2026
IFRS S2 2023 edition
Third-party verificationDisclosure standard
IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures
The ISSB standard requiring companies to disclose to investors their climate-related risks and opportunities, their Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions, and other information
- When
- When listed companies or investors request ISSB-based climate disclosures or supply chain emissions data
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Does not define a new emissions calculation method (it relies on the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard)
- How it’s checked
- Third-party verification A disclosure standard, not a certification standard; third-party assurance requirements are set by each jurisdiction
- Edition
- Effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024. The December 2025 amendments apply to periods beginning on or after January 1, 2027.
KSSB Sustainability Disclosure Standards Nos. 1 and 2 (2026)
Third-party verificationRecently publishedDisclosure standard
KSSB Sustainability Disclosure Standards No. 1 (General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information) and No. 2 (Climate-related Disclosures)
Korea’s disclosure standards, set by the Korea Sustainability Standards Board of the Korea Accounting Institute based on IFRS S1 and S2 (No. 1: general requirements; No. 2: climate-related disclosures)
- When
- When a listed company in Korea prepares sustainability disclosures, or customers request emissions and supply chain data for their disclosures
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- The draft’s additional disclosures for policy purposes (No. 101) were excluded from the final standards
- How it’s checked
- Third-party verification Financial Services Commission (FSC) final plan: third-party verification (assurance) to be phased in from 2030, two years after disclosure becomes mandatory
- Edition
- Approved and published February 26, 2026. FSC final plan (July 8, 2026): mandatory from 2028 (FY2027) for KOSPI-listed companies with consolidated assets of KRW 10 trillion or more, then phased in more widely.
Low-Carbon Product certification
Program registration and issuanceKorean certification scheme
Low Carbon Product Certification (Korea)
Certifies products that hold Korean EPD certification and whose carbon footprint is at or below the officially notified maximum allowable carbon emissions, or that meet the minimum reduction rate
- When
- When you want official recognition of a Korean EPD-certified product’s carbon reductions so you can promote it as a green product
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Cannot be obtained on its own, without Korean EPD certification
- How it’s checked
- Program registration and issuance Certified by the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute (KEITI) under the “Low-Carbon Product Criteria” public notice
- Edition
- The maximum allowable carbon emissions are set at the average for similar products over the 6 years before application; where there is none, the minimum reduction rate applies
Environmental labeling and advertising rules (Korea)
Method or guidanceKorean statutory scheme
Prohibition against Unfair Labeling or Advertising (Environmental Technology and Industry Support Act, Article 16-10)
A statutory regime that prohibits false or exaggerated, deceptive, unfairly comparative, or disparaging environmental labeling and advertising of products, with substantiation requests, corrective measures, and administrative fines
- When
- When using environmental claims such as “eco-friendly” or “low-carbon” on packaging, in advertising, or on your website
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Not a certification mark scheme like the Korea Eco-Label or the Korean EPD
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance Not a certification process; if a violation is suspected, the government can demand substantiation and impose corrective orders and administrative fines
- Edition
- Legal basis: Articles 16-10 to 16-13 of the Environmental Technology and Industry Support Act
Korea Eco-Label
Program registration and issuanceKorean certification scheme
Korea Eco-Label Certification
Certifies, against officially notified criteria, products that use less energy and fewer resources and generate fewer pollutants over their life cycle than other products with the same use
- When
- When you want a product to qualify for public-sector green procurement, or to show its environmental improvements with an official mark
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Different from the Korean EPD, which discloses environmental impact figures
- How it’s checked
- Program registration and issuance Certified by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute (KEITI) under the “Eco-Label Product Categories and Certification Criteria” public notice
- Edition
- Legal basis: Article 17 of the Environmental Technology and Industry Support Act. In operation since 1992.
ISO 14024:2026
Program registration and issuanceRecently publishedInternational Standard (IS)
Environmental statements and programmes for products — Ecolabels
Principles, requirements, and guidelines for ecolabel programs and ecolabels, including product category selection, environmental and functional criteria, and procedures for assessing and certifying labeled products
- When
- When using or operating an ecolabel scheme that awards labels to products meeting set criteria
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Different from environmental claims companies make themselves (ISO 14021)
- How it’s checked
- Program registration and issuance The ecolabel program sets the criteria, assesses and certifies products, and licenses use of the label
- Edition
- Replaces ISO 14024:2018—published May 2026
ISO/TS 14029:2022
Program registration and issuanceTechnical Specification (TS)
Environmental statements and programmes for products — Mutual recognition of environmental product declarations (EPDs) and footprint communication programmes
Requirements and guidance for mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) between EPD programs and footprint communication programs
- When
- When you want an EPD from one program to be recognized in other countries or programs
How it’s checked, edition, related standards
- How it’s checked
- Program registration and issuance Concerns agreements between program operators; companies are not certified against it
- Edition
- Confirmed in the 2025 systematic review
GRI 102 2025 edition
Method or guidanceRecently publishedDisclosure standard
GRI 102: Climate Change 2025
GRI Topic Standard for reporting an organization’s climate change impacts, such as GHG emissions and transition and adaptation plans (incorporates revised GRI 305 emissions disclosures)
- When
- When reporting GHG emissions and climate impacts in a sustainability report prepared under the GRI Standards
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Energy disclosures are covered by GRI 103: Energy 2025
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance GRI does not certify reports; external assurance is the reporting organization’s choice
- Edition
- Released June 26, 2025, and applies to reports published on or after January 1, 2027. Incorporates revised content from GRI 305: Emissions 2016 (305-1 to 305-5) and 201-2.
TNFD 2023 edition
Method or guidanceRecommendations
Recommendations of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures
Recommendations for disclosing nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks, and opportunities across four pillars: governance, strategy, risk and impact management, and metrics and targets
- When
- When investors or financial institutions ask for disclosure of biodiversity and other nature-related risks
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Voluntary recommendations, not a legally mandated standard
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance
- Edition
- The ISSB plans to publish an exposure draft of a nature-related disclosures Practice Statement, building on TNFD, in October 2026; TNFD has stopped initiating new technical guidance
06Management systems and beyond16
ISO 14001:2026
CertificationRecently publishedInternational Standard (IS)
Environmental management systems — Requirements with guidance for use
Requirements for an organization to establish, operate, and improve an environmental management system (EMS) and manage its environmental responsibilities systematically
- When
- When customers or tenders require EMS certification, or when building a company-wide environmental management framework
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Does not certify product carbon footprints or LCA results
- How it’s checked
- Certification A certification body audits and certifies the organization’s EMS—this is not product certification
- Edition
- Published April 15, 2026, replacing ISO 14001:2015 and its climate change amendment (Amd 1:2024)—the transition deadline for existing certifications is April 30, 2029 (Global ACI)
ISO 50001:2018/Amd 1:2024
CertificationInternational Standard (IS)
Energy management systems — Requirements with guidance for use
Requirements for an organization to establish, operate, and improve an energy management system (EnMS) and steadily raise its energy performance
- When
- When managing energy use systematically, or when customers or tenders require energy management certification
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Does not set the level of energy performance improvement to achieve
- How it’s checked
- Certification A certification body audits and certifies the organization’s EnMS
- Edition
- Confirmed in the 2024 systematic review. Applied together with Amd 1:2024 (February 2024), which added climate change considerations.
ISO 14009:2020
Method or guidanceInternational Standard (IS)
Environmental management systems — Guidelines for incorporating material circulation in design and development
Guidelines for using an environmental management system framework to build material circulation (material types and quantities, life extension, recovery) systematically into product design and development
- When
- When you run ISO 14001 and want to build resource circulation in from the design stage
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Does not address safety, energy efficiency, performance, or cost
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance
- Edition
- Confirmed in the 2026 systematic review
ISO 14031:2021
Method or guidanceInternational Standard (IS)
Environmental management — Environmental performance evaluation — Guidelines
Guidance on designing and using environmental performance evaluation (EPE) within an organization, regardless of its type or size
- When
- When setting environmental indicators to measure and evaluate performance over time and inform management decisions
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Does not set levels of environmental performance to achieve
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance
- Edition
- Replaced ISO 14031:2013. The 2026 systematic review has closed, with results not yet announced—current edition remains valid.
ISO 14051:2011
Method or guidanceInternational Standard (IS)
Environmental management — Material flow cost accounting — General framework
The general framework for material flow cost accounting (MFCA): tracking material flows and stocks within an organization in physical units and evaluating their costs
- When
- When making material losses and waste visible as costs, to reduce costs and environmental impacts together
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Does not cover external costs or detailed calculation procedures
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance Its scope states that it is not intended for third-party certification
- Edition
- Confirmed in the 2025 systematic review
ISO 14052:2017
Method or guidanceInternational Standard (IS)
Environmental management — Material flow cost accounting — Guidance for practical implementation in a supply chain
Guidance, based on ISO 14051, on applying material flow cost accounting (MFCA) by sharing information between upstream and downstream organizations in a supply chain
- When
- When working with suppliers to improve material and energy efficiency across the supply chain
How it’s checked, edition, related standards
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance
- Edition
- Confirmed in the 2022 systematic review
ISO 14053:2021
Method or guidanceInternational Standard (IS)
Environmental management — Material flow cost accounting — Guidance for phased implementation in organizations
Practical guidance to help organizations, including SMEs, introduce material flow cost accounting (MFCA) in phases that suit their circumstances
- When
- When you want to start MFCA on a small scale and expand it in phases
How it’s checked, edition, common mix-ups, related standards
- Common mix-ups
- Does not cover detailed calculation procedures or efficiency improvement techniques
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance
- Edition
- Confirmed in the 2026 systematic review
ISO 14090:2019
Method or guidanceInternational Standard (IS)
Adaptation to climate change — Principles, requirements and guidelines
Principles, requirements, and guidelines for integrating climate change adaptation within or across organizations, and for using impacts and uncertainties in decision-making
- When
- When building adaptation plans for climate change impacts into an organization’s operations
How it’s checked, edition, related standards
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance
- Edition
- Confirmed in the 2026 systematic review
ISO 14091:2021
Method or guidanceInternational Standard (IS)
Adaptation to climate change — Guidelines on vulnerability, impacts and risk assessment
Guidance on understanding vulnerability and on designing and carrying out assessments of the risks posed by potential climate change impacts
- When
- When assessing current and future climate risks to sites and assets as a basis for adaptation planning
How it’s checked, edition, related standards
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance
- Edition
- The 2026 systematic review has closed, with results not yet announced—current edition remains valid
ISO 17298:2025
Method or guidanceRecently publishedInternational Standard (IS)
Biodiversity — Considering biodiversity in the strategy and operations of organizations — Requirements and guidelines
Requirements and guidelines for organizations to identify their biodiversity impacts, dependencies, and risks and reflect them in strategy, operations, and action plans
- When
- When identifying your business’s impacts and dependencies on nature and planning a response
How it’s checked, edition, related standards
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance
- Edition
- First edition published October 2025 (ISO/TC 331)
ISO 50006:2023
Method or guidanceInternational Standard (IS)
Energy management systems — Evaluating energy performance using energy performance indicators and energy baselines
Guidance on establishing and maintaining energy performance indicators (EnPIs) and energy baselines (EnBs) to measure and demonstrate energy performance and its improvement
- When
- When you need to show energy savings against indicators and baselines
How it’s checked, edition, related standards
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance
- Edition
- Second edition (May 2023), replacing ISO 50006:2014
ISO 50015:2014
Method or guidanceInternational Standard (IS)
Energy management systems — Measurement and verification of energy performance of organizations — General principles and guidance
General principles and guidance for the measurement and verification (M&V) of the energy performance of an organization or part of one
- When
- When the effect of energy improvement actions must be measured and verified through a defined process
How it’s checked, edition, related standards
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance “Verification” in the title refers to the M&V process; this is not a certification standard
- Edition
- Confirmed in the 2025 systematic review
ISO 59004:2024
Method or guidanceUnder revisionInternational Standard (IS)
Circular economy — Vocabulary, principles and guidance for implementation
Core circular economy terms, vision, and principles, with implementation guidance for organizations moving toward a circular economy
- When
- When learning the shared terms and principles of the circular economy and setting your organization’s transition direction
How it’s checked, edition, related standards
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance
- Edition
- First edition published May 2024—revision in progress (ISO/WD 59004), current edition remains valid
ISO 59010:2024
Method or guidanceUnder revisionInternational Standard (IS)
Circular economy — Guidance on the transition of business models and value networks
Guidance for organizations on reviewing their current value creation models and value networks and shifting from linear to circular
- When
- When developing a strategy to make your business model and partner network circular
How it’s checked, edition, related standards
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance
- Edition
- First edition published May 2024—revision in progress (ISO/WD 59010), current edition remains valid
ISO 59020:2024
Method or guidanceUnder revisionInternational Standard (IS)
Circular economy — Measuring and assessing circularity performance
Requirements and guidance for measuring and assessing circularity performance by setting system boundaries and collecting data on mandatory and optional circularity indicators
- When
- When you need to measure how circular your resource flows are and show improvement
How it’s checked, edition, related standards
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance Defines measurement and assessment methods; it is not a certification in itself
- Edition
- First edition published May 2024—revision in progress (ISO/WD 59020), current edition remains valid
ISO 59040:2025
Method or guidanceRecently publishedInternational Standard (IS)
Circular economy — Product circularity data sheet
Requirements and a template for the product circularity data sheet (PCDS), so circularity information can be exchanged when products are bought and sold without disclosing confidential data
- When
- When requesting or providing product circularity information in a common format across the supply chain
How it’s checked, edition, related standards
- How it’s checked
- Method or guidance
- Edition
- First edition published February 2025
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