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The BSI Net Zero Pathway in Seven Steps

This document has been designed to answer some of the most common questions about the BSI Net Zero Pathway.

Step 1 - Carbon Footprint verification

  • The organization calculates their carbon footprint using ISO 14064-1.
  • This footprint is used as the baseline against which future improvement is measured.
  • Once the footprint has been calculated BSI conduct a full verification and issue a Verification Opinion.
  • This verification is UKAS accredited.

Step 2 - Implement your emissions reduction system

  • The organization implements an emissions reduction action plan meeting recommendations defined using key principles in the ISO Net Zero Guidelines (IWA 42).
  • The action plan will include specific activities to reduce GHGs in line with targets.
  • Note – as the ISO Net Zero Guidelines (IWA 42) is a guidance document it is not possible to become certified to them outside of the BSI Net Zero Pathway.

Step 3 - BSI audit

  • BSI will audit the emissions reduction action plan against key principles of the ISO Net Zero Guidelines (IWA 42) to confirm that the organization is committed to achieving net zero and that action plans are appropriate.

Step 4 - Target evaluation

  • Using the data that has been verified in step 1 the BSI Target Evaluator Report is used to show if planned emission reductions will achieve net zero by 2050, or sooner if the organization has set a more challenging target.
  • The BSI Target Evaluator Report also shows the potential costs of delaying action and the social cost of your GHG emissions.

Step 5 - Formal approval

  • Once the footprint verification, target setting and satisfactory audit against key principles of the ISO Net Zero Guidelines (IWA 42) have been completed BSI issue a certificate and Mark of Trust confirming the organization has been assured against the BSI Net Zero Pathway.
  • This certificate and Mark of Trust can be used by the organization
    to showcase their commitment to net zero to its stakeholders.
  • The organization will also be added to the list of approved companies on the BSI website.

Step 6 - Yearly audit

  • Once approved the organization will receive an annual audit to confirm the carbon reduction action plan is being maintained and that the organization is making progress with emission reduction targets.
  • This audit includes an update to the Target Evaluator Report to replace forecast with actual data and reset reduction targets where necessary.

Step 7 - Reverification

  • On the third anniversary of the initial carbon footprint verification BSI
    conducts a full verification to ISO14064-1 where a new accredited Verification Opinion will be issued.
  • The annual audit against the key principles of the ISO Net Zero Guidelines (IWA 42) will be conducted following the reverification. A new certificate will be issued provided the requirements continue to be met.

Discovery Workshop (Optional)

If you are not yet ready to undertake ISO 14064-1 carbon footprint verification, you can undertake a Discovery Workshop. Our Discovery Workshops enable companies to develop an actionable plan so they can become ready to be verified to ISO 14064-1 in approx. 6-12 months depending on the size of the organization.