My company wants to get to Net Zero but we are not ready for verification to ISO 14064-1, is there an earlier phase?
The BSI Net Zero Accelerator Programme, Phase 0, takes a test-and-learn approach adapted to the needs of your organization. We design your programme in partnership with you, supporting you to build capability and readiness, no matter where you are on your net zero journey. This staged process of training, gap analysis and data verification options, guides you until you’re ready to embark on the BSI Net Zero Pathway and third-party verification.
What is the difference between the BSI Net Zero Pathway and achieving carbon neutrality under ISO 14068-1?
The key difference is that the ISO 14068-1 approach allows an organization to purchase offset credits to achieve carbon neutrality whilst making incremental reductions to GHG emissions. The BSI Net Zero Pathway approach has a greater focus on achieving GHG emission reductions as a priority with off-set credits only being used to address residual GHG emissions where it is not financially or technologically viable to reduce them further.
Can BSI certify my organization to both the BSI Net Zero Pathway as well as ISO 14068-1 Carbon Neutrality?
Our Net Zero Pathway is suitable for organizations who are committed to achieving net zero whilst ISO 14068-1 is focused on carbon neutrality with a greater use of off-set credits to achieve this.
We have already set reduction targets with another organization, why should we join the BSI Net Zero Pathway?
Setting targets is a good first step and deduction targets generated with another company can be used in conjunction with our scheme. The benefit of our BSI Net Zero Pathway is that it goes beyond just setting targets, as the scheme includes annual audits and review of progress against these targets to ensure they are being achieved. The BSI Net Zero Pathway starts with a rigorous carbon footprint verification against the requirements of ISO 14064-1 which means that reduction targets are set against an accurate baseline which has been independently verified to ensure all relevant GHG emissions have been considered, thus ensuring credibility on your journey to becoming net zero.
Does the BSI Net Zero Pathway allow a Sectoral Decarbonization Approach?
BSI discourages the use of a Sectoral Decarbonization Approach when applied to setting organization-level reduction targets. Every organization is different so we recommend that targets should be specific to an organization rather than a sector.
I only want to include scope 1 and 2 emissions in my footprint verification as scope 3 emissions are too complicated and I can’t get the data I need. Is this ok?
No, ISO 14064-1 is the international standard used for the quantification of organizational level carbon footprints. It requires that all significant scope 2 and 3 GHG emissions are included in the footprint.
Our GHG data is audited by our accountants as we have to include this in our annual corporate report. Can we use this as an alternative to a ISO 14064-1 verification?
No, in order to set meaningful targets it is critical that your carbon footprint is verified against a recognised standard by specialists in the field of carbon management.
We have already been verified against ISO 14064-1 by someone that isn’t BSI, can we use this data to join the BSI Net Zero Pathway?
Yes, provided the ISO 14064-1 verification was completed by a verification body that is accredited to do so by an International Accreditation Forum member.
We already have ISO 14001 and/or ISO 50001 with BSI, can these help us on our journey to net zero?
Yes, implementing an Energy and/or Environmental Management System can help you to improve your data collection and management processes and identify areas for improvement. ISO 50001 is particularly helpful when considering scope 1 and 2 emissions and ISO 14001 can help with scope 3 emissions related to your supply chains.
