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W o r l d L e a d e r C e r t i f i c a t i o n

CLIMATE CHANGE MANAGEMENT

From Carbon Footprint to Verified Carbon Neutrality
Climate change mitigation requires measurable, science-based and verifiable action.
Organizations are increasingly committing to carbon neutrality and net zero targets,
aligned with the Paris Agreement and global climate science.
ISO 14068-1:2023 standard provides the international framework for achieving and
demonstrating carbon neutrality.
The private scheme ClimaNeutral®, developed by EUROCERT, provides a structured
validation and verification pathway to ensure credible and transparent carbon neutrality
claims.

CLIMATE CHANGE MANAGEMENT
WHAT IS ISO 14068-1:2023?

“Climate change management — Transition to net zero — Part 1: Carbon neutrality”

ISO 14068-1 sets out principles, requirements and guidelines for achieving and demonstrating carbon neutrality through the quantification, reduction and offsetting of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This standard covers the detailed planning, development, implementation, management, reporting and communication of carbon neutrality at the organizational or
product level. It provides a structured and internationally recognized framework, enabling each entity to establish and apply clear criteria and procedures. The ultimate goal is to demonstrate that its carbon footprint has been reduced in line with a defined pathway and that any residual emissions have been properly offset. The period of application depends on the defined reporting period of the organization or product. For organizations, it typically covers a specific reporting year, while for
products, it may cover a full or partial life cycle. Top management establishes and maintains a carbon neutrality management plan, which includes procedures for defining the subject and its boundary, quantifying GHG emissions and removals, setting
reduction targets, monitoring performance, managing data quality, and offsetting residual emissions in accordance with the standard.

The structure of ISO 14068-1 is as follows:

Scope

1

Normative references

2

Terms and definitions related to carbon neutrality and GHGs

3

Principles (e.g. transparency, hierarchy approach, science-based action)

4

Framework and approach to carbon neutrality

5

Commitment to carbon neutrality

6

Selection of the subject and its boundary

7

Quantification of GHG emissions and removals

8

Carbon neutrality management plan

9

GHG emission reductions and removal enhancements

10

Αντιστάθμιση του ανθρακικού αποτυπώματος

11

Carbon neutrality report

12

Carbon neutrality claims

13

ISO 14068-1 KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Carbon Neutrality Hierarchy: The standard establishes a clear hierarchy of action: first reduce GHG emissions within the boundary of the subject, then enhance removals, and finally offset only the residual emissions.
• Science-Based Carbon Neutrality Pathway: It requires organizations to define short- and long-term reduction targets aligned with climate science and to demonstrate continual improvement toward residual emissions.
• Transparent Reporting and Claims: The standard specifies detailed requirements for carbon neutrality reporting and for making credible and verifiable carbon neutrality claims.
• Robust Offsetting Requirements: It defines strict criteria for carbon credits, including additionality, permanence, measurability, avoidance of double counting and retirement in recognized registries.
• Top Management Accountability: Carbon neutrality commitments must be formally endorsed and integrated into the organization’s governance and strategic direction.


ISO 14068-1 therefore provides a comprehensive and internationally harmonized
framework for organizations and products seeking to demonstrate credible, transparent
and science-aligned carbon neutrality.

THE CARBON NEUTRALITY HIERARCHY

According to ISO 14068-1, carbon neutrality must follow a strict hierarchy:
1. Reduce GHG emissions within the boundary
2. Enhance GHG removals
3. Offset only residual emissions
Offsetting is not a substitute for reduction — it is the final step after all feasible
abatement actions.

THE CARBON NEUTRALITY HIERARCHY
WHAT IS ClimaNeutral®

ClimaNeutral® is EUROCERT’s structured Validation & Verification Programme for Carbon Neutrality Claims, fully aligned with:
• ISO 14068-1:2023
• ISO/IEC 17029
• ISO 14064-1 & ISO 14064-3
It provides:
• A standardized conformity assessment pathway
• Technical clarity for organization
• Structured verification process
• Transparent and credible neutrality claims
ClimaNeutral® does not replace ISO 14068-1 — it operationalizes it under accredited verification principles.

THE CLIMANEUTRAL® 5-STEP FRAMEWORK

According to the Programme structure:
Step 1 – Definition of Scope & Boundaries
• Identify subject (organization, product, service, activity)
• Define legal and operational boundaries
• Define reporting period
Step 2 – Quantification of GHG Emissions & Removals
• Full GHG inventory (Scopes 1, 2 and relevant Scope 3)
• Use recognized methodologies (ISO 14064-1, GHG Protocol)
• Application of latest IPCC GWP values
Step 3 – GHG Reduction & Carbon Neutrality Plan
• Science-aligned reduction targets
• Medium-term reduction pathway (5–10 years)
• Continuous performance tracking
Step 4 – Offsetting Residual Emissions
• High-quality carbon credits
• Additionality, permanence, no double counting
• Retirement in recognized registries
Step 5 – Disclosure & Communication
• Public carbon neutrality report
• Transparent claim
• Independent verification statement

TYPES OF CLAIMS SUPPORTED

ClimaNeutral® supports carbon neutrality claims for organizations, products, services and defined activities:
Entity Claims
o Entire organization
o Business unit
o Facility
o Defined legal entity
Product Claims
o Individual products (goods)
o Product lines
o Private label products
o Products assessed over full or partial life cycle
Activity / Service Claims
o Events
o Logistics operations
o Data hosting
o Specific projects
o Defined time-bound services or activities
All claims are assessed within clearly defined boundaries and reporting periods, in
accordance with ISO 14068-1 requirements.

TO WHOM IT IS ADDRESSED

Our carbon neutrality verification services are addressed to:
• Corporations seeking Carbon Neutrality
• SMEs aiming to enhance sustainability credibility
• Service providers & logistics operators
• Event organizers
• Financial institutions
• Public sector entities

TO WHOM IT IS ADDRESSED
BENEFITS FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION

By choosing our independent verification services, you can:
• Demonstrate verified carbon neutrality
• Strengthen ESG & sustainability strategy
• Increase credibility with investors & stakeholders
• Align with Net Zero commitments
• Reduce climate risk exposure
• Enhance brand trust and transparency

CARBON NEUTRALITY VS NET ZERO

ISO 14068-1 clarifies that:
• Carbon Neutrality applies at organizational & product level
• Net Zero is a broader long-term transition concept
ClimaNeutral® supports organizations on their pathway toward Net Zero through:
• Annual GHG accounting
• Structured emission reductions
• Progressive transition to carbon removals

CERTIFΙCATION WITH EUROCERT

EUROCERT is the largest Greek independent certification body, accredited by ESYD, with a presence in more than 40 countries worldwide. As an accredited validation and verification body under ISO/IEC 17029 and ISO 14065, EUROCERT provides reliable
assurance services in climate change and sustainability.
Certification with EUROCERT for ISO 14068-1 Carbon Neutrality ensures that your carbon neutrality claim is evaluated by a recognized, experienced, and internationally credible body.
Our services offer:
• Expert teams specialized in GHG quantification and carbon neutrality
verification.
• Structured and science-aligned assessment of reduction targets and offsetting.
• Tailored solutions for organizations, products, services, and activities.
• Transparent, independent, and internationally recognized verification.
Our approach is objective, credible, and fully aligned with ISO 14068-1:2023 and international best practices.

 

CERTIFΙCATION WITH EUROCERT
Relative Documents

Please read the attachments for more information


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