Net Zero: A New International Standard for Sustainability
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is set to introduce a new international standard focused on the concept of “net zero.”
This standard aims to guide organizations worldwide towards reducing carbon emissions in alignment with global sustainability goals.
The Importance of Net Zero
The term “net zero” refers to achieving a balance between the carbon emissions produced and those removed from the atmosphere.
With increasing concerns about climate change, adopting practices that lead to net-zero emissions has become a priority for governments, businesses, and civil society.
The ISO standard will provide a clear and practical framework for achieving this ambitious goal.
The standard is expected to be launched next year, during COP30 in November 2025.
“ISO takes seriously our role in supporting a transition to zero emissions. As part of our climate commitment, we look forward to providing a market-driven international standard that is suitable for organizations of all sizes, sectors, and regions,”
said Noelia Garcia Nebra, Sustainability Manager.
Structure of the New Sustainability Standard The ISO net zero standard will be designed to be applicable to various types of organizations, regardless of sector or size.
It will include guidelines on how to measure and reduce emissions; strategies for offsetting residual emissions; and methodologies for reporting and verification.
This integrated approach will ensure that organizations can adopt sustainable practices in a consistent and transparent manner.
ISO plans to collaborate with thousands of experts through national standardization bodies in over 170 countries, drawing on the latest scientific findings on climate.
In 2025, a public consultation will also be launched to gather global input and ensure all voices are considered.
Benefits of Net Zero
Adopting the ISO net zero standard will bring numerous benefits to organizations.
These include the ability to enhance corporate reputation, attract sustainable investments, and respond to increasing demands for transparency from consumers and stakeholders.
The standard represents an advancement from the ISO Net Zero Guidelines introduced at COP2. It evolves into a fully-fledged international standard that can be independently verified.
The original guidelines aimed to support organizations in developing global strategies to achieve emission reductions, offering reliable and recognized practices.
This new standard will boost consumer confidence and protect against greenwashing by establishing rigorous criteria and clear requirements for verifying claims.
Conclusions
The launch of the ISO net zero standard marks a significant step towards a more sustainable future.
Staying updated on the developments of this standard will be crucial for all organizations aiming to remain competitive and responsible in the current global context.
Experts interested in contributing to the development of the standard can apply to join the climate change management committee at their national standards body, identifying the “ISO member” in their country.
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