ISO 14064-1: Greenhouse Gas Quantification
I. Definition
ISO 14064-1 is an international standard that explains how organizations must quantify and report greenhouse gas emissions.
It provides clear rules to identify emission sources, calculate emissions, and document results in a structured and auditable way.
In simple terms: ISO 14064-1 is a technical standard used to prove that a carbon footprint is calculated correctly, using consistent methods and clear documentation.
II. Context
ISO 14064-1 was created to support organizations that need credible and verifiable emissions data.
It is often used for regulatory reporting, voluntary disclosures, and third-party audits.
The standard requires organizations to define organizational boundaries and operational boundaries, similar to the logic used in the GHG Protocol.
It covers Scope 1 emissions, Scope 2 emissions, and can include Scope 3 emissions when relevant.
A key element of ISO 14064-1 is documentation.
Companies must explain data sources, calculation methods, assumptions, and emission factors.
This makes the carbon footprint traceable and reproducible.
Because of this structure, ISO 14064-1 is often used as a base for independent verification by accredited auditors.
III. Why it matters
At Orizscore, we see ISO 14064-1 as a standard of discipline and proof.
It transforms carbon data from internal estimates into defensible evidence.
The real question is not “did you calculate emissions?”.
The real question is “can an external party verify them?”.
Without structured methods, emissions data cannot be trusted, compared, or audited.
ISO 14064-1 forces organizations to slow down, document, and justify every number.
In a world of growing scrutiny, this level of transparency is not a burden.
It is what separates serious climate action from weak declarations.
IV. Related terms
- GHG Protocol: Corporate Standard
https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/ghg-protocol-corporate-standard - Scope 1 Emissions
https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/ghg-protocol-scope-1-emissions - Scope 2 Emissions
https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/ghg-protocol-scope-2-emissions - Scope 3 Emissions
https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/ghg-protocol-scope-3-emissions - Verification of GHG Data
https://www.orizscore.com/blogs/ghg-verification
V. Example
A company wants its carbon footprint to be independently verified.
It applies ISO 14064-1 to define boundaries, list emission sources, and calculate emissions.
Fuel use, electricity consumption, and supplier data are documented with clear assumptions.
An external auditor reviews the methodology and calculations.
Because the process follows ISO 14064-1, the emissions report is verifiable, credible, and ready for regulatory or investor review.
