ISO 14064-3:2019

Overview

ISO 14064-3:2019 - "Greenhouse gases - Part 3: Specification with guidance for the verification and validation of greenhouse gas statements" provides principles, requirements and guidance for verifying and validating GHG statements. It is applicable to organization-level, project-level and product-level greenhouse gas (GHG) statements and is GHG programme neutral; where a GHG programme applies, its requirements are additional to ISO 14060 family requirements.

Key topics and technical requirements

ISO 14064-3 sets out the verification/validation lifecycle and core technical elements, including:

• Principles: independence/impartiality, ethical conduct, evidence-based approach, fair presentation, due professional care and conservativeness.
• Pre-engagement requirements: defining objectives, criteria, scope, level of assurance (limited vs. reasonable), and materiality thresholds.
• Team selection: competence and independence requirements for verifiers/validators and the verification/validation team.
• Planning and risk assessment: strategic analysis, risk-based planning, and evidence-gathering strategies.
• Execution techniques: sampling, estimate testing, site visits, assessment of GHG data, checks of information systems and controls, and sufficiency of evidence.
• Reporting and opinions: requirements for verification/validation statements, conclusions, types and contents of opinion, and procedures for facts discovered after issuance.
• Specific engagement types: guidance for limited assurance, agreed-upon procedures (AUP), and mixed engagements (see informative annexes).

Keywords: ISO 14064-3, GHG verification, GHG validation, level of assurance, materiality, verification plan, evidence gathering.

Practical applications and users

ISO 14064-3 is used to provide credible, consistent assurance over GHG claims and inventories. Typical applications include:

• Independent third-party verification of corporate GHG inventories for sustainability reports.
• Validation of project-level emission reductions and product carbon footprint statements.
• Assurance work for compliance, voluntary carbon programmes, investor due diligence, procurement and supply chain reporting.
• Internal audits and improvement of GHG data management systems.

Primary users:

• Verifiers, auditors and validation bodies
• Sustainability and environmental managers
• Consultants and GHG programme administrators
• Regulators, investors and stakeholders seeking independent assurance

Related standards

• ISO 14060 family (GHG programme neutral framework)
• Other parts of ISO 14064 (Part 1: organization quantification/reporting; Part 2: projects)
• National or programme-specific GHG verification requirements (may impose additional rules)

ISO 14064-3:2019 helps organizations and assurance providers deliver robust, transparent verification and validation of greenhouse gas statements-supporting reliable climate-related reporting and decision making.