ISO 14064-5:2026

Overview

ISO 14064-5:2026 provides essential guidance on the remote conduct of verification and validation activities for greenhouse gas (GHG) statements. With the growing prevalence of digitized processes and remote technologies, this standard supports organizations and verifiers/validators in planning, conducting, and managing GHG verification and validation when site visits are not required or when remote techniques are preferable or necessary.

This document is applicable to internal and external verification/validation (first, second, and third party) and addresses the use of both wholly remote methods and combinations of remote and on-site activities. The guidance supports compliance, risk management, and accuracy in cases where remote techniques, supported by information and communication technology (ICT), can be effectively utilized without compromising integrity or quality.

Key Topics

• Remote Activity Planning
  The standard outlines how to determine whether remote verification/validation is appropriate, including pre-engagement assessment of risks, infrastructure, and organizational readiness.

• Risk Evaluation and Management
  Key risk considerations are identified, such as data security, technology reliability, evidence sufficiency, and unique risks introduced by remote engagement (e.g., limited sensory assessment and cyber threats).

• Remote Techniques and Tools
  Guidance on the use of ICT, aerial and satellite imagery, drones, LiDAR, and virtual meetings are detailed, with emphasis on their role and limitations in evidence-gathering for GHG assurance.

• Competence Requirements
  The standard highlights the need for verification/validation teams to have the appropriate technical skills, especially concerning the use of remote sensing, digital platforms, and data-handling technologies.

• Documentation and Reporting
  Requirements for comprehensive documentation of remote activities and clear reporting on the extent and effectiveness of remote techniques in the verification/validation process.

Applications

ISO 14064-5:2026 is highly relevant in a range of scenarios, including:

• Environmental Assurance Programs
  Organizations reporting GHG statements as part of sustainability initiatives or regulatory compliance can streamline verification/validation through secure remote techniques.

• Global and Multi-Site Operations
  Companies and entities with distributed or inaccessible assets benefit by reducing travel costs and logistical challenges associated with on-site verification.

• Risk-Adaptive Site Selection
  Verifiers can flexibly choose the most efficient verification method by balancing risk factors, technological readiness, and the nature of the engagement.

• Technology-Driven Evidence Gathering
  Utilization of advanced data collection tools like drones, LiDAR, and satellite imagery allows for dependable evidence collection across diverse environments, supporting robust GHG assurance.

• Pandemic or Travel-Restricted Contexts
  Remote methods enable continuity of assurance programs where site access is restricted by health, safety, or geopolitical considerations.

Related Standards

To ensure consistency and comprehensive coverage, ISO 14064-5:2026 should be applied alongside related international standards:

• ISO 14064-3:2019
  Specification with guidance for the verification and validation of greenhouse gas statements.

• ISO 14065:2020
  General principles and requirements for bodies validating and verifying environmental information.

• ISO 14066:2023
  Competence requirements for teams validating and verifying environmental information.

• ISO/IEC 17029:2019
  Conformity assessment - General principles and requirements for validation and verification bodies.

These standards collectively establish a framework for credible, secure, and effective management of greenhouse gas information, driving trust and transparency in organizational climate action reporting.

Adopting ISO 14064-5:2026 helps organizations and verification bodies participate confidently in climate-related data assurance, leveraging remote technologies while managing risks and ensuring the quality and integrity of GHG reporting.