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ISO and GHG Protocol Create Unified Standards for Emissions Accounting

In a groundbreaking development, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has announced a strategic partnership with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol), a collaborative initiative co-hosted by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). This alliance aims to unify their greenhouse gas (GHG) standards into a cohesive framework to streamline emission accounting practices across the globe.

The Need for Harmonization

The current landscape of GHG emissions reporting is often marred by fragmentation, with companies navigating through a myriad of standards and regulations that differ across regions and sectors. This has proven to be a significant barrier to effective climate action and consistent reporting. The partnership between ISO and the GHG Protocol answers a pressing need: the establishment of a harmonized set of standards that can simplify processes for businesses and provide a clear, consistent framework for policymakers.

Sergio Mujica, Secretary General of ISO, expressed, "We are proud to announce this historic partnership with the GHG Protocol. It illustrates our commitment to collaboratively develop standards that pave the way for a unified framework. Together, we aim to enhance climate action and make emission accounting simpler for all stakeholders. This marks a new era in CO2 emission accounting, and both organizations are excited about this collaboration."

Details of the Partnership

As part of the agreement, ISO and the GHG Protocol will consolidate their foundational GHG standards into what will be known as harmonized international standards. This will include the ISO 1406X series and the GHG Protocol’s Scope 2 and Scope 3 accounting and reporting standards. The unified portfolio will significantly enhance consistency and clarity in GHG accounting, fostering a shared understanding and approach among stakeholders worldwide.

Geraldine Matchett, Chair of the GHG Protocol Steering Committee, commented, “We are delighted to unveil this historic agreement, which builds on the strengths of both our organizations. Harmonizing emission accounting standards at the corporate, product, and project levels is crucial. This partnership establishes a long-term collaborative mechanism aimed at simplifying international standards in practice, while also laying down essential frameworks for implementing concrete climate actions across all stakeholder groups.”

Benefits of a Unified Approach

The consolidation of these standards represents a remarkable step towards establishing a common language for GHG emissions accounting on a global scale. Businesses, governments, and organizations can now rely on a coherent set of guidelines that will reduce the burden of quantifying and reporting emissions.

Furthermore, the new partnership is expected to bolster credibility and relevance in climate policies, making it easier for businesses and organizations to align with international sustainability initiatives. The adoption of ISO and GHG Protocol standards by a vast number of companies globally underscores their importance in ensuring transparency and uniformity in emissions reporting.

The joint effort of these two organizations promises to not only improve the technical rigor of emissions standards but also to ensure their applicability in real-world practices. Experts from both sides will now engage in a streamlined technical process, aimed at crafting coherent standards that are responsive to user needs and conducive to effective decarbonization efforts based on scientific data.

A Call to Action

As the urgency for addressing climate change escalates, the collaboration between ISO and the GHG Protocol emerges as a vital initiative to facilitate necessary actions. By foregoing fragmented approaches and embracing a unified framework, stakeholders can enhance their efforts towards sustainability. Together, they can contribute significantly to the global fight against climate change, providing structured, evidence-based pathways for emission reductions.

For further information, visit ISO and GHG Protocol.