#Switzerland #Geneva #ISO Standards #Greenhouse Gas Protocol #GHG Accounting

ISO and GHG Protocol Form Strategic Partnership

In an important development for environmental governance, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at harmonizing their existing greenhouse gas standards. This collaboration, which was revealed on September 9, 2025, seeks to merge their frameworks into cohesive international guidelines for greenhouse gas emissions accounting and reporting.

The Significance of the Partnership

This partnership is seen as a pivotal move towards establishing a more unified global framework for emissions accounting. By consolidating their respective standards, ISO and GHG Protocol aim to simplify processes for businesses, enhance consistency for policymakers, and ease the burden of emissions measurement and reporting for users worldwide. This new approach promises a more straightforward method for stakeholders involved in emissions reporting, which has historically been complicated by a patchwork of differing standards.

Sergio Mujica, the Secretary-General of ISO, expressed pride in this alliance, noting that it reflects a common ambition shared by both organizations to innovate in the realm of climate action. He stated, “This partnership drives forward an ambition that enables co-creation, resulting in a harmonized portfolio of standards.” Mujica emphasized that this development marks a transformative moment in the carbon accounting landscape.

Geraldine Matchett, the Steering Committee Chair of GHG Protocol, added that harmonizing corporate, product, and project-level GHG accounting standards is essential. She highlighted that this collaboration not only reduces complexity but also lays the groundwork for effective climate action across various sectors.

Addressing the Challenges

One major challenge regarding international climate action has been the fragmented nature of existing standards and policies. By introducing a unified approach, this partnership addresses this issue directly. The newly formed portfolio of dual-logo standards will encompass corporate, product, and project-level accounting, thereby aligning existing frameworks and setting the stage for future collaborative development.

The significance of standards from both organizations can’t be understated, as they are widely adopted across the globe. The ISO 1406X family of standards, for example, is utilized in legislation and regulation by various governments, forming the basis for greenhouse gas reporting and verification frameworks across multiple industries. In tandem, GHG Protocol standards have become critical tools relied upon by leading sustainability initiatives.

The Path Forward

By merging the standards of ISO's 1406X series with those of the GHG Protocol, the new partnership aims to introduce a high level of technical rigor while maintaining policy relevance and usability. Experts from both organizations will collaborate through a streamlined technical process to develop coherent standards that cater to the needs of all stakeholders involved. The ultimate goal is to facilitate robust, science-based decarbonization efforts across different regions, sectors, and economies.

The move comes at a crucial time when businesses and governments are under increasing pressure to demonstrate their commitment to carbon neutrality and effective climate action. The collaboration between ISO and GHG Protocol could significantly enhance the quality and reliability of emissions data, resulting in a tangible impact on global sustainability efforts.

In summary, this partnership represents a promising step toward a unified approach in addressing climate change through improved emissions accounting practices. As ISO and GHG Protocol join forces, they hope to pave the way for comprehensive climate solutions that address the pressing challenges of our time.

For more information about the ISO organization, visit iso.org and for details on the GHG Protocol, check out ghgprotocol.org.