Setting a standard for GHG-neutrality : how to improve the new ISO on carbon neutral organizations and products / publisher: Umweltbundesamt ; authors, institutions: Huckestein, Burkhard; Ruddigkeit, Dana; Götzinger, Anne; Kleiner, Larissa; Rother, Stefanie (all German Environment Agency)

Abstract

In late 2023, the International Standard Organization (ISO) published a new standard on carbon neutrality: ISO 14068-1. It provides terminology, principles and requirements for GHG-neutral organizations and products, agreed by international experts. However, it contains significant shortcomings as it allows GHG-neutrality claims to be made using high fossil based GHG emissions and environment-damaging GHG removal methods . In a factsheet, the German Environment Agency (⁠UBA⁠) describes the new carbon neutrality standard and concludes: Credible GHG-neutrality claims must go beyond the standard. Above all, companies must consequently reduce their GHG emissions.