Earning ISO 14064-1 verification is a great accomplishment, but it is not the finish line. Verification signifies a commitment to transparency and accountability in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting; however, it is just the beginning of your sustainability journey. This standard offers a powerful framework, but to truly maximise its impact and achieve decarbonisation, companies need to take a proactive, continuous improvement approach.
In this article, I will show you the 3 simple steps to achieve decarbonisation, leveraging on the impact from your ISO 14064-1 verification.
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What ISO 14064-1 Can and Cannot Bring You
ISO 14064-1 provides a standardised approach for quantifying and reporting your organisation’s GHG emissions. Verification confirms the accuracy and completeness of your data, building trust with stakeholders and demonstrating your commitment to sustainability. However, the standard itself doesn’t prescribe specific emission reduction strategies.
Oftentimes, companies stop their GHG management effort at reporting stage due to many reasons and company-wide cost reduction being the most common reason. We agree that GHG management doesn’t bring immediate result in dollar and cents but the opportunities it can bring is beyond your imagination. If you need help in financing your GHG management initiatives, check out our guide for MIDA DIAF-ESG Adoption grant application, where SMEs and mid-tier companies have a chance to grab up to RM500,000 for ESG adoption and GHG verification activities.
3 Steps to Improve Your GHG Management Beyond Verification
Here are three simple steps companies can take to leverage ISO 14064-1 verification as a springboard for achieving ambitious decarbonisation goals:
Create a Culture of Data-Driven Decision Making
The data collected during the verification process becomes a valuable resource. Establish a system for ongoing data collection and analysis. Regularly review your GHG inventory to identify trends and emission hotspots. Use this data to inform strategic decisions and prioritise reduction effort.
Set Ambitious and Measurable Reduction Targets
Don’t settle for incremental change. Set ambitious, science-based emission reduction targets aligned with global climate goals. Break down these targets into actionable plans for each department or operational area. Regularly monitor your progress towards these targets and adjust strategies as needed.
Invest in Innovation and Collaboration
Look inward and fully understand your operation to optimise processes and explore the right technologies that can significantly reduce your emissions footprint. Consider collaborating with sustainability practitioner to share best practices and accelerate innovation. Participating in carbon offset programmes can also be a valuable strategy to neutralise remaining emissions while supporting environmental projects.
Move Forward with Strategy in Mind
By integrating these steps into your existing sustainability framework, ISO 14064-1 verification becomes more than just a badge of honour. It becomes a cornerstone for continuous improvement, driving your organisation towards a decarbonised future.
Interested to transform your business inside out with strategy in mind? Get in touch with our sustainability practitioners to discover GHG management practices beyond verification. Talk to us now.
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