Inventory · verification · opinion
ISO 14064 software: an inventory a verifier can test
ISO 14064 software builds an organisation’s greenhouse gas inventory to ISO 14064-1 and prepares it for verification to ISO 14064-3.
Most buyers want one thing from it: a GHG statement that survives a verifier’s sampling.
The standard is explained on the ISO 14064 guide.
The parts
Which parts of ISO 14064 should the software support?
The series now has five parts, and only the first three set requirements.
| Part | What it covers | Software relevance |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 14064-1:2018 | An organisation’s GHG inventory: control or equity-share consolidation, indirect emissions in five categories | The core job |
| ISO 14064-2:2019 | Project-level reductions and removals | Project developers only |
| ISO 14064-3:2019 | Verification and validation of GHG statements | Evidence and sampling |
| ISO/TS 14064-4 and ISO 14064-5 | Guidance on applying Part 1 and on remote verification | Guidance only; no new requirements |
Verification
What does an ISO 14064 verification actually produce?
ISO 14064-3 verification ends in an opinion on a GHG statement, issued by a verifier, at either reasonable or limited assurance (ISO).
Reasonable assurance is high but not absolute; limited assurance is reduced; the level is agreed before the work starts.
In the UK, UKAS accredits GHG verifiers under its validation and verification programme, separate from the accreditation of certification bodies (UKAS).
So there is no "ISO 14064 certified" software or company, only verified statements.
Where it is used
Where does ISO 14064 matter for UK companies?
PPN 006 names ISO 14064-3 as a widely used verification standard for carbon reduction plans, but requires no audit; see carbon reduction plan software.
UK ETS verification runs on the retained Verification Regulation, not on ISO 14064; see UK ETS software.
ISO 14064-1 is under revision, with a working draft in progress, and the 2018 edition remains current (ISO).
The demonstration
What should you test before buying?
Ask the vendor to prepare a sample GHG statement and the verifier’s sample trail.
Software demo · evidence check
ISO 14064 demo coverage
Tick a test only when the vendor has demonstrated it with a representative record and shown the evidence or export.
0 of 5 tests demonstrated (0%). This is a checklist result, not a score for the vendor.
Still to test: Set the consolidation approach and organisational boundary; Classify indirect emissions into the ISO 14064-1 categories; Trace any reported tonne back to activity data and factor; Record uncertainty and exclusions with reasons; Export a GHG statement and its supporting evidence pack.
Frequently asked
ISO 14064 software, answered
What is ISO 14064 software?
Software that builds an organisation’s greenhouse gas inventory to ISO 14064-1 and keeps it ready for verification to ISO 14064-3.
Is there ISO 14064 certified software?
No. ISO 14064-3 verification ends in a verifier’s opinion on a GHG statement, not a certificate for software or for the organisation.
Is ISO 14064 the same as the GHG Protocol?
They overlap closely, and the GHG Protocol’s revision plans to consolidate with ISO 14064-1, but they are separate documents today.
Is ISO 14064 verification required in the UK?
Not for corporate reporting.
PPN 006 names ISO 14064-3 as widely used but requires no audit, and UK ETS verification runs on a separate regulation.
Sources
Primary sources
Every figure, date and status on this page traces to the instrument’s owner.
Secondary commentary is never the source for a number.
- ISOISO 14064-1:2018 organisation-level GHG inventories
- ISOISO 14064-2:2019 project-level reductions
- ISOISO 14064-3:2019 verification and validation
- ISOISO/TS 14064-4:2025 guidance for applying ISO 14064-1
- ISOISO 14064-5:2026 remote verification guidance
- ISOISO/WD 14064-1.2 (revision in progress)
- UKASValidation and verification accreditation
- UKASCertification body accreditation
- GHG ProtocolCorporate Standard
- Cabinet OfficePPN 006 Technical Standard
- LegislationRetained Verification Regulation 2018/2067