GNFZ operationalizes the newly announced ISO-GHG Protocol alignment
GNFZ applauds the strategic partnership announced between the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) to create a unified global framework for emissions accounting and reporting. This alignment is a huge victory for those striving for future-proofed world: Without harmonization, there simply is no scaling of net zero.
As the world's premier net zero certification body, GNFZ’s rigorous framework already integrates the ISO series and the GHG Protocol, and this announcement is another step forward in the goal of harmonization.
Accelerating net zero through harmonization
In alignment with this news, GNFZ continues to demonstrate its commitment to putting net zero within reach for buildings, portfolios, businesses, and more. This article outlines how each of our net zero certification categories – Emissions, Energy, Waste and Water – are aligned with ISO-GHG Protocol.
Net Zero Emissions
GNFZ’s net zero certification for emissions already utilizes the GHG Protocol as its core foundation for comprehensive Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions accounting, and aligns with ISO 14064 for the verification of GHG inventories. GNFZ is now evolving to meet the harmonized GHG Protocol–ISO framework for enhanced verification and accountability. Immediately, GNFZ will update its certification criteria to integrate ISO’s rigorous verification and reporting structure and methodologies, particularly those detailed in ISO 14064-3. By doing so, GNFZ clients can rest assured that their certifications remain precise and auditable.
Net Zero Energy
GNFZ’s net zero certification for energy is intrinsically linked to emissions through the tracking and reduction of carbon from energy consumption. The methodology used for emissions accounting from energy is already fully aligned with the GHG Protocol’s Scope 2 Guidance. To further evolve to meet the new ISO-GHG partnership, GNFZ's logic for Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) is aligned with ISO 50001 (Energy Management Systems). This alignment ensures that an organization’s journey to zero carbon emissions from energy is verifiable against a globally unified standard, supporting credible claims and consistent reporting of on-site generation, off-site procurement, and REC use.
Net Zero Waste
GNFZ’s net zero certification for waste already leverages ISO standards as the technical backbone for defining, measuring, and verifying sustainability outcomes. These integrations include:
ISO Net Zero Guidelines (IWA 42): Used for unified terminology, lifecycle boundaries, and waste-related emissions.
ISO 13.030 Series and ISO 24161: Used for consistent waste categorization, segregation, and tracking, which supports a 100% diversion-from-landfill target.
Emissions Nexus: Waste certification actively requires emissions accounting using GHG Protocol Scope 3 methodologies and ISO 14067 for product carbon footprint assessment, ensuring that waste strategies are truly low carbon.
Net Zero Water
GNFZ’s net zero certification for water is also deeply rooted in the ISO series to ensure technical rigor and auditable outcomes. Our alignment includes:
ISO 14046 (Water Footprint): This standard is integrated to support lifecycle-based water tracking, ensuring accountability for water-related emissions (e.g., energy for pumping/treatment).
ISO 46001 (Water Efficiency Management Systems): This guides our water efficiency, reuse, and quality monitoring protocols.
ISO IWA 42: Used to establish globally harmonized terminology and define “net zero water” as meeting demand through sustainable sources without depleting natural reserves. This comprehensive ISO integration ensures our water certification reflects real-world sustainability and climate resilience.
Harmonizing ISO and GHG Protocol is an exciting, massive step toward actualizing decarbonization globally. By proactively integrating the new unified framework, GNFZ is proud to lead the way in its operationalization while simplifying cross-border operations and reporting for our clients. We invite all organizations, regardless of sector or starting point, to leverage the GNFZ platform and our newly aligned certification framework. Start your auditable, performance-based net zero journey today and transform your ambition into verified, strategic climate action.
