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ISO 14064: Key to measuring and reporting your carbon footprint

Updated on
April 14, 2025

Measuring your carbon footprint using ISO 14064 has become a necessity if you want to stay competitive.

This isn’t just another label, it’s a recognized standard that allows you to quantify, manage, and report your emissions on a solid foundation.

Every activity, product, or process generates emissions, and if we don’t measure them properly, we’re operating blindly.

ISO 14064 helps with exactly that: organizing data, identifying critical points, and making decisions based on facts.

The goal? Reduce emissions without complicating operations or losing efficiency. And above all, avoid getting left behind in a market where measuring is no longer optional.

In this article, we’ll cover why this approach is essential, how to apply it in your company, and what concrete benefits it can bring you.

Let’s Be Clear: The ISO 14064 Carbon Footprint Is No Longer Optional

What exactly is the ISO 14064 Carbon Footprint?

ISO 14064 is an international standard that defines how to measure and report greenhouse gas emissions from an organization or project.

It’s not just another label or decorative certificate.
It’s a technical guide that lets you work with real, comparable, and verifiable data.

And today, that makes all the difference.

Origin and Definition of ISO 14064

This standard was created with a clear goal: bring order to how emissions are measured.

It originates from ISO’s technical committee, but its practical value lies in the way it standardizes the collection and organization of emissions data.

It doesn’t matter if we’re talking about factories, offices, or services, what matters is that everything is measured the same way and can be compared.

What It Really Measures and Why It Matters for Companies

ISO 14064 goes beyond surface-level snapshots.

It measures both direct emissions (generated internally) and indirect emissions (caused across your value chain).

Why does this matter?
Because it moves us away from guessing and toward real data-based decisions.

If we don’t know where our emissions are coming from, we won’t know how to reduce them.

ISO 14064 in Today’s Business Sustainability Context

More and more companies are integrating ESG metrics into daily operations.
Why? Because this is no longer about appearances.

Sustainability is a strategic lever.
If you don’t measure, you don’t compete.

ISO 14064 fits perfectly in that framework, it provides the technical foundation you need to start off right.

Market Demands and Regulatory Pressure

Today it’s not enough to say you’re responsible, you have to prove it.

Clients, investors, and regulators are already demanding it.
And companies that can’t show clear data will be left out of major decisions.

ISO 14064 responds to that pressure with a recognized and reliable methodology, helping you align with emerging sustainable finance frameworks.

The Role of ISO 14064 Compared to Other Frameworks (CSRD, SBTi, Taxonomy, etc.)

We’re not alone in the ESG standards world, but ISO 14064 has earned its place.

It complements frameworks like CSRD, the EU Taxonomy, and SBTi.
It helps us gather consistent data that can then be used across different reports and requirements.

The result? Fewer duplications, less confusion, and more efficiency.

Measuring once and reusing data for multiple purposes is what makes sense today, and that’s what ISO 14064 enables.

6  Benefits of Applying ISO 14064 in Your Company

1. It Standardizes How You Measure Your Carbon Footprint

Forget Excel and homemade methods.
ISO 14064 gives you a clear, replicable framework to measure your emissions.

That means you’re speaking the same language as clients, suppliers, and regulators.
And that’s incredibly valuable today.

2. It Prepares You for Current and Future Regulations

More rules, demands, and obligations keep coming. Can we relax? Not really.

With ISO 14064, you’re already using a recognized methodology that fits neatly with CSRD, Taxonomy, SBTi, and whatever comes next.

3. It Improves Your Position With Investors and Stakeholders

If your numbers aren’t clear, people simply won’t trust you.

ISO 14064 lets you present solid, comparable data, not vague intentions.
That makes a difference when it comes to attracting investment or closing deals.

4. It Helps Optimize Processes and Resources in Your Operations

Measuring properly gives you visibility.
When you clearly see where your emissions come from, you can act with intention.

ISO 14064 helps you identify inefficiencies that not only emit more, but also waste money.

5. It Opens Doors to Bids, Agreements, and New Markets

Many public tenders now require emissions data.
The same goes for demanding supply chains.

With ISO 14064, you can show that you’re measuring and managing your impact, and that gives you access to opportunities others can’t even consider.

6. It Strengthens Your Competitive Edge in a Demanding Market

In a market where everyone says they’re sustainable, few can prove it with real data.

ISO 14064 helps you stand out in a tangible way, and builds a leadership position that others will take time to reach.

3 Challenges of Implementing ISO 14064 (and How to Overcome Them)

1. Technical Barriers and Internal Knowledge Gaps

Not everyone knows where to start, and that often blocks the process.

There’s resistance to change, lack of training, and often a fear of diving into something technically overwhelming.

The solution?
Start with a clear approach and rely on solutions that simplify what seems complex.

2. The Need for Well-Organized and Auditable ESG Data

Not just any data or format will do.
To implement ISO 14064 properly, data must be structured, up-to-date, and traceable.

This means having control over all ESG information, from emissions to energy use and associated processes.

If the data is scattered, no analysis or reporting will hold up.

3. Lack of Integration Between Departments and Tools

This point is key.
You can’t measure emissions from sustainability or operations alone.

The entire team needs to be aligned, and information must flow smoothly between systems and people.

When each department works in isolation, the data doesn’t match, and the process stalls.

Expert Insight: What Industry Professionals Say

Those with years of experience in this field agree on one thing:
ISO 14064 is not difficult if approached properly from the beginning.

The challenge lies in having a method, good data, and clarity on what to do with it.
The rest is execution.

ISO 14064 as a “Gateway” to a Complete ESG Strategy

This is not just about compliance for the sake of compliance.
ISO 14064 is a starting point for integrating sustainability into the actual operations of your business.

It transforms environmental data into business decisions, and gets you ready for everything that’s coming: CSRD, Taxonomy, SBTi, and more.

The Role of Technology in Facilitating Implementation

This is where we make the difference.
Companies shouldn’t have to solve this on their own.

At Dcycle, we don’t act as auditors or consultants, but as a complete solution to collect, organize, and activate your ESG data.

We make sure ISO 14064 stops being a headache and becomes a useful tool for your business strategy.

Why Dcycle Is the ESG Solution Your Company Needs

We Unify All Your ESG Data So You Can Use It for Any Application

Having data isn’t enough if it’s scattered and disorganized.
At Dcycle, we bring all your company’s ESG data into one place.

From there, you can connect that data to any use case you need to cover:
CSRD, SBTi, EINF, Taxonomy, ISO 14064... whatever comes your way.

Less chaos, more clarity.
And above all, less time wasted collecting data every time someone asks for it.

Automation, Traceability and Compliance Without Friction

Manual, blind measurement is no longer viable.
That’s why we automate calculations, integrate the data sources you already use, and generate reports ready to share.

What matters most?
Everything is traceable and auditable, and you don’t have to be a technical expert or rely on endless spreadsheets.

Compliance stops being messy, and your reports come out in the exact format regulators ask for.

A Tool That Evolves With Your Business Needs

Your business isn’t standing still, and neither are we.
That’s why Dcycle is not a closed solution.

We adapt to new frameworks as they emerge, help you connect your data to new standards, and evolve alongside your company.

We’re not auditors or consultants.
We are a solution for businesses that want to measure, manage, and activate their ESG information without complications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the Difference Between ISO 14064-1, 14064-2, and 14064-3?

ISO 14064-1 focuses on greenhouse gas emissions at the organizational level.
ISO 14064-2 applies to specific emission reduction projects.
ISO 14064-3 governs how the previous data is verified and validated.

Each part serves a different, complementary purpose.

Is ISO 14064 Certification Mandatory for All Companies?

No, it’s not mandatory.
But if you’re working under frameworks like CSRD, Taxonomy or SBTi, it’s a clear and recognized way to support your data.

More and more sectors are requiring it as a benchmark for working with suppliers or gaining access to financing.

How Long Does It Take to Properly Implement ISO 14064?

It depends on your starting point.
If your data is already organized and under control, the process can move quickly.

If you’re starting from scratch, the important thing is to have a clear plan, solid data sources, and a solution that makes the process easier.

Do I Need External Consultants to Comply With This Standard?

No, it’s not mandatory.
You can do it internally if you have the necessary technical knowledge.

Still, many companies choose to rely on solutions that simplify the process, avoiding dependency on consultants or constant audits.

How Does a Platform Like Dcycle Help With Certification?

At Dcycle, we’re not auditors or consultants.
We’re a solution for companies that want to measure and activate their ESG data without complications.

We automate calculations, organize your data, ensure traceability, and provide reports ready for validation or reporting.
That way, you can comply with ISO 14064 and whatever comes next.

Take control of your ESG data today.
Take control of your ESG data today.
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Cristina Alcalá-Zamora
CSRD Specialist | Content Creator

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Can You Calculate a Product’s Carbon Footprint?

Carbon footprint calculation analyzes all emissions generated throughout a product’s life cycle, including raw material extraction, production, transportation, usage, and disposal.

The most recognized methodologies are:

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
  • ISO 14067
  • PAS 2050

Digital tools like Dcycle simplify the process, providing accurate and actionable insights.

What Are the Most Recognized Certifications?
  • ISO 14067 – Defines carbon footprint measurement for products.
  • EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) – Environmental impact based on LCA.
  • Cradle to Cradle (C2C) – Evaluates sustainability and circularity.
  • LEED & BREEAM – Certifications for sustainable buildings.
Which Industries Have the Highest Carbon Footprint?
  • Construction – High emissions from cement and steel.
  • Textile – Intense water usage and fiber production emissions.
  • Food Industry – Large-scale agriculture and transportation impact.
  • Transportation – Fossil fuel dependency in vehicles and aviation.
How Can Companies Reduce Product Carbon Footprints?
  • Use recycled or low-emission materials.
  • Optimize production processes to cut energy use.
  • Shift to renewable energy sources.
  • Improve transportation and logistics to reduce emissions.
Is Carbon Reduction Expensive?

Some strategies require initial investment, but long-term benefits outweigh costs.

  • Energy efficiency lowers operational expenses.
  • Material reuse and recycling reduces procurement costs.
  • Sustainability certifications open new business opportunities.

Investing in carbon reduction is not just an environmental action, it’s a smart business strategy.