ISO 14068 Carbon Reduction Compliance: Elevate Your Sustainability Strategy with SQS

Carbon reduction requirements have changed — and your approach needs to change with them.

With the introduction of ISO 14068, the international carbon reduction standard, organisations can no longer rely on offsetting alone. This new framework demands measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, robust planning, and verifiable results.

At SQS, our sustainability specialists help businesses transition from PAS 2060 to ISO 14068 compliance with accurate data checks, carbon footprint verification, and reduction strategies that withstand scrutiny from regulators, investors, and customers.

What’s Changed: From PAS 2060 to ISO 14068

Under PAS 2060, companies could:

• Measure their carbon footprint.

• Publish a Carbon Reduction Plan outlining future intentions.

• Offset remaining emissions — often through carbon credits or tree planting.

While this offered a route to environmental claims, it also left room for greenwashing. Some businesses made big promises without delivering real reductions.

ISO 14068 changes that. It is a carbon reduction standard designed to ensure:

1. Proven, measurable emission reductions are already in place.

2. Priorities for reductions are justified with data and reasoning.

3. Future reduction plans are realistic, time-bound, and evidence-based.

4. Offsets are used only for genuinely unavoidable emissions — and backed by recognised carbon offset validation.

The shift is clear: sustainability claims must now be backed by action, not just offsets.

Why ISO 14068 Compliance Matters for Sustainability Leaders

Failing to meet ISO 14068 requirements can lead to:

• Loss of credibility with stakeholders and customers.

• Reputational damage from greenwashing accusations.

• Ineligibility for contracts or tenders requiring verified sustainability compliance.

Achieving compliance can:

• Strengthen investor trust in your sustainability strategy.

• Open opportunities in markets with strict environmental regulations.

• Position your organisation as a genuine leader in carbon reduction and climate action.

How SQS Supports Your ISO 14068 Journey

Our ISO 14068 readiness service ensures you meet the new standard efficiently and credibly:

• Initial Carbon Data Review – Checking your carbon footprint data for accuracy and completeness.

• Calculation Verification – Aligning your reporting with ISO 14068 requirements.

• Gap Analysis – Identifying missing Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions data.

• Action Planning – Developing a prioritised carbon reduction strategy based on evidence.

• Carbon Offset Validation – Ensuring offsets meet recognised quality standards and are only used where unavoidable.

With 35+ years of industry expertise and operations in 48 countries, SQS combines global insight with practical solutions to deliver sustainability compliance that works.

Case Study: Transitioning to ISO 14068 in Six Weeks

Client: Global engineering company operating in 12 countriesChallenge: Heavy reliance on offsets under PAS 2060 put compliance at risk under ISO 14068.SQS Solution:

• Verified and corrected carbon footprint data.

• Closed Scope 3 reporting gaps.

• Replaced over-reliance on offsets with measurable reduction projects.

  
  

  Result:

• Achieved ISO 14068 compliance on schedule.

• Sustainability report passed independent verification without changes.

FAQs on ISO 14068 and Sustainability Compliance

Q: Is ISO 14068 the same as carbon neutrality?

A: No — ISO 14068 focuses on carbon reduction first. Offsetting is allowed only for unavoidable emissions after all feasible reductions have been made.

Q: Why replace PAS 2060?A:

PAS 2060 allowed offset-heavy claims without proving real emissions cuts. ISO 14068 ensures sustainability claims are based on measurable action.

Q: How can SQS help?A:

We offer sustainability audits, carbon footprint verification, reduction planning, and full ISO 14068 compliance support.

Start Your ISO 14068 Readiness Check Today

The move from PAS 2060 to ISO 14068 is more than a compliance update — it’s your chance to prove genuine leadership in sustainability.

Contact SQS to ensure your carbon reduction claims are backed by action, proof, and integrity.