Climate action begins with measurement. For any business aiming to lower its environmental impact, carbon accounting is the foundation of credible climate strategy. It’s not just about tracking emissions—it’s about building trust with stakeholders, ensuring compliance, and driving meaningful change. Yet with multiple standards and tools available, knowing where to start can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the top five carbon accounting methods every sustainability team should know, including the industry-leading GHG Protocol and ISO 14064.
When it comes to carbon accounting, the GHG Protocol stands out as the most widely adopted framework. Developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), it sets the rules for measuring and managing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across all sectors.
The GHG Protocol divides emissions into three scopes:
The GHG Protocol provides a clear, internationally recognized structure that simplifies reporting and enables benchmarking across industries. Over 90% of Fortune 500 companies use it as their foundation for GHG reporting.
ISO 14064 is a set of international standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) for quantifying, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas emissions and removals. It’s designed for organizations seeking rigorous, auditable processes.
ISO 14064 is especially important for companies aiming for independent certification or compliance with regulatory schemes (such as EU ETS). It also builds confidence among investors and customers.
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) offers a methodology for companies to set emission reduction targets in line with climate science. While SBTi relies on GHG Protocol data, it introduces sector-specific pathways and reduction trajectories to ensure targets align with the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C or well below 2°C.
SBTi validation has become a badge of leadership. Over 4,000 companies worldwide have committed to SBTi targets, signaling serious intent to investors and regulators.
For product-level emissions, standards like PAS 2050 and ISO 14067 help companies calculate the carbon footprint of goods and services across their life cycle (from raw material extraction to disposal).
Product carbon footprinting is essential for eco-labeling, regulatory compliance, and responding to consumer demand for transparency.
Modern sustainability teams often blend frameworks or use digital platforms that automate data collection and reporting. Tools like CDP, Ecovadis, and proprietary dashboards integrate GHG Protocol and ISO 14064 standards, making data management scalable and auditable.
These solutions save time, reduce errors, and enable rapid response to new regulations or investor requests.
There’s no one-size-fits-all. The right method depends on your organization’s goals, regulatory context, and stakeholder expectations. Most teams start with the GHG Protocol for organizational reporting, add ISO 14064 for assurance and compliance, and layer in SBTi or product footprinting as their carbon management matures.
Stay informed about updates and new requirements. Both the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064 evolve with science and policy, so regular reviews are key.
Accurate carbon accounting empowers organizations to set credible climate targets, unlock efficiencies, and build stakeholder trust. By mastering these top five methods—especially the globally recognized GHG Protocol and ISO 14064—your sustainability team will be equipped to navigate complex reporting landscapes and accelerate real-world impact.
Ready to put these carbon accounting methods into action?
See how Sprih enables seamless GHG Protocol and ISO 14064 reporting for sustainability teams of any size.
