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What is ISO 14067
La ISO 14067 It's a sustainability certification which defines the requirements, principles and guidelines for the quantification and communication of Product Carbon Footprint (CFP), that is, the measure of greenhouse gas emissions generated over the entire lifecycle of a good or service. Published in 2018, ISO 14067 replaced the previous version of 2013 and is based on the ISO 14040 and 14044 standards dedicated to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), however, focusing only on the impact related to climate change.
The carbon footprint of a product, expressed in CO₂ equivalent (CO₂ e), represents the sum of the emissions and any removals of greenhouse gas (GHG) generated in all phases of its life cycle such as:
- the extraction and processing of raw materials,
- production processes,
- distribution and logistics,
- the use by the consumer,
- the end of life and the disposal of the product.
The calculation of the CFP therefore makes it possible to quantify in a manner scientific and comparable the climate impact of a product, offering companies concrete data on which to base emission reduction strategies.
ISO 14067 answers a crucial question: how much CO₂ does a product produce “from the cradle to the grave”?
This is not just a technical exercise, but a fundamental step for integrating sustainability into the business model.
The standard identifies some Key points to be respected:
- a lifecycle approach (LCA);
- a rigorous methodology for the quantification of greenhouse gas emissions and removals;
- guidelines for clear and verifiable reporting.
Verification is also configured as a timely activity aimed at ensuring the reliability of the data in a specific time frame.
We therefore understand how ISO 14067 is not just a technical document: it is a strategic tool for transforming sustainability into a competitive advantage.
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Why calculate the product's Carbon Footprint
Companies that choose to measure their emissions are equipped with a strategic tool to know, communicate and improve their environmental performance.
Know which one is yours Product Carbon Footprint (CFP) signifies First of all, acquire conscience: knowing how much CO₂ a product generates during its life cycle makes it possible to identify the most impactful phases and to intervene to reduce their impact. But it also means Stand out in a market that is increasingly attentive to sustainability, where customers, partners and institutions reward transparency and responsibility.
In a constantly evolving regulatory landscape, measuring your carbon footprint isn't just a competitive advantage, it's the key to staying relevant and reliable!
The definition of a Product's Carbon Footprint is also the beginning of a broader journey of Carbon Management, made up of concrete actions to reduce emissions, decarbonization plans and, where necessary, compensation interventions that accompany companies towards the objective of Carbon Neutrality.
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ISO 14067 vs EPD: what are the differences?
La ISO 14067 And the Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) share the same methodological approach, the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), but they have different purposes and fields of application.
ISO 14067 focuses solely on Product Carbon Footprint, that is, on greenhouse gas emissions related to climate change. EPDs, on the other hand, offer a wider and more comprehensive environmental assessment, which includes not only CO₂ but also other indicators such as water use, waste production, acidification or eutrophication.
The main difference, however, concerns the application rules!
EPDs are based on the standard ISO 14025 and on specifications Product Category Rules (PCR), guidelines that make the results comparable between products belonging to the same category. This means that an EPD allows you to Compare two similar products based on criteria shared and verified by accredited bodies.
On the contrary, ISO 14067 does not require adherence to PCR And so it turns out more flexible, allowing companies to use it especially when the objective is to evaluate and communicate only the contribution to climate change.
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How to obtain ISO 14067 certification
Get the ISO 14067 certification It is a path that requires methodological rigor and accurate analysis.
It's not just a matter of calculating emissions, but of doing it according to internationally recognized standards.
The calculation is based on the methodology of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and involves 4 main steps:
- the definition of the objectives and the scope of application;
- the collection of inventory data (LCI);
- impact assessment (LCIA) with an exclusive focus on climate change;
- the interpretation of the results with the identification of so-called carbon hotspots, the most impactful phases of the life cycle in terms of emissions.
Depending on the product and the purpose of the study, the scope of analysis may be “Cradle to Grave” (from production to end of life) or “Cradle to Gate” (until leaving the production site, for intermediate products).
The Carbon Footprint is always calculated on a unitary basis, which can be per product, component, kilogram or per service, including energy consumption, transformation of raw materials, transport, use and disposal.
The last step in obtaining certification? Undergo a independent verification by an accredited body.
The certification process involves several steps:
- documentary analysis of information and calculations;
- inspection of production plants to verify the data collected;
- control of the software used for processing;
- drafting of the final report with the issuance of the certificate.
Generally, the entire process takes between one and two months, depending on the complexity of the products and the availability of information.
Companies have at their disposal Two approaches:
- punctual certification, which concerns a single product or a specific line;
- Systematic approach, designed for reality with many similar products, able to make the process more efficient and scalable.
It is good to remember that the ISO 14067 standard focuses exclusively on Quantification of emissions: it therefore does not involve offsetting or buying carbon credits, which remain complementary initiatives but are external to the standard.
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The 5 advantages for companies that obtain ISO 14067
The ISO 14067 certification is not only a technical certificate, but a strategic tool which allows companies to combine efficiency, transparency and credibility. Adopting this standard means positioning yourself as responsible and future-oriented realities, with benefits that affect both the operational and reputational spheres. Let's see the main advantages for organizations that choose to become certified.
1. Identification of emissive hotspots and targeted reduction
Obtaining ISO 14067 makes it possible to identify the most impactful phases of the life cycle in terms of CO₂ emissions. This makes it possible to intervene in a targeted manner, improving production processes, logistics and energy consumption. Detailed knowledge translates into greater efficiency and reduced operating costs.
2. Greater credibility and transparency in communication
Having data certified by an independent body strengthens the company's credibility and reduces the risk of Greenwashing. The information becomes verifiable and reliable, allowing it to communicate clearly to customers, partners and stakeholders. Transparency translates into trust and a stronger competitive position.
3. Easy access to tenders and market opportunities
Many public calls and tenders reward environmental reporting and the adoption of recognized standards. The ISO 14067 certification therefore becomes a concrete advantage for accessing funding, collaborations and opportunities for growth, opening up new business opportunities.
4. Strengthening brand reputation and value
Demonstrating commitment to measuring and reducing the Carbon Footprint strengthens the green reputation and increases the perceived value of the brand. Consumers, increasingly attentive to environmental issues, recognize certification as an index of seriousness and quality, rewarding the most responsible brands.
5. Preparing for future scenarios and ESG requirements
Certification helps companies align with European and international sustainability policies, paving the way for possible carbon taxation or more stringent regulatory requirements. In addition, it contributes to the respect of ESG criteria and to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, transforming sustainability into a driver of growth.
