ISO 14068 vs. ISO 14064-1: What UK Contractors Need to Know

For the modern contractor, "Carbon Neutrality" and "Net Zero" are no longer just buzzwords—they are becoming standard requirements in PPN 06/21 tenders and private sector contracts. However, as the industry moves away from the old PAS 2060 standard, two key ISO standards have emerged as the benchmarks for environmental credibility.

If your firm is looking to prove its green credentials, you need to understand the difference between ISO 14064-1 (the data foundation) and ISO 14068 (the roadmap to neutrality).

At a Glance: The Core Difference

• ISO 14064-1 is about measurement. It tells you how to count your carbon.

• ISO 14068 is about achievement. It tells you how to use those measurements to become Carbon Neutral and reach Net Zero.

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1. ISO 14064-1: Measuring Your Footprint

Think of ISO 14064-1 as the "accounting standard" for carbon. For a contractor, this is where you quantify the emissions from your plant machinery, site offices, and fleet vehicles.

Key Features for Contractors:

• Data Accuracy: It provides a rigorous framework for quantifying Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions across the new 6 categories.

• The Foundation: You cannot claim carbon neutrality without first having a verified inventory. ISO 14064-1 is the internationally recognised way to build that inventory.

• Verification: It focuses on making sure your data is honest and transparent—essential for avoiding "greenwashing" claims during the bidding process.

2. ISO 14068: The Journey to Net Zero

Released recently to replace the aging PAS 2060 standard (which is being withdrawn in 2025), ISO 14068 is the "strategic standard." It doesn't just ask how much you emit; it asks what you are doing about it.

Key Features for Contractors:

• The Reduction Hierarchy: Unlike older standards, ISO 14068 prioritises reduction over offsetting. Contractors must prove they are actively lowering site emissions before they buy carbon credits.

• Path to 2050: It provides a structured methodology for aligning your business with global Net Zero targets.

• Carbon Neutrality Claims: If your business wants to officially market itself as "Carbon Neutral," this is the standard you must now follow.

Why the Distinction Matters for Your Business

For a sustainable contractor, these standards serve two different but complementary purposes:

Tenders and Compliance

Many large-scale UK infrastructure projects now require carbon reporting. Using ISO 14064-1 ensures your carbon footprint reporting is robust enough to pass the most stringent audit. It protects your brand from the legal and reputational risks of inaccurate reporting.

Marketing and Long-term Strategy

If your goal is to be a market leader in sustainability, ISO 14068 is your toolkit. It moves your business beyond "counting" and into "action." It shows clients and stakeholders that you have a verified, science-based plan to eliminate your environmental impact.

How They Work Together

The best approach for a construction firm is a "Measure then Manage" strategy:

1. Quantify your emissions using ISO 14064-1.

2. Verify that data through a third party.

3. Implement a carbon management plan under ISO 14068 to reduce those emissions and achieve certified neutrality.

The Bottom Line

As the UK construction industry faces increasing pressure to decarbonise, the transition from PAS 2060 to ISO 14068 marks a shift toward higher accountability. By adopting these standards, contractors can ensure their environmental claims are backed by international science, giving them a competitive edge in an increasingly "green" procurement landscape.