New ISO 14060 Net Zero Standard: What it means for business
On 17th June 2026, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) released a new draft of ISO 14060, the Net Zero Aligned Organization Standard. This edition will undergo consultation with ISO members and is expected to reach a consensus in early September 2026.
What is ISO 14060?
ISO 14060 is intended to become the first international, independently verifiable standard designed for organisations seeking net zero alignment. If adopted, this standard is expected to form an internationally recognised framework to support all companies in assessing their transition plans for net zero and ensuring they are credible. It will strengthen business models on managing climate-related risks and guide them as they convert towards net zero. It is particularly relevant for companies facing scrutiny from customers, investors, public procurement requirements, and supply chains.
It began as a draft which was developed by more than 1,200 stakeholders such as Mars and Meta. After nearly two years of international negotiations with experts from different sectors, this draft is currently undergoing a 12-week consultation period by representatives in over 170 countries.
Background
ISO 14060 builds on the ISO Net Zero Guidelines that were launched in 2022. This change has been culminating over several years; growing pressures from customers and investors have led to an expectation for organisations to provide plans on how they will mitigate and eradicate emissions. In the UK, this shift from intention to structured implementation has been reinforced by Procurement Policy Note 006, formerly PPN 06/21. This demands that suppliers with government contracts over £5 million develop a plan to achieve net zero and publish a Carbon Reduction Plan.
Over 130 countries have set net zero targets, with the UK being the first G7 country to plan to accomplish net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. This standard could support these goals as individual businesses do their part in reducing their emissions. Organisations will be better placed to provide evidence their business is ready and prepared for future legislative expectations and requirements.
Why it matters
Based on the draft, businesses are likely to need to demonstrate:
A science-aligned net zero target
Short term targets showing how progress will be made
A credible transition plan outlining how the company will reduce emissions
Plans regarding the use of carbon credits, within the limits of the standard
Inclusion of Scope 1, 2, and material Scope 3 emissions
Transparent methodology detailing how data is measured, reported, and supported
These company benchmarks must be independently verified before being accepted under the new standard. This is important because many companies depend on net zero commitments that are not yet supported by detailed plans or clear progress. ISO 14060 may therefore become a reference point for assessing credibility.
An international standard would aid communications between companies with different policies, creating a practical framework that any organisation or country can refer to no matter how diverse their national schemes are from each other. It will act as a common reference point for businesses to work from and will allow them to move forward with confidence.
It is important to note the distinguishing differences between ISO 14060 and carbon neutrality. ISO 14060 is expected to focus on whether an organisation is aligned with net zero through emissions reductions, transition planning, and credible progress. Carbon credits cannot substitute for emissions reductions, although limited uses may be permitted for residual emissions or separate contribution claims.
What should companies do next?
Although ISO 14060 is still in the draft stage, organisations making net zero claims should begin reviewing their current approach and whether it will stand against tighter regulations. They will need strong evidence, credible transition roadmaps, and more transparent reporting. Organisations that cannot evidence credible emissions reductions may face increasing scrutiny from government, customers and supply chains.
Beyondly supports organisations with carbon accounting, Scope 3 emissions analysis, customised Carbon Reduction Plans, setting scientific targets and net zero commitments. Get in touch with the team today here or contacting [email protected] or 01756 794951.
