New Joint Standard for Product-Level GHG Accounting Underway. ESG Broadcast Shares Key Takeaways.
Key Extract
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the GHG Protocol announced their first collaborative effort to create a new product-level greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting standard. This significant initiative followed the two organizations’ September announcement of a strategic partnership agreement for unified global standards. The organizations officially launched a Joint Working Group (JWG) tasked with developing this unified global methodology for measuring product-related emissions data. The new product standard will effectively maintain continuity with existing recognized global frameworks for transparency.
The new GHG accounting standard will be built upon the established foundations of ISO 14067 and the existing GHG Protocol Product Life Cycle Accounting and Reporting Standard. Development of the essential new methodology will proceed strictly under the joint governance of both prominent global bodies. The JWG will diligently seek to leverage established approaches and incorporate new ideas from various initiatives within the broad accounting ecosystem. Technical Committee 207/Subcommittee 7 of ISO was officially expanded into the collaborative Joint Working Group for the standard’s development.
Following their major announcement, the GHG Protocol promptly issued an immediate call for experts to apply for participation in the newly formed Joint Working Group. Experts with demonstrated technical knowledge and practical experience were strongly encouraged to submit applications for this important climate initiative. Individuals possessing specific knowledge of life cycle assessment, product accounting, and value chain emissions were explicitly invited to help shape this new best-in-class standard. Applications for this important developmental committee were requested to be submitted no later than November 30, 2025.
“This joint product-level standard reflects the deepening of our collaboration with GHG Protocol and our shared commitment to global consistency in GHG accounting. As expectations for accurate product-level emissions data rise, organizations need clear, credible methodologies they can trust and apply. By combining the strengths of both systems and drawing on broad technical expertise, we aim to deliver a standard that supports actionable climate strategies, strengthens market confidence, and enables more effective decarbonization across supply chains,” Sergio Mujica, ISO Secretary General said.
“This announcement marks another step toward global convergence in greenhouse gas accounting under our partnership with ISO. By aligning our efforts and inviting broad participation, we are laying the groundwork for a standard that is coherent, inclusive, and practical. Our shared goal is to ensure that all systems – from traditional approaches to emerging digital infrastructures – can connect to a common methodological foundation,” Geraldine Matchett, Chair, Steering Committee Chair, GHG Protocol said.
Strategic significance lies in responding directly to the increasing global demand for granular, verifiable, product-level emissions data across complex supply chains and value streams. The resulting consistent standard will powerfully support credible corporate decarbonization strategies globally for greater impact. The harmonized methodology will enhance market transparency significantly and enable the effective implementation of important global mechanisms like Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAMs). This unprecedented joint effort will ultimately strengthen market confidence, aid regulators, and accelerate effective climate action.
