GHG Protocol vs ISO 14064: Which Standard Should Indian Companies Follow?
When Indian companies begin their GHG accounting journey, one question comes up almost immediately: should we follow the GHG Protocol or ISO 14064? The answer matters — not just for compliance, but for how defensible your numbers are when auditors, investors, or regulators scrutinise them. This article gives you a clear, practical comparison so you can choose the right standard for your situation.
What is the GHG Protocol?
The GHG Protocol is a set of accounting standards developed jointly by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). It is the most widely used GHG accounting framework globally and includes:
- Corporate Standard: For company-level Scope 1, 2, and 3 accounting
- Scope 2 Guidance: Market-based and location-based methods for electricity emissions
- Corporate Value Chain Standard: Full Scope 3 accounting
- Product Standard: For product-level carbon footprinting (PCF)
- Project Protocol: For GHG reduction project accounting
SEBI BRSR, CDP, SBTi, and most voluntary corporate sustainability commitments reference the GHG Protocol as the primary methodology standard.
What is ISO 14064?
ISO 14064 is an international standard series published by the International Organisation for Standardisation. It has three parts:
- ISO 14064-1: Specification and guidance at the organisation level for quantification and reporting of GHG emissions and removals
- ISO 14064-2: Specification and guidance at the project level
- ISO 14064-3: Specification and guidance for the validation and verification of GHG statements
ISO 14064-1 is the most relevant for Indian companies — it governs how an organisation quantifies, monitors, and reports its GHG emissions inventory.
Key Differences: GHG Protocol vs ISO 14064-1
| Parameter | GHG Protocol Corporate Standard | ISO 14064-1 (2018) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Accounting and reporting standard (guidance-based) | Formal international standard (certifiable) |
| Scope coverage | Scope 1, 2, 3 explicitly defined | Direct and indirect emissions (equivalent to Scope 1, 2, 3) |
| Certification | No formal certification | Can be certified by accredited body |
| Verification | Voluntary (no built-in verification protocol) | ISO 14064-3 provides verification framework |
| Sector guidance | Sector-specific supplements available (cement, oil & gas, etc.) | Sector-neutral — principles based |
| Regulatory references | BRSR, CDP, SBTi, TCFD all reference GHG Protocol | Referenced in some government tenders and industrial compliance |
| Emission factor guidance | Specific guidance with recommended sources | Less prescriptive — allows flexibility |
| Value chain | Scope 3 Corporate Value Chain Standard is separate | Indirect emissions category 3 covers value chain |
Which Standard Does BRSR Reference?
SEBI’s BRSR framework explicitly recommends the GHG Protocol for calculating Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. However, it does not prohibit ISO 14064 — the key requirement is that your methodology is consistent, documented, and the same as prior years (or that restatements are properly disclosed).
For BRSR Core assurance, the assurance provider will evaluate whether your GHG inventory follows a recognised international standard. Both GHG Protocol and ISO 14064-1 are acceptable — but your calculations must be internally consistent.
When Should Indian Companies Use ISO 14064?
ISO 14064 becomes specifically relevant when:
- You are seeking third-party certification of your GHG inventory (e.g., for customer requirements or export markets)
- A government tender or procurement requirement specifies ISO 14064
- You are setting up a formal GHG management system with internal controls (ISO 14064-1:2018 is more systems-oriented than the GHG Protocol)
- Your assurance provider operates under ISO 14064-3 as their verification standard
Can You Use Both? The Integrated Approach
Yes — and this is what we recommend for most Indian manufacturers. The GHG Protocol and ISO 14064-1 are complementary, not competing. Many companies use the GHG Protocol for their emission calculations and reporting structure, while building the management system elements (documentation, controls, internal audit) that ISO 14064-1 requires.
At Planetary Plus, our GHG accounting engagements are designed to be compliant with both standards simultaneously. We follow GHG Protocol calculation methodology and Scope 1/2/3 structure while building the documentation, boundary definition, and data quality framework that ISO 14064-1:2018 requires. This means your inventory is ready for both BRSR Core assurance and ISO 14064 certification without needing two separate exercises.
The Bottom Line for Indian Companies
- For BRSR, CDP, SBTi: Follow GHG Protocol — it is the primary reference standard
- For certification or formal verification: Align with ISO 14064-1 as your management framework
- For both: Build your inventory to satisfy both — it requires minimal extra effort if done correctly from the start
If you are starting a GHG accounting programme or improving an existing one, speak with our team about the right methodology approach for your sector and reporting obligations.