What is Net Zero Aligned?
Net Zero Aligned is NQA’s phased Verification and Certification service designed to help organisations to demonstrate alignment and progress toward their Direct (scope 1) and Indirect (scopes 2 and 3) greenhouse gas (GHG) net zero targets in the most robust and credible manner. Delivered by NQA, a trusted global Verification and Certification Body, this service ensures that your net zero commitments are measurable, transparent, and independently assessed — providing assurance to stakeholders, investors, and customers that your organisation is on track to meet its net zero targets.
Net Zero Aligned has been developed by NQA’s expert Carbon & Sustainability Services team in anticipation of the launch of the world’s first international ISO standard for net zero, the forthcoming ‘ISO 14060 Net Zero Aligned Organisations’ standard. This is expected to set a global benchmark for the demonstration of net zero alignment. Our service gives your organisation both a head start in preparing for these future requirements and in demonstrating your current alignment to net zero, ensuring your organisation is fully and credibly positioned as a leader in sustainable business practices.
Why Net Zero Aligned?
Many organisations have made commitments to net zero targets — but without independent verification and certification, it can be difficult for your stakeholders to have assurance that you are on track to achieve these claims.
NQA’s Net Zero Aligned service provides a structured, evidence-based, verifiable route to demonstrate your progress and accountability to your targets.
Unlike some other services aimed at demonstrating alignment to net zero, NQA’s Net Zero Aligned service combines technical rigour with a clear, two-phase process:
Helps you with
✅ Technical Credibility – Backed by globally recognised ISO standards, ensuring that both your carbon footprint and your net zero alignment are measured accurately and transparently.
✅ Market Leadership – Stand out from competitors by achieving independent verification and certification that demonstrates and proves real and accountable progress toward net zero.
✅ Stakeholder Confidence – Demonstrate accountability and integrity to investors, customers, and regulators.
✅ Future-Proofing – Prepare for the forthcoming ISO 14060 standard and ensure your strategy is compliant with future global requirements.
✅ Strategic Insight – Identify gaps and opportunities in your net zero strategy through expert analysis and recommendations.
Why Sustainability?
Stay competitive
Improve access to procurement opportunities and stand out from competitors by demonstrating your sustainability credentials to customers.
Improved environmental management
Reduce your resource use, improve the overall efficiency of your business and keep the larger impact of your operations to an absolute minimum.
Proven business credentials
Independent verification against a globally recognised industry standard speaks volumes.
Legal compliance
Understand how statutory and regulatory requirements impact your organisation and its customers.
Reduced operating costs
Achieving efficiencies in energy and water usage and through waste minimization means money saved.
Improved stakeholder relationships
If you are attempting to expand your business into new territories, certification is the best way to demonstrate to potential customers that you’re taking proactive steps to be responsible.
There are Two Phases
Phase 1: UKAS Accredited Verification to ISO 14064-1 (Quantification and Reporting of GHGs) or ISO 14068-1 (Transition to Net Zero - Carbon Neutrality)
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As a UKAS Accredited Verification Body, this service is delivered by our experienced sustainability experts
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Independent Verification of your carbon footprint, mitigation and reduction strategies
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Ensures that your emissions data, reduction plans, and if applicable, your carbon crediting strategies, meet internationally (ISO) recognised standards
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Provides an independently verified baseline for your alignment to net zero targets
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Note that existing or new ISO 14064-1 or ISO 14068-1 clients verified by a UKAS Accredited Verification Body may usually proceed directly to Phase 2
- This Phase will result in an ISO 14064-1 or ISO 14068-1 Verification Opinion Statement.
Phase 2: Certification Audit for Net Zero Alignment
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Independent assessment against ISO’s IWA 42 (Net Zero Guidelines) to confirm that your organisation is on track to meet its net zero goals
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Evaluation of progress against your science-based targets and reduction milestones
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Certification confirms that your strategy and its execution are aligned with global best practices
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Phase 2 audits are dependent on continued annual Verification to ISO 14064-1 / ISO 14068-1, and therefore may only proceed where that is the case
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This Phase will result in a Net Zero Aligned Certificate.
Why Choose NQA?
With decades of experience in environmental and energy management certification, and with a deep understanding of ISO standards, NQA is a trusted partner for all things carbon and sustainability.
Our UKAS Accredited GHG quantification and reporting services ensures that our auditors combine the highest level of technical expertise with practical insight, helping your organisation develop a credible and achievable alignment to net zero.
Our Net Zero Aligned service is designed to provide robust, independent verification and certification of your net zero commitments — giving you the confidence to communicate your progress with clarity and integrity.
ISO 14068-1 Toolkit
Related Carbon Neutrality Content
What's next
Get in touch today to begin your journey to a greener, more sustainable business and a member of our team will be in touch to discuss your requirements:
