Standards Comparison

    COBIT

    Voluntary
    2019

    Framework for enterprise IT governance and management

    VS

    ISO 14064

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standard for GHG quantification, reporting, verification.

    Quick Verdict

    COBIT provides IT governance frameworks for enterprises worldwide, while ISO 14064 specifies GHG emissions accounting and verification. Companies adopt COBIT for risk-optimized IT value delivery; ISO 14064 for credible climate reporting and compliance.

    IT Governance

    COBIT

    COBIT 2019 Governance and Management Framework

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Tailorable via 11 design factors and workflow
    • 40 objectives across 5 governance domains
    • CMMI-based capability levels 0-5 performance management
    • Explicit separation of governance from management
    • Goals cascade links stakeholders to metrics
    Greenhouse Gas Accounting

    ISO 14064

    ISO 14064 Greenhouse gases series

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Three-part modular structure for inventories, projects, assurance
    • Five principles: relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, accuracy
    • Scopes 1-3 organizational boundary classification
    • Risk-based validation/verification processes
    • Baseline and additionality for project reductions

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    COBIT Details

    What It Is

    COBIT 2019 is ISACA's framework for enterprise governance and management of information and technology (EGIT). It translates stakeholder needs into actionable objectives via a tailored, risk-optimized approach using design factors and goals cascade.

    Key Components

    • 40 governance and management objectives grouped in 5 domains: EDM (governance), APO, BAI, DSS, MEA (assurance).
    • 6 governance system principles and 7 components (processes, structures, culture, etc.).
    • CMMI-based performance management (levels 0-5); no formal certification, but ISACA training/certificates available.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Aligns I&T with business value, optimizes resources, manages risks.
    • Supports compliance (SOX, GDPR mappings), audit readiness via MEA04.
    • Builds stakeholder trust, enables digital transformation, interoperability with ISO 27001, ITIL.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: assess gaps, design via 11 factors, pilot objectives, measure capabilities.
    • Applies to enterprises of all sizes/industries; requires training, change management.

    ISO 14064 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 14064 is an international standard family (ISO 14064-1:2018, -2:2019, -3:2019) providing specifications with guidance for quantifying, reporting, and verifying GHG emissions and removals. It is a modular framework for organizational inventories (Part 1), project-level reductions (Part 2), and validation/verification (Part 3), emphasizing a principles-based approach.

    Key Components

    • Three interdependent parts covering measurement, projects, and assurance.
    • Five core principles: relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, accuracy.
    • Requirements for boundaries, Scopes 1-3, baselines, monitoring, and risk-based assurance.
    • Compliance via third-party verification, not traditional certification.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Enables credible reporting for regulations (e.g., CSRD, SB-253), investors, and markets.
    • Drives operational improvements, risk mitigation, and access to green finance.
    • Builds stakeholder trust through independent assurance.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased approach: governance, boundary setting, data systems, verification.
    • Suited for all sizes/industries; 6-12 months typical.
    • Involves cross-functional teams, software, and optional ISO 14065-accredited verifiers.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    COBIT
    Enterprise IT governance and management
    ISO 14064
    GHG emissions quantification and verification

    Industry

    COBIT
    All industries, global, all sizes
    ISO 14064
    All sectors with GHG focus, global

    Nature

    COBIT
    Voluntary governance framework
    ISO 14064
    Voluntary quantification standard

    Testing

    COBIT
    Capability assessments, internal audits
    ISO 14064
    Independent validation/verification

    Penalties

    COBIT
    No legal penalties, certification loss
    ISO 14064
    No legal penalties, credibility loss

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about COBIT and ISO 14064

    COBIT FAQ

    ISO 14064 FAQ

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