EPA
U.S. regulatory framework for environmental protection compliance
ISO 14064
International standard for GHG quantification, reporting, verification
Quick Verdict
EPA enforces mandatory US environmental regulations across air, water, waste for compliance and penalties avoidance. ISO 14064 provides voluntary global GHG accounting standards for credible emissions reporting, verification, and decarbonization strategy.
EPA
EPA Standards (CAA, CWA, RCRA; 40 CFR)
ISO 14064
ISO 14064 GHG quantification and reporting standards
Key Features
- Three-part structure for inventories, projects, assurance
- Five principles: relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, accuracy
- Scopes 1-3 boundaries and emission source identification
- Risk-based validation and verification processes
- Supports GHG Protocol alignment and third-party audits
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
EPA Details
What It Is
EPA Standards refer to the family of legally binding regulatory requirements under major U.S. environmental statutes like the Clean Air Act (CAA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), codified primarily in Title 40 CFR. This regulatory framework protects human health and the environment through emissions limits, discharge standards, and waste management. It employs a risk-based approach blending health-protective ambient criteria with technology-based performance controls.
Key Components
- Statutory authorities defining mandates.
- 40 CFR regulations with numeric limits, thresholds, design standards.
- Permitting mechanisms (NPDES, Title V, RCRA permits) for site-specific obligations.
- Monitoring, recordkeeping, reporting (MRR) for evidence generation.
- Enforcement pathways with civil penalties and audits. Built on uniform national baselines with state flexibility; no central certification but ongoing compliance via inspections.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for regulated entities to avoid strict liability penalties (millions in cases), operational shutdowns, and criminal risks. Delivers risk management, ESG alignment, cost savings via efficiencies, and stakeholder trust through transparency tools like ECHO.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, regulatory register, controls installation, MRR systems, training, audits. Applies to U.S. industrial facilities across sectors; requires cross-functional teams, data governance, state coordination. Compliance verified via EPA/state inspections, no formal certification.
ISO 14064 Details
What It Is
ISO 14064 is the international standard family (ISO 14064-1:2018, -2:2019, -3:2019) for greenhouse gas (GHG) quantification, reporting, and assurance. This modular framework specifies requirements for organizational inventories (Part 1), project-level emission reductions/removals (Part 2), and validation/verification processes (Part 3). It uses a principle-based approach emphasizing relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, and accuracy.
Key Components
- **Three partsOrganizational inventories, project accounting, and independent assurance.
- Five core principles guide boundary-setting, data management, and reporting.
- Focus on Scopes 1-3 emissions, uncertainty assessment, and audit trails.
- Compliance via self-declaration or third-party verification under Part 3; aligns with GHG Protocol.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets regulatory demands (e.g., CSRD, SB-253) and enables carbon markets.
- Builds investor trust, reduces greenwashing risks, and identifies decarbonization opportunities.
- Enhances competitive edge in supply chains and green finance.
Implementation Overview
- **Phased approachGovernance, boundary design, data collection, verification.
- Applies to all organization sizes/industries globally; 6-12 months typical.
- Third-party assurance recommended for credibility. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | EPA | ISO 14064 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Multi-media environmental regulations (air, water, waste) | GHG emissions quantification, reporting, verification |
| Industry | All industrial sectors, US-focused | All organizations worldwide, voluntary GHG focus |
| Nature | Mandatory US federal regulations, enforced by EPA | Voluntary international standard for GHG accounting |
| Testing | Continuous monitoring, DMRs, EPA inspections | Independent validation/verification per ISO 14064-3 |
| Penalties | Civil/criminal fines, injunctions, facility shutdowns | No legal penalties, loss of verification credibility |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about EPA and ISO 14064
EPA FAQ
ISO 14064 FAQ
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