Standards Comparison

    ISO 14064

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standards for GHG quantification, reporting, verification

    VS

    FedRAMP

    Mandatory
    2011

    U.S. program standardizing federal cloud security authorization

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 14064 enables credible GHG reporting globally via modular standards, while FedRAMP mandates rigorous cloud security for US federal use. Companies adopt ISO 14064 for climate transparency and markets; FedRAMP unlocks government contracts and trust.

    Greenhouse Gas Accounting

    ISO 14064

    ISO 14064 GHG quantification and reporting standards

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

    Key Features

    • Modular three-part structure for inventories, projects, verification
    • Five principles: relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, accuracy
    • Standardized Scope 1-3 boundaries and quantification methods
    • Risk-based assurance with validation/verification processes
    • Aligns with GHG Protocol for global interoperability
    Cloud Security

    FedRAMP

    Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program

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

    Key Features

    • Reusable authorizations across federal agencies
    • NIST SP 800-53 baselines at Low/Moderate/High levels
    • Independent 3PAO security assessments
    • Continuous monitoring with automation emphasis
    • FedRAMP Marketplace for visibility and reuse

    Detailed Analysis

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

    ISO 14064 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 14064 is an international standard family (Parts 1:2018, 2:2019, 3:2019) for greenhouse gas (GHG) quantification, reporting, and assurance. It provides a modular framework for organizations to develop credible GHG inventories, project reductions, and third-party verification using principle-based approaches emphasizing relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, and accuracy.

    Key Components

    • **Three interdependent partsOrganizational inventories (Part 1), project quantification (Part 2), validation/verification (Part 3).
    • Core principles mirror GHG Protocol.
    • Scope 1-3 categorization, boundary setting (equity/operational control), uncertainty management.
    • No formal certification; relies on independent assurance statements under Part 3.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Drives regulatory compliance (e.g., CSRD, SB-253), investor trust, carbon market access, and decarbonization strategy. Mitigates greenwashing risks, enables benchmarking, and uncovers efficiency opportunities. Builds stakeholder confidence through auditable, comparable data.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: governance, boundary design, data systems, reporting, verification. Suits all sizes/industries; integrates with ISO 14001. Requires data governance, training; typical 6-12 months with external verifiers for credibility.

    FedRAMP Details

    What It Is

    FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a U.S. government-wide framework standardizing security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud services used by federal agencies. Its primary purpose is to enable secure, reusable cloud adoption via risk-based NIST SP 800-53 controls tailored to FIPS 199 impact levels (Low, Moderate, High).

    Key Components

    • Baselines with ~156-410 controls across 20 families, including specialized LI-SaaS.
    • Core artifacts: SSP, SAR, POA&M; built on NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5.
    • Paths: Agency and Program Authorizations via accredited 3PAOs.
    • Continuous monitoring with monthly/annual reporting.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Unlocks federal contracts; presumption of adequacy reduces agency duplication.
    • Meets OMB/FISMA mandates for cloud providers.
    • Enhances risk management, builds trust.
    • Competitive edge via Marketplace visibility.

    Implementation Overview

    • Gap analysis, documentation, 3PAO assessment, remediation (10-19 months, $150k-$2M).
    • Applies to CSPs targeting U.S. federal market; requires sponsor/3PAO audits.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 14064
    GHG emissions quantification, reporting, verification
    FedRAMP
    Cloud security assessment, authorization, monitoring

    Industry

    ISO 14064
    All sectors worldwide, organizations/projects
    FedRAMP
    US federal cloud services, government contractors

    Nature

    ISO 14064
    Voluntary international standard family
    FedRAMP
    Mandatory US government program

    Testing

    ISO 14064
    Third-party validation/verification optional
    FedRAMP
    Mandatory 3PAO assessments, continuous monitoring

    Penalties

    ISO 14064
    Loss of credibility, no legal penalties
    FedRAMP
    Revocation, contract ineligibility, legal exposure

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 14064 and FedRAMP

    ISO 14064 FAQ

    FedRAMP FAQ

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