Standards Comparison

    ITIL

    Voluntary
    2019

    Global framework for aligning IT services with business

    VS

    ISO 14064

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standard for GHG quantification, reporting, and verification

    Quick Verdict

    ITIL provides flexible ITSM best practices for aligning IT with business globally, while ISO 14064 offers rigorous GHG accounting standards for emissions inventories. Companies adopt ITIL for service efficiency and ISO 14064 for credible climate reporting and compliance.

    IT Service Management

    ITIL

    ITIL 4 IT Service Management Framework

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

    Key Features

    • Service Value System (SVS) enabling value co-creation
    • 34 flexible practices across management categories
    • Seven guiding principles for value-focused decisions
    • Four dimensions balancing service management aspects
    • Embedded continual improvement model
    Greenhouse Gas Accounting

    ISO 14064

    ISO 14064: Greenhouse gases specification series

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

    Key Features

    • Modular three-part structure for inventories, projects, assurance
    • Five principles: relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, accuracy
    • Organizational/operational boundaries with Scope 1-3 classification
    • Risk-based validation/verification processes (Part 3)
    • Alignment with GHG Protocol for global interoperability

    Detailed Analysis

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

    ITIL Details

    What It Is

    ITIL 4 is a comprehensive best-practice framework for IT Service Management (ITSM). Originally developed by the UK's CCTA, it now stands alone (since 2013) to align IT services with business objectives across the full lifecycle. Its value-driven approach uses the Service Value System (SVS) for flexible, holistic guidance.

    Key Components

    • SVS elements: 7 guiding principles (e.g., Focus on Value), governance, Service Value Chain (6 activities), 34 practices (general, service, technical), continual improvement.
    • **Four dimensionsorganizations & people, information & technology, partners & suppliers, value streams & processes.
    • PeopleCert certifications from Foundation to Strategic Leader.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Adopted by 87% of IT organizations for cost efficiencies, reduced downtime, risk mitigation (e.g., $3M+ breaches), and integration with DevOps/Agile. Enhances customer satisfaction, ROI (up to 38:1), and reputation via common language and proven practices.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased via 10-step roadmap: assessment, gap analysis, tailoring practices, training. Suited for enterprises/SMEs globally; prioritize incident/change management. Voluntary, with optional certification. (178 words)

    ISO 14064 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 14064 (Parts 1-3: 2018-2019) is an international standard family specifying requirements and guidance for quantifying, reporting, and verifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals. It provides a modular, principle-based framework for organizational inventories (Part 1), project-level accounting (Part 2), and assurance processes (Part 3).

    Key Components

    • **Three interdependent partsOrganizational inventories, project reductions/removals, validation/verification.
    • Five core principles: relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, accuracy.
    • Scope 1-3 categorization, boundary setting, uncertainty management.
    • Compliance via self-reporting or third-party assurance (ISO 14065-aligned bodies); no formal certification.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Supports regulatory compliance (e.g., CSRD, SB-253), investor disclosures, carbon markets, and decarbonization. Mitigates greenwashing risks, enhances data credibility, and drives operational efficiencies through hotspot identification.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: governance/gap analysis, boundary design, data systems, reporting/verification. Applicable to all sizes/sectors globally; 6-12 months typical, with external assurance recommended for credibility. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ITIL
    IT Service Management practices and lifecycle
    ISO 14064
    GHG emissions quantification, reporting, verification

    Industry

    ITIL
    All industries, global IT organizations
    ISO 14064
    All sectors with GHG footprints, worldwide

    Nature

    ITIL
    Voluntary best-practices framework
    ISO 14064
    Voluntary international standard family

    Testing

    ITIL
    Certifications via exams, no mandatory audits
    ISO 14064
    Independent validation/verification engagements

    Penalties

    ITIL
    No legal penalties, certification loss
    ISO 14064
    No direct penalties, market/regulatory risks

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ITIL and ISO 14064

    ITIL FAQ

    ISO 14064 FAQ

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