WCAG
W3C standard for accessible web content
ISO 14064
International standard for GHG quantification, reporting, verification.
Quick Verdict
WCAG ensures web accessibility for disabled users via testable criteria, while ISO 14064 standardizes GHG emissions accounting and verification. Companies adopt WCAG for legal compliance and inclusivity; ISO 14064 for credible climate reporting and regulatory readiness.
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2
Key Features
- POUR principles framework for accessibility
- Testable success criteria at A/AA/AAA levels
- Backward-compatible additive version updates
- Technology-agnostic web content requirements
- Informative techniques separate from normative criteria
ISO 14064
ISO 14064 Greenhouse gases standards
Key Features
- Three-part modular framework for inventories, projects, assurance
- Five core principles: relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, accuracy
- Scope 1-3 emissions boundary setting and quantification
- Risk-based validation and verification processes
- Alignment with GHG Protocol and regulatory reporting
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
WCAG Details
What It Is
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 is the W3C's technology-agnostic standard for web accessibility. It provides testable success criteria to make content perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust for people with disabilities. Structured as a layered model with principles, guidelines, and criteria.
Key Components
- **Four POUR principlesPerceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust.
- 13 guidelines and ~90 success criteria at Levels A, AA, AAA.
- Informative techniques, understanding docs, and failures.
- Conformance requires full pages, complete processes, accessibility-supported tech, non-interference.
Why Organizations Use It
Meets legal references (ADA, Section 508, EN 301 549, EAA); reduces litigation risk; expands market reach; improves UX/SEO; enables procurement compliance.
Implementation Overview
Phased program: policy, assessment, remediation via design systems/CI tools, training, audits. Applies to all web content creators globally; no formal certification but VPAT/ACR reports common. Targets AA for enterprises.
ISO 14064 Details
What It Is
ISO 14064 is an international standard series (ISO 14064-1:2018, -2:2019, -3:2019) for greenhouse gas (GHG) quantification, reporting, and assurance. It provides a modular framework for organizations and projects, emphasizing principle-based accounting.
Key Components
- **Three partsPart 1 (organizational inventories), Part 2 (project reductions/removals), Part 3 (validation/verification).
- Core principles: relevance, completeness, consistency, transparency, accuracy.
- Scope 1-3 emissions classification, boundary setting, uncertainty management.
- Voluntary third-party assurance model aligned with ISO 14065.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enables credible GHG disclosures for regulations (e.g., CSRD, SB-253), investors, supply chains.
- Drives operational improvements, risk mitigation, access to carbon markets.
- Builds stakeholder trust via verifiable claims, competitive edge in sustainability.
Implementation Overview
- Phased approach: governance, boundary design, data systems, reporting, verification.
- Applies to all sizes/industries; 6-12 months typical for mid-sized firms.
- Involves cross-functional teams, software tools; optional external audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | WCAG | ISO 14064 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Web content accessibility for disabilities | GHG emissions quantification, reporting, verification |
| Industry | All industries, global web content providers | All sectors with GHG footprints, worldwide |
| Nature | Voluntary W3C technical guidelines | Voluntary ISO standards for GHG accounting |
| Testing | Automated/manual audits, user testing | Inventory audits, third-party verification |
| Penalties | Litigation risk, no direct penalties | Regulatory fines, market exclusion risk |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WCAG and ISO 14064
WCAG FAQ
ISO 14064 FAQ
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