ISO Net-Zero Transition Planning Standard (ISO 14060) Fails to Pass Initial Vote

In September 2026, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) sent back the draft international standard for net-zero transition planning, ISO 14060—originally released in June 2026—after it failed to meet approval criteria in the initial vote by member countries. Eighty-eight countries participated in the vote, and the twelve-week public consultation generated approximately 5,000 comments. However, the draft did not satisfy ISO’s approval requirements of “at least two-thirds in favor” and “no more than one-quarter opposed.” According to media reports, the rejection stemmed from differences among member countries over how carbon credits should be treated, as well as opposition from fossil-fuel-producing nations. As a result, the final publication, previously expected between late 2026 and 2027, is now likely to be delayed. Meanwhile, ISO and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) are advancing efforts to unify corporate GHG accounting standards, with plans to release a final consolidated standard in 2028.