It complements other ISO standards on environmental assessments and management, as it provides specific guidance on the assessment of GHG emissions associated with the hydrogen value chain. It is based on a life-cycle analysis as defined by ISO 14067, the generic standard for product carbon footprint. This is consistent with the comprehensive list of greenhouse gases contained in IPCC Assessment Reports.

ISO/TS 19870:2023 provides a standardized framework for GHG emissions assessment in hydrogen technologies. Thereby it:

• Enhances transparency and comparability in the hydrogen market.
• Supports informed decision-making and policy formulation on hydrogen deployment.
• Facilitates the certification and sustainability assessment of hydrogen.
• Contributes to global efforts to mitigate climate change.

No, ISO/TS 19870:2023 focuses on providing a methodology for GHG emissions assessment without setting specific thresholds for classifying hydrogen as "clean" or "sustainable". GHG emissions thresholds for qualifying hydrogen as “clean”, “sustainable” or “low carbon” are introduced in national legislation to reflect and serve the policy choices of countries, including the preferred hydrogen production pathways, which may include renewables-, nuclear- or CCS-enabled technologies. Thresholds vary across jurisdictions. The ISO methodology provides a common global benchmark to be able to compare different national approaches in a transparent manner.

Yes, ISO/TS 19870:2023 includes a life-cycle analysis covering hydrogen production, conditioning, and transport to delivery/ consumption gate. It takes into consideration all relevant stages including upstream methane emissions for hydrogen produced from methane/ natural gas, as well as capital goods’ (CAPEX) emissions.

ISO/TS 19870:2023 serves as a critical tool for building trust in hydrogen as an asset class and can inform certification schemes by providing a global benchmark methodology for GHG emissions assessment of hydrogen.