Vietnam Introduces ISO Standards to Achieve Net Zero Goals

The Ministry of Science and Technology has taken a practical step towards realizing Vietnam’s net zero commitments by issuing ISO standards on climate change adaptation. These standards, known as TCVN ISO 14090:2020, were released by the Directorate for Standards, Metrology, and Quality under the ministry. They provide principles, requirements, and guidelines for organizations and sectors to adapt to climate change, applicable to businesses of all sizes, both local and international.

These standards can be utilized by various sectors and natural resource managers to develop specific climate change adaptation measures. Their introduction aligns with Vietnam’s pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, and they are considered a crucial action towards fulfilling this commitment.

During the 27th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, the International Organization for Standardization unveiled a comprehensive global guide featuring guiding principles for achieving net-zero. The guide emphasizes the importance of reducing emissions at the source, advocating for improved energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, waste reduction through innovation, and carbon offsetting for unavoidable emissions.

The successful implementation of a net-zero strategy relies on stakeholder involvement, including employees, customers, investors, and the community. Recognizing this, the directorate promptly shared the guide with organizations and businesses to help them identify and manage climate change-related risks while seizing opportunities.

Vietnam ranks 6th among countries most affected by extreme weather, according to a United Nations report. Over the past two decades, the nation has experienced numerous natural disasters resulting in the loss of lives and resources. Vietnam’s proactive commitment to net zero not only mitigates the risks associated with climate change, extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and biodiversity loss, but also safeguards human health, stimulates innovation and economic growth, strengthens energy security, and preserves ecosystems and biodiversity.