ISO 50100: the new standard for creating verifiable decarbonisation plans

Decarbonisation is now a management criterion

Decarbonisation is no longer just a concept linked to climate policy or large corporations: it is a concrete way to reduce emissions, improve energy efficiency, and make more profitable decisions in the medium and long term. The context has changed: more volatile energy prices, increased regulatory pressure, reporting requirements, and supply chains that increasingly value ESG criteria.

In this context, the publication of ISO 50100:2026 marks a turning point: it provides a practical framework to turn decarbonisation into a structured process, with objectives, monitoring, and evidence of results.

What is ISO 50100 and why does it matter today?

ISO 50100:2026 (“Energy management systems and energy savings — Decarbonisation — Requirements with guidance for use”) establishes requirements and provides guidance for an organization to reduce its energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.

The standard is applicable to any organisation, regardless of its size or sector, and focuses primarily on Scope 1 and Scope 2 energy-related emissions. A key difference compared to more generic approaches is that ISO 50100 requires demonstrating an absolute reduction in energy-related emissions aligned with defined targets.

It also includes information on its relationship with ISO 50001:2018, making it easier to integrate with existing energy management systems.

The key concept: ERGE (energy-related greenhouse gas emissions)

To decarbonise credibly, you need to measure properly. ISO 50100 is based on the quantification of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions (ERGE) through a transparent and repeatable approach, based on energy consumption data and emission factors.

This turns the decarbonisation plan into a management tool: moving from general statements to a quantified roadmap that allows for comparing a baseline year, defining targets in tCO₂e, deploying actions, monitoring progress, and reporting results.

What does it mean to decarbonise a company in practice (with an ISO 50100 approach)?

Decarbonising a company cannot be achieved through a single action. It requires a combination of analysis, prioritisation, and phased implementation. The goal is not to do everything at once, but to act on the emission sources with the greatest technical and economic sense.

In practice, an ISO 50100-aligned approach typically includes: understanding actual energy consumption, identifying the main sources of ERGE, and translating that information into objectives and action plans that can be implemented and verified.

Recommended steps for a decarbonisation plan aligned with ISO 50100

A logical sequence that typically works (and aligns with the standard’s typical requirements) is the following:

• Define the scope and boundaries of the plan: organisational and operational perimeter, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and responsibilities.
• Quantify ERGE (diagnosis): energy activity data, emission factors, and data quality and traceability criteria.
• Establish a baseline year: the starting point for comparing progress and demonstrating absolute reductions.
• Define objectives (targets) and a trajectory: intermediate and long-term goals consistent with the reality of the business.
• Design the action plan: a portfolio of measures, prioritised by impact, feasibility, and return, with assigned responsibilities and a timeline.
• Monitor ERGE and manage deviations: regular tracking, indicators, and corrective actions.
• Prepare the decarbonisation report: documentation of the methodology, results, evidence, and executive narrative.

Benefits of approaching decarbonisation with ISO 50100

The benefits go far beyond simply “reducing CO₂ emissions.” A well-designed plan improves profitability, reduces risk, and strengthens the company’s position with customers, investors, and regulators. In addition, it forces a close review of how energy is actually consumed, which often reveals opportunities for savings and operational improvements even before major changes are implemented.

• Reduction in energy costs: consuming less or consuming better (and being able to demonstrate it with data).
• Lower exposure to risk: energy price volatility and regulatory changes.
• Improved operational efficiency: facilities, equipment, and processes with prioritised decision-making.
• Credibility and traceability: documented and comparable methodology, objectives, and progress.
• Stronger commercial positioning: meeting ESG requirements from customers and value chains.
• Easier integration of energy and carbon: better alignment with energy management systems (e.g., ISO 50001).

Cost savings and consumption control

Reducing the amount of energy needed to do the same work is one of the foundations of any decarbonisation strategy. Reducing demand peaks, optimising schedules, upgrading outdated equipment, or reviewing contracted capacity are decisions that can translate into real savings without requiring immediate large-scale changes.

In addition, when a company better understands its consumption profile, it can negotiate more effectively, contract more strategically, and make more precise decisions about which investments are worth pursuing. That is why good energy data management is the starting point for sound decision-making.

Competitive advantage and stronger brand image

Credible sustainability increasingly influences purchasing decisions, supplier relationships, and the overall perception of a company. It is not enough to communicate commitments: the market values having a strategy, indicators, and tangible progress.

This is especially important in sectors where major clients require transparency on the carbon footprint of their supply chains. A company that has already worked on its decarbonisation starts with an advantage compared to one that is still improvising.

Preparation for regulations and market requirements

Anticipating change is always more efficient than reacting late. Regulatory pressure and reporting requirements will continue to grow, and companies that have already started measuring and reducing emissions are better prepared to face that scenario.

The best time to start is usually before regulations tighten or a key customer requires it: when there is still room to organise processes, set priorities, and design investments with technical and economic criteria.

How to move towards decarbonisation (without losing viability)

There is no single recipe, but there is a logical sequence that tends to work. Decarbonisation becomes effective when it is approached as a progressive plan with realistic objectives and data-driven decisions, rather than as a collection of disconnected actions.

• Analyse the starting point and define a baseline of consumption and ERGE.
• Improve the efficiency of facilities, equipment, and operational practices.
• Review the energy model to introduce renewable electricity or lower-carbon intensity solutions.
• Electrify processes when technically and economically feasible.
• Plan investments based on criteria of return, impact, and scalability.
• Measure results to maintain continuous improvement and adjust decisions.

Common mistakes when talking about decarbonisation

One of the most common mistakes is thinking that decarbonisation simply means installing solar panels or purchasing green energy. These are valuable measures, but if they are not accompanied by analysis, efficiency improvements, and monitoring, their impact can be limited or even poorly optimised.

Another common mistake is treating decarbonisation as a standalone project disconnected from the business. When it is not linked to operations, procurement, maintenance, or financial management, it tends to lose momentum. Avoiding these mistakes helps ensure the strategy has long-term traction:

• Acting without measuring and not knowing the starting point.
• Prioritizing visible actions over truly effective ones.
• Failing to align sustainability and costs within decision-making.
• Trying to do everything at once instead of progressing in phases.

Conclusion

Understanding what decarbonisation is is the first step; the next is turning that knowledge into a viable roadmap. With ISO 50100 as a framework, the company connects emissions reduction, cost savings, efficiency, and strategic vision within a measurable and demonstrable structure.

If you want to move from discourse to action, a well-structured decarbonisation plan helps prioritise actions and accelerate results without compromising economic viability.

How Gen0 can help

In our energy consultancy, we help organizations structure their energy data, define objectives, and turn that strategy into an actionable plan. If you want to prepare your plan aligned with ISO 50100:2026, we can help you make it practical with a technical, prioritized approach and ongoing monitoring.