Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Belém, Brazil – Today, as founders of the Standards Pavilion at COP30 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and UL Standards & Engagement (ULSE) have jointly released a climate action policy document titled How to Leverage International Standards for Climate Action. The initiative aims to raise global awareness of standards and encourage policymakers to adopt standards as a critical tool for delivering successful climate action.
Philippe Metzger, Secretary-General and CEO of IEC, said: “International standards can play a vital role in accelerating climate action and have already been adopted and applied by numerous stakeholders across the world. With the support and commitment of national governments and regulatory authorities, these standards can make greater contributions to achieving COP objectives by scaling up renewable energy deployment, cutting carbon emissions, and advancing the circular economy.”
The policy document examines the potential of standards to ensure comparability, credibility and accountability in climate action. It covers the following key content:
The definition of international standards, ways for their adoption, and how policymakers can apply them;
Practical application cases and benefits of international standards in climate action;
The importance of a sound quality infrastructure for the effective use of standards, as well as the value of international standards in climate action;
The benefits of engaging with international standards bodies and their members;
Priority next steps for policymakers, together with specific examples of relevant international standards.
International standards lay the foundation for credible and coordinated climate action, serving as a practical bridge between climate goals and on-the-ground implementation. By establishing common benchmarks and best practices, they enable governments to translate climate ambitions into tangible action. In addition, international standards break down trade barriers, help reduce the costs of products and services, ensure the safe application of emerging green technologies, and strengthen consumer confidence in various climate action solutions.
Noelia García Nebra, Head of Sustainability and Partnerships at ISO, stated: “International standards are essential instruments for turning climate ambition into effective implementation. This document provides guidance for policymakers on harnessing standards to accelerate climate action, strengthen quality infrastructure, and support large-scale, measurable and coordinated outcomes.”
Leveraging standards to advance climate action delivers extensive benefits. Taking the energy sector as an example, the document elaborates on the positive role of international standards in this field:
Establish key common benchmarks for the utilization of renewable and clean energy, which is essential for achieving global climate goals;
Assist industries in measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and provide guidelines for the circular economy;
Equip industries with approaches to improve energy efficiency, thereby reducing the global ecological footprint;
Mitigate the impacts of climate change by enhancing the resilience of power grids against extreme weather events;
Regulate the application of clean energy across the transportation sector, ranging from electric vehicles to trains, ships and aircraft;
Improve cost-effectiveness and enhance the competitiveness of enterprises in adopting climate-friendly business models.
The policy document elaborates on the above points and lists specific standards ready for immediate implementation, including:
Net-zero pathways and greenhouse gas measurement
Energy efficiency and energy management
Renewable energy and energy transition
Climate adaptation and resilience
Circular economy and resource efficiency
International standards translate global visions into practical tools that policymakers can rely on to serve people around the world. According to a recent IEC survey, the public not only attaches great importance to environmental protection and regards environmental sustainability as a top priority, but also expects stronger commitments from national leaders — especially in shifting toward renewable and sustainable energy solutions such as solar, wind and hydropower.
Jeff Marutian, President and CEO of UL Standards & Engagement, commented: “Advancing this vision hinges on international cooperation. We must collectively continue to develop and promote standards that address pressing current needs, while enhancing transparency and safety in the design, deployment and governance of climate technologies. Embedding these principles into every stage of innovation helps ensure the transition to a sustainable future is both reliable and long-lasting.”
Conference participants and media representatives are welcome to visit the Standards Pavilion located in the Blue Zone — a dedicated venue at COP30 dedicated to driving climate action through international standards.
