QAZAQ GREEN.  Kazakhstan has approved a set of updated environmental standards. The documents, adopted by the Committee for Technical Regulation and Metrology, support the national target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060, according to information on the ministry's website.

The standards introduce new requirements for waste management, climate adaptation, emissions reduction, and circular economy practices.

The approved documents include:

• ST RK 4022-2025 “Waste. Waste Management. Requirements for Low-Waste Technologies”. The standard sets requirements for regulating low-waste and so-called “zero-waste” technologies in the management of production and consumption waste, as well as directions and principles for developing zero-waste technologies. This standard will serve as an important tool for the transition to low-waste and zero-waste technologies, supporting sustainable development and environmental protection.

• ST RK ISO/TS 14092-2025 “Climate Change Adaptation. Requirements and Guidance on Adaptation Planning for Local Governments and Communities,” which describes a step-by-step process that enables the development of a local adaptation plan tailored to the climatic, environmental, and social conditions of each specific case.

• ST RK ISO 14068-1 “Climate Change Management. Transition to Net Zero. Part 1: Carbon Neutrality” and ST RK IWA 42 “Guidance on Carbon Neutrality.” These standards establish the foundation for responsible emissions management and the implementation of science-based climate solutions. They define unified approaches and principles for all relevant stakeholders — environmental and analytical organizations, national and regional environmental monitoring centers, and environmental institutions.

• ST RK 4013-2025 “Circular Economy. Measurement and Assessment of Circular Economy Performance.”
  ST RK 4012-2025 “Circular Economy. Glossary, Principles and Recommendations for Implementation.”

• ST RK ISO 4789-2025 “Guidelines for the Treatment and Reuse of Wastewater at Thermal Power Plants.” This document is aimed at reducing water consumption at thermal power plants and mitigating negative environmental impacts. The standard involves the implementation of modern treatment technologies — membrane, biological, and chemical.

The adoption of the new standards strengthens Kazakhstan’s environmental regulatory framework and supports the transition to a low-carbon economy.