SBTi Corporate Net Zero Standard

The Corporate Net Zero Standard is used by companies to set net zero targets consistent with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C.

First published in 2021 and most recently updated in 2023, this is the first global science-based standard for companies to set net zero targets consistent with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C. Developed in consultation with an Expert Advisory Group consisting of experts from academia, civil society, science and business, it provides the tools for companies to set net zero targets. Key aspects include:

Near-term targets to roughly halve emission before 2030
Long-term targets to cut all possible emissions before 2050
Neutralizing residual emissions with permanent carbon removal and storage
Beyond Value Chain Mitigation (BVCM)

Example emissions profile of a company certified as having met the requirements of SBTi's Net Zero Standard in 2032

Main claim you can make:

This organization has reduced all the emissions it can in line with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C and has purchased removal carbon credits to achieve net zero.

Examples:

More than 600 companies have had their net zero commitments validated including Brooks Running, McDonalds, and Uber Technologies. A full list of companies can be found here.

The SBTi’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard can be accessed here:

https://sciencebasedtargets.org/resources/files/Net-Zero-Standard.pdf

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) was founded as a partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). It is now an independent entity, registered as a charity, and its goal is to drive ambitious climate action in the private sector by enabling organizations to set emissions reduction targets in line with the latest climate science. The initiative promotes best practice, provides technical support and expertise to validate companies' assessments and targets. You can find out more about the SBTi here.

Some of our service offerings for this claim:

Is SBTi's Corporate Net Zero Standard right for you?

For a more in-depth understanding of SBTi's Corporate Net Zero Standard and to find out if it is right for you, try our claims digital tool – answer a few questions and see which carbon credit-related claims are suitable for your business.

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The Climate Action Protocol

Download the full Climate Action Protocol to get more details about the claims, compare requirements, and understand the next steps for your business to make a credible, confident claim of climate action.

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