Countdown to validation: New resources to prepare for the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0

The Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0 was published in June 2026 and will open for validations in February 2027. The period between publication of the Standard and the opening of validations is intended to give companies time to prepare and familiarize themselves with the new requirements and processes introduced by the new Standard. During this transition period, companies can either continue developing and submitting targets under Version 1.3 or begin preparing for Version 2.0. Many companies are asking how they can get ready. Here Phoebe Brown, Head of Validation at SBTi Services, explains how a suite of new resources can help companies prepare for target development, submission and validation.

SBTi Services has published five new resources and updated one existing resource to help companies prepare for target development, submission and validation under the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0.

These resources provide companies with practical information to help them understand the validation process, prepare the information they will need and build internal capability ahead of implementation.

Companies will be able to book validation slots under the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0 starting February 1, 2027. Between February 1, 2027 and January 31, 2028, companies will have the choice of setting targets using Version 2.0, or Version 1.3, which will still enable them to benefit from many of the innovations introduced in Version 2.0.

Resources to support target preparation and validation

The Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0 sets out the requirements companies need to meet when developing science-based targets. The supporting resources provide additional information on how to prepare for target submission and what to expect from the validation process.

The new and updated resources are:

• Preliminary Submission Form for the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0. Provides an early view of the submission form, helping companies identify what information they will need to prepare ahead of submission.
• Preliminary Data Points for the Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0 Target-Setting Tool. Provides an early view of the information expected in the final Target-Setting Tool, helping companies identify and begin gathering the data needed to develop their targets.
• Validation Schedule for the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0 [NEW]. Sets out the key stages and indicative timelines for the target validation process under Version 2.0, giving companies greater visibility of what to expect as they move toward submission and validation.
• Standard Operating Procedure for the Validation of SBTi Targets [UPDATED]. Provides the overarching framework for SBTi target validation, including the objectives, roles, organizational structure and procedures that support a quality, consistent and impartial validation process.
• Validation Procedures for the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0 [NEW]. Complements the Standard Operating Procedure for the Validation of SBTi targets by setting out the scope of validation, validation types and post-validation timelines for the new Standard.
• SBTi Services Glossary [NEW]. Provides definitions for terms used across SBTi Services' operational processes and resources, supporting a common understanding of the terminology companies will encounter as they prepare and submit their targets.

The Preliminary Data Points for the Target-Setting Tool and the Preliminary Submission Form are particularly useful starting points. Alongside the Preliminary Minimum Evidence Requirements published in June, these resources enable companies to begin gathering the information needed to develop their targets and prepare for submission.

Resources identified as preliminary provide an early view of the information and processes that will apply. Final versions will be published in advance of target submissions opening from February 1, 2027.

Prepare now for the transition

Companies can begin preparing for Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0 now. Familiarizing themselves with the Standard and its supporting resources can help build the internal capability needed to develop robust targets, understand the requirements, identify the data they will need and prepare for submission.

Companies that are ready to set or update targets now should not delay action. During the transition period, while Version 1.3 and Version 2.0 remain available, companies can continue to develop and set targets under Corporate Net-Zero Standard V1.3. Work undertaken under Version 1.3 provides a strong foundation for alignment with Version 2.0 in the subsequent target cycle. Companies using Version 1.3 can also benefit from certain innovations introduced through Version 2.0.

Version 1.3 will remain open for target submissions until January 31, 2028. After this date, all companies submitting targets will use the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0.

This transition period provides companies with a clear pathway to continue taking action while preparing for the new Standard.

Support for companies preparing to transition

Companies that already have validated targets under a previous version of SBTi's corporate criteria can use the Readiness Assessment Service to support their transition to the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0.

The service provides a structured, evidence-based assessment of where a company's existing targets stand against the requirements of Version 2.0 and identifies the steps needed to prepare a target for validation under the new Standard.

What comes next

Validation slots for target submissions under Version 2.0 will be open to book starting February 1, 2027.

Companies can use the resources available now to prepare their data, build internal capability and understand the requirements and validation process ahead of submission. Additional implementation resources will be published through 2026 and beyond. Priority resources are expected to be available before validations open, including:

• New Target-Setting Methods and Pathways: The SBTi published a comprehensive set of methods and pathways introduced with Version 2.0 of the Standard for public comment between June and July 2026. These methods and pathways are also incorporated into the Target-Setting Tool. A final version of the methods, pathways and Target-Setting Tool, incorporating stakeholder feedback, is expected to be published for use in Q4 2026.
• Claims Policy: The SBTi plans to publish a Claims Policy to support credible communication throughout the target cycle. The policy is expected to be published in Q4 2026.
• Minimum Evidence Required for Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0: The SBTi published a preliminary version of this resource to provide a general guide for organizations seeking validation against the Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0. It outlines key types of evidence considered during the SBTi Services target validation process. A final version is expected to be published in Q4 2026.
• Corporate Net Zero Version 2.0 - explanatory guidance: The Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0 provides a comprehensive framework for target setting and implementation, including the application of the implementation hierarchy to electricity. The SBTi intends to publish additional explanatory guidance to support the application of the Standard. This guidance is expected to be published in Q4 2026.

These resources will supplement the requirements and processes set out in the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0 and the validation procedures. Companies do not need to wait for the publication of these additional resources to begin preparing. The resources already available provide a basis for companies to start gathering data, reviewing their internal processes and preparing for target development and submission.

Whether developing targets under Version 1.3 during the transition period or preparing for Version 2.0, companies can take action now to advance credible, science-based climate targets.

Register your interest to receive more information about Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0, its implementation and what it means for your company.