The Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0 Is Here: What Comes Next

The Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0 is now here. Companies with existing validated targets do not need to set new ones, and those currently setting or renewing targets can proceed without delay. This is not a choice between old and new. It is an invitation to grow with the SBTi and access more benefits over time, whether you are setting targets for the first time or already well into your journey.

Starting February 1, 2027, the Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0 will be available for target setting, alongside a comprehensive suite of methods, pathways, and resources for companies to utilize the new Standard.

If you already have targets: Your journey continues

More than 11,000 companies have validated targets under Version 1 of the Corporate Net-Zero Standard or the SBTi Near-term Criteria. Those targets remain fully valid throughout their target cycle, subject to the 5-year review provisions.

Companies with validated targets can benefit from several key innovations of Version 2.0, including:

• An implementation hierarchy: Guides credible target implementation, from direct emissions reductions, to actions and market instruments that contribute to the transformation of the shared systems and sectors where companies operate.
• A ‘best efforts’ approach to target implementation: Companies that are actively working to reduce emissions and transparently reporting barriers to progress can continue to participate in the SBTi system.
• SME categorization: Companies that meet Category B classification may request SME status under the current Standard.
• Ongoing Emission Responsibility (OER): When the OER framework launches in 2027, companies with existing targets will be eligible to participate to be recognized for their contributions.

A Renewal Policy (expected Q4, 2026) will set out how new elements introduced by the  Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0 related to target implementation, end-of-cycle assessment, and OER will be accessible to all companies within the SBTi system.

Transition guidance is already available for companies navigating the shift to Version 2.0. For more details about the applicability of Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0 benefits for companies already in the SBTi system, please refer to the dedicated document.

When additional resources to support Version 2.0 will be available

The Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0 can be used for target validation from February 1 2027. The Standard and key resources needed to set targets are available now. Additional guidance to support implementation and progress assessment will be released through 2026 and beyond, with priority resources published before validations open.

• New target-setting methods and pathways: The SBTi has published a comprehensive set of methods and pathways introduced with Version 2.0 of the Standard. These methods and pathways are also embedded in a target-setting tool. Stakeholders are invited to explore these materials and provide feedback by July 31 2026. A final version of these resources, incorporating stakeholder feedback, is expected to be published for use in Q4 2026.
• Sector guidance and pathways: Existing SBTi sector guidance, covering aviation, shipping, cement, steel, chemicals, buildings, and forest, land and agriculture, remains valid alongside Corporate Net-Zero Standard V1.3.1 and SBTi Near-Term Criteria until the end of January 2028. Existing sector pathways have been incorporated into the suite of methods and pathways for use with Corporate Net Zero Standard V2.0. Sector resources will be updated to ensure compatibility with Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0, expand sector coverage, and support the application of new methods and pathways introduced in Version 2.0. To ensure the actionability and effectiveness of sector resources, this work will be informed by a process for gathering insights from key sectors, beginning in mid-2026.  
• Corporate Net Zero Version 2.0 - Interpretation guidance: The Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0 already provides a comprehensive framework for target setting and implementation, including detailed application of the implementation hierarchy to electricity. To supplement this, the SBTi intends to provide additional explanatory guidance, which is expected in Q4 2026. This will include some of the more novel aspects of the Standard, such as the application of the implementation hierarchy to scope 1 and further explanation of the role of projects in target implementation.
• Interim accounting and reporting guidance: The Standard recognizes the important role that actions and market instruments play in supporting decarbonization, while also acknowledging that the accounting and reporting for these activities is being considered as part of the ongoing GHG Protocol revisions. To support companies during this process, the SBTi intends to issue interim guidance. This guidance will provide greater clarity on how to report and assess progress using market instruments and projects in line with the Standard’s implementation hierarchy, including actions at the activity pool and sector levels. Preliminary guidance is expected to be released in Q4 2026 for consultation and testing.
• Interoperability and Recognition Framework: The Corporate Net Zero Standard V2.0 already provides a clear implementation hierarchy and minimum integrity criteria to guide target implementation. The use of projects and market instruments, when applied in accordance with the criteria established in the Standard, will remain valid throughout the entire target cycle, including, where applicable, through legacy provisions. To further support companies in navigating the complex landscape of certificates and market instruments, the SBTi is developing additional guidance on the use of these tools, supported by an Interoperability and Recognition Framework. The framework is intended to establish criteria and processes for recognizing certification systems and instruments that meet SBTi criteria across the main categories of instruments used in target implementation, including energy certificates, industrial and agricultural commodities, and carbon credits. This work will build on existing frameworks, where available, aiming for interoperability across standards and a seamless target implementation journey for companies. The framework will begin with a process to recognize instruments under the Ongoing Emissions Responsibility program (expected in Q4 2026), where mature market infrastructure already exists, before expanding to energy and commodity certificates.
• Claims Policy: To support credible communication and implementation, the SBTi plans to publish a Claims Policy that provides guidance on claims throughout the target cycle (expected from Q1 2027).

To support the development of these resources, the SBTi will continue engagement with technical experts and undertake targeted testing with companies, with further opportunities for participation to be announced in the second half of 2026.

The bottom line: If you’re setting or renewing targets now, don’t delay

Companies with commitments or target renewals due in 2026 or 2027 should continue to develop and submit their targets using Corporate Net-Zero Standard V1.3.1, laying a strong foundation for moving to Version 2.0 in the subsequent cycle. Innovations in the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0 will be available to Version 1 users, while flexibilities under Version 1 may be attractive (e.g., combined scopes 1 and 2 targets, scope 3 target boundary, data assurance requirements). Version 1 will remain open for target submission until the end of 2027, after which time all companies are required to use Version 2.0.

Over the coming months, the SBTi will continue to publish resources, host webinars, and engage with companies and stakeholders to support a smooth transition. Register your interest in the Corporate Net-Zero Standard here, and we will send you relevant updates.