The technical governance behind the SBTi and how to join the Technical Council

Credible climate standards depend on more than strong science. They also require clear governance, independent oversight, and transparent decision making. Good governance is the cornerstone of trust, stability and fairness to uphold the public interest. In the SBTi’s case, this means providing a credible and well-governed link between climate science and corporate decarbonization action—one that is developed and applied with integrity, and can be relied upon by companies and stakeholders to drive impact.

As a global standard-setting organization, the SBTi has established a robust governance model in line with internationally recognized best practice and fit for purpose. This model helps ensure that SBTi Standards are rigorous, evidence-based, and developed through fair and transparent processes.

Governance that supports credible standards

Effective governance provides a clear separation between strategy, commercial, operations, and technical decision making, a core principle of credible standard setting.

The SBTi’s governance structure includes:

• The Board of Trustees, which holds overall responsibility for governance under the Articles of Association.
• The Executive Leadership Team, which implements the SBTi’s strategy and oversees day-to-day operations.
• The Technical Council, which serves as the independent technical decision-making body responsible for reviewing and approving SBTi Standards and other normative documents.

The SBTi’s governance model for the development of standards is operationalized through the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Development of SBTi Standards.

The SOP details the steps to develop and update SBTi Standards, from initiation through consultation, approval, and implementation. It defines roles and responsibilities across the organization, and outlines mechanisms and safeguards to support independent decision making. It also establishes ample opportunities for external input, including expert working groups, public consultations, and pilot testing, ensuring that Standards are both scientifically robust and practical to apply.

Oversight of standards development

The Technical Council oversees the development of standards in accordance with the SOP, ensuring that SBTi Standards are aligned with the latest science, informed by balanced stakeholder input, and actionable in driving corporate climate action.

Technical Council members provide expert review, deliberation, and final approval on the normative elements of the SBTi framework. They are appointed by the SBTi Board of Trustees and serve in a personal capacity, acting in the public interest and upholding the SBTi’s charitable objectives.

As SBTi Standards continue to underpin corporate climate action globally, a strong, balanced, and independent Technical Council remains foundational to impartial, high-quality, and evidence-based decision making.

Ensuring continuity during a critical phase for SBTi Standards

The current Technical Council is completing its work to ensure that the Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2 is reviewed and approved with consistency, rigor, and appropriate oversight from those who have guided its development from the outset.

To support continuity during this final phase, and ensure a robust onboarding process, the SBTi Board of Trustees has approved a one-time extension of the current Technical Council’s term until June 30, 2026, which is in line with its Terms of Reference. This approach will help ensure the review and approval process is completed efficiently, drawing on the Technical Council’s continued collective experience to support credible, consistent, and technically sound decision-making for this flagship Standard.

Transitioning to a staggered renewal model

From July 2026, the Technical Council will move to a staggered renewal model, with five new members appointed each year. This model supports continuity while ensuring diversity of expertise, skills, regions, and stakeholder perspectives. To operationalize this model, five members from the current cohort will be renewed for a 12-month period, five members will be renewed for a 24-month period, and five new members will be appointed for a 36-month period.

Apply to join the Technical Council

For the 2026-2029 period, the SBTi is seeking five exceptional candidates with extensive climate mitigation and sustainability expertise to contribute to the review and approval of SBTi Standards.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong technical and analytical expertise in climate mitigation, carbon accounting, and science-based target setting, with the ability to assess complex evidence for decision making.
• Integrity, independence, and sound judgement, ensuring impartial, evidence-based and well-reasoned decisions that uphold the Technical Council’s public interest mandate and established governance requirements.
• Effective communication and collaborative skills, including the ability to work constructively with diverse perspectives, communicate clearly, and prioritize the SBTi’s mission above individual interests.

Applications must be submitted before February 26, 2026, and include a completed application form, CV, statement of interest, and a declaration of any affiliations or potential conflicts of interest.

Selection process and governance safeguards

The SBTi will follow a transparent, merit-based selection process, led by an independent Nominations Committee which will include two independent members, the current Chair and Vice Chair of the Technical Council, and a representative from the SBTi Board of Trustees. The process is aligned with internal policies and established governance best practices.

The next Technical Council term will begin on July 1, 2026. Interested candidates should review the Technical Council Terms of Reference for more information on the Technical Council’s role, scope, composition, appointment process, and working principles.

Apply to the SBTi Technical Council and help ensure our Standards remain robust, science-aligned, and impactful worldwide.

Professor Kornelis Blok, Chair of the SBTi Technical Council, said: “Strong climate standards that serve the public interest and act as a north star for corporate climate action depend on expert consideration of broad stakeholder input, independence and respect for science. As Chair of the Technical Council, I see firsthand how robust technical challenge and thoughtful deliberation strengthen the quality and credibility of SBTi Standards. We are now inviting a new cohort of experts to join this work. For those with deep technical expertise and a commitment to serving the public interest, this is an opportunity to help steward climate standards that matter globally, and at a critical moment for corporate climate action.”

Francesco Starace, Chair of the SBTi Board of Trustees, said: “Effective corporate climate action is a driver of value creation. It helps companies manage risks, strengthen resilience and remain competitive in a transforming global economy. To support this, the market needs climate standards that are credible, science-aligned and trusted. The Technical Council plays a vital role in providing that assurance through independent and robust oversight. As Chair of the Board of Trustees, I strongly encourage qualified experts from diverse backgrounds to apply. By contributing your experience and judgement, you will help ensure the SBTi continues to serve the public interest and support ambitious, effective corporate climate action at scale.”