The new Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0

The SBTi’s new flagship Standard has arrived, marking the next phase of the net-zero transition—from ambition to real-world implementation. Explore the updated Standard and register your interest to learn more about the Corporate Net-Zero Standard. 

Overview

The Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0 is the SBTi’s most comprehensive framework for corporate climate action to date, with an expanded toolkit for setting and implementing targets. It makes credible, science-based climate action practical, accessible, and relevant for companies at every stage of the net-zero journey. 

Ready to dive in? Check out three key resources:

 

What’s new in Version 2.0 (key elements)

The updated Standard introduces comprehensive updates across five key areas—strengthening alignment with the latest climate science and evolving best practice:

  1. Net-zero governance: Ensures targets are supported by strong governance and embedded into how companies operate.
  2. Target setting: Reinforces the need to align near-term actions with long-term climate objectives across operations and value chains, while providing a more tailored approach to target setting across emissions scopes.
  3. Target implementation: Introduces an implementation hierarchy to guide how companies take action to implement targets to deliver emissions reductions, and support the scale-up of net-zero-aligned practices or technologies within their operations, value chains, activity pools, or sectors.
  4. Reporting and assessing target progress: Requires ongoing tracking, evaluation, and public reporting of progress to understand what works, where barriers exist, and how to course-correct.
  5. Progressive responsibility for ongoing emissions: Introduces a recognition mechanism to encourage companies to take voluntary action to address the impact of their ongoing emissions—helping limit temperature overshoot, manage transition risks, and contribute to the scale-up of climate solutions.

 

“Natura's experience in the Corporate Net-Zero Standard 2.0 pilot program reinforces our conviction that the evolution of this standard is fundamental to the success of global climate goals. We support this new milestone as it becomes more connected to current challenges and corporate reality, ensuring that the transition to net zero is as ambitious as it is pragmatic and aligned with the urgency of our time.” 
João Teixeria, Climate and Nature Manager, Natura

 

Version 2.0 is relevant for:

  • Companies preparing to renew existing targets in 2027
  • Companies planning target submissions from Q1 2027
  • Companies seeking to understand future requirements

Companies planning to set, update, or renew targets in 2026 are strongly encouraged to prepare them for submission at the earliest opportunity using the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V1.3.1—the most credible and robust framework for net-zero target setting available.

Companies setting or renewing targets using the current Standard will be able to take advantage of the flexibilities of the current requirements, such as combined scope 1 and 2 targets, and at the same time benefit from many of the innovations introduced in Version 2.0. Learn more here.

Companies will be able to submit targets to SBTi Services using either Version 1.3.1 or Version 2.0 from Q1 2027 until January 31, 2028—after which, Version 2.0 will become mandatory for all target submissions.

Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is an immediate and material driver of physical and economic risk. Taking action now can help mitigate those risks by building resilience into operations and supply chains.

Our Impact of Setting Science-Based Targets on Businesses report shows that target setting delivers competitive advantage—not just climate impact. Of the surveyed companies:

  • 91% reported that science-based targets have had an overall positive impact on their organizations
  • 95% noticed a positive impact on reputation
  • 80% said target setting strengthened investor perception and relations
  • 80% noted improved strategic cohesion and long-term vision
  • 72% noted a positive impact on resilience to future regulatory changes

These benefits are in addition to positive impacts on the overall pace of decarbonization—which 86% of companies reported. 

Companies can start preparing targets for submissions under Version 2.0 immediately. The SBTi Services Validation Portal is expected to open for Version 2.0 target submission in Q1 2027. While much of what companies need to set targets is already available in the Standard, further guidance will be provided.

To set science-based targets, companies should follow the SBTi’s established process. The SBTi's wholly-owned subsidiary, SBTi Services, checks and validates targets submitted by corporates, financial institutions, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Ready to get started? Visit the SBTi Services website.

If you are one of the more than 11,000 companies that has already set science-based targets, you can begin benefiting from innovations introduced as part of the Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0 today.

To support companies during the intervening period between having targets set and starting to use Version 2.0, the SBTi has published a suite of resources:

Companies updating or renewing targets in 2026 or 2027 will also be able to take advantage of the flexibilities of the current requirements, such as combined scope 1 and 2 targets, and at the same time benefit from many of the innovations introduced in Version 2.0. Learn more here.

Resources

The full list of background resources is available on the Standard development page.

Version 2.0 of the Corporate Net-Zero Standard was developed through the Standard Operating Procedure for Development of SBTi Standards. The revision process included two public consultations, pilot testing, review and approval by the Technical Council and formal adoption by the Board of Trustees.

Learn more about the Corporate Net-Zero Standard development process here.

Perspectives from across the climate ecosystem

Explore reactions and perspectives from organizations, experts and stakeholders across the climate ecosystem on the launch of Version 2.0.

Read stakeholder perspectives.

“The Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2 leads organizations to transition to a low-carbon economy, ensuring that sustainability is not just a policy, but a competitive business advantage.”
Dr. Jeeranee Janrungauta, Global Net-Zero & Climate Change Lead, Charoen Pokphand Foods PLC

Register your interest

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