Standards and guidance

Net-Zero

The Corporate Net-Zero Standard provides a common, robust, science-based understanding of net-zero. It gives companies clarity and confidence that their near- and long-term decarbonization plans are aligned with climate science by providing a clear, consistent and science-based definition of net-zero.

By aligning with this Standard, companies can set science-based net-zero targets.

The SBTi is also developing the world’s first Financial Institutions Net-Zero (FINZ) Standard. This Standard will enable FIs to set net-zero aligned near- and long-term targets.

Technical Work Program

In line with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Development of SBTi Standards, the SBTi publishes its technical work program and timeline. This program has been approved by the Board of Trustees and is reviewed by the SBTi’s Technical Department quarterly.

*The timelines are indicative and subject to change. The SBTi will update it quarterly, as the projects develop.

The SBTi sets out clear delivery plans and timelines in the terms of reference for each standard. Our focus is on ensuring our outputs are as robust as possible.

Supplementary guidance

Our supplementary guidance enables businesses to amplify their climate action.

Supplier engagement

To be in line with SBTi Criteria, companies must set scope 3 targets. These are supplier engagement targets and/or reduction targets that collectively cover at least 67% of total scope 3 emissions - if these emissions represent over 40% of their total scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

Engaging Supply Chains on The Decarbonization Journey: A Guide to Developing and Achieving Scope 3 Supplier Engagement Targets outlines how to evaluate, develop and set supplier engagement targets, implement engagement programs, and gives businesses the understanding of what it takes to achieve these goals.

• Supplier Engagement Guidance - full guidance
• Supplier Engagement Guidance - executive summary
• Slide deck for presenting science-based targets to your suppliers
• Speaker script for promoting science-based targets at supply chain events

Beyond value chain mitigation

Beyond value chain mitigation (BVCM) allows companies to accelerate the global net-zero transformation by going above and beyond their science-based targets.

BVCM is defined in the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard as “mitigation action or investments that fall outside a company’s value chain, including activities that avoid or reduce GHG emissions, or remove and store GHGs from the atmosphere.

The SBTi has developed guidance to support the BVCM recommendation in the Corporate Net-Zero Standard and explore potential incentives for BVCM.