The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has unveiled its Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0, a major overhaul aimed at pushing companies beyond climate pledges and into measurable, real-world action.

 

Positioned as the most comprehensive update yet, the standard marks a shift in SBTi’s role—from target-setter to implementation partner—embedding science-based climate goals into core business decisions across operations, supply chains, and capital allocation. The goal is to make net-zero pathways more practical and adaptable while preserving scientific integrity.

 

At the heart of the update is a move away from rigid, one-size-fits-all requirements. Instead, companies are given a broader set of pathways that reflect different business realities, while still anchored in climate science.

 

The standard places a sharper focus on execution rather than ambition alone. Target-setting is reframed as a starting point, not an endpoint, with greater expectations around transparency, progress reporting, and continuous improvement as companies move along their net-zero journeys.

 

It also formalizes a hierarchy of climate action, urging firms to prioritize direct emissions cuts across their value chains while using system-wide interventions where decarbonization is more difficult.

 

A notable shift comes in how targets are treated: they are now explicitly framed on a “best efforts” basis, acknowledging that external constraints may affect delivery. Companies are expected to be transparent about those barriers, while continuing to use all available levers to stay aligned with the framework.

 

The standard also introduces recognition for companies addressing ongoing emissions in the short term, alongside longer-term expectations for larger firms to take increasing responsibility for them.

 

These updates will apply not only to new adopters but also to companies already working under existing SBTi frameworks, including Version 1.3 of the Corporate Net-Zero Standard.

 

Built on more than a decade of work with over 11,000 companies, the revision reflects an evolving mandate: helping turn climate ambition into credible execution at scale, with net-zero still the benchmark by 2050.

 

The update followed an extensive development process, including two rounds of public consultation, pilot testing, expert working groups, and final approval by the SBTi’s independent Technical Council and Board of Trustees.

 

David Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer at the SBTi, said: “We are at a critical moment for climate action: companies have told us that they need a partner that can help foster implementation and that’s what the Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0 is designed to do.”

 

He added: "Businesses now have a great opportunity to manage their transition risk and strengthen resilience in a fast-changing world. The Standard provides a framework to achieve this in practice across a wide range of contexts, through aligning climate science with actions that they can and should take to transform their businesses. Those that use it will gain competitive advantage while contributing to international climate objectives.”