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WWF has welcomed the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Corporate Net Zero Standard, highlighting its potential to accelerate corporate decarbonisation and unlock investment across the global economy.
The updated framework introduces greater flexibility and clearer pathways for companies to reduce emissions across their value chains, while maintaining the scientific integrity that businesses and investors rely on for credible climate action.
WWF played an active role in the revision process, helping ensure the updated framework is grounded in science while becoming simpler to implement and aligned with real-world business challenges.
Kirsten Schuijt, Director General, WWF said, “The SBTi remains the gold standard for corporate climate target setting. The revised net zero standard marks a meaningful progression and has the potential to drive real impact across the global economy. The new standard builds on the original SBTi framework to help businesses drive even greater emission reductions across value chains and industries, while also supporting investment in climate and nature solutions. The adoption of the new standard will not be straightforward, but with the right guidance and support, it can help businesses move faster from ambition to delivery and drive the scale of change urgently needed.”
WWF is encouraging companies to adopt the updated SBTi Net Zero Standard and use it as a foundation to accelerate the transition from climate ambition to real-world delivery at scale.
At the same time, WWF noted that successful implementation will depend on continued clarity and support for businesses to ensure a smooth transition to the updated standard. This includes guidance on key technical elements, timelines and validation processes.
WWF emphasised that the revised standard represents good news for the climate, nature and the global economy, providing companies with an effective framework to deliver emissions reductions while ensuring long-term business resilience.
Manuel Pulgar-Vidal, WWF Global Lead, Climate and Energy said, “This next generation of the SBTi Net Zero Standard marks a significant step forward in aligning corporate climate ambition with real-world delivery. It combines scientific rigor with practical pathways to deliver decarbonisation at scale – helping companies invest where they can have the greatest impact, across their value chains and the sectors they operate in. Importantly, it also recognizes that achieving net zero requires action beyond the corporate sphere, with companies encouraged to make additional investments in climate and nature solutions around the world.
“WWF encourages businesses to adopt the updated standard and use it to drive meaningful emissions reductions. We stand ready to support them on this journey.”
The revised standard is the result of extensive consultation with businesses, scientists and other stakeholders, and its high benchmark is expected to influence the broader climate accountability and regulatory ecosystem, including related standards and frameworks.
For ambitious corporate climate action to succeed, alignment among all standard-setters and ecosystem actors - including the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and ISO - will be critical to ensure companies have the tools and clarity they need to meet their targets.
