Climate Impact Partners has submitted a formal response to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), advocating for pragmatic adjustments to the draft Corporate Net-Zero Standard (CNZS) Version 2.0. The organisation contends that the proposed framework, while advancing science-based climate action, requires refinements to better facilitate near-term corporate engagement and progress towards net-zero emissions by 2050.
In its submission, Climate Impact Partners outlines four primary recommendations:
- Supplier engagement: The organisation advises against making supplier engagement a mandatory criterion, suggesting instead that it be promoted as a best practice. This approach aims to encourage companies to work with their suppliers on emission reductions without imposing rigid requirements that could hinder participation.
- Scope 3 emissions mitigation: Climate Impact Partners recommends the SBTi provide clearer guidance on existing tools and innovative approaches for addressing Scope 3 emissions. Emphasising the importance of flexibility, the organisation suggests leveraging established quality standards to offer practical options for companies to manage their value chain emissions effectively.
- Carbon removals: The submission calls for a pragmatic approach to carbon removals, advocating for the integration of interim targets and the recognition of high-quality carbon credits. Climate Impact Partners emphasises the need to align removal strategies with established durability standards, facilitating broader participation and feasibility.
- Beyond Value Chain Mitigation (BVCM): The organisation urges the SBTi to acknowledge and incentivise mitigation efforts that extend beyond a company’s direct value chain. By recognising such actions, the CNZS can encourage companies to contribute to broader climate goals through investments in initiatives like carbon offset projects.
Climate Impact Partners asserts that these adjustments would balance scientific rigour with practical feasibility, enabling more companies to commit to and achieve net-zero targets. The organisation highlights the importance of providing clear guidance and removing obstacles to voluntary climate action, thereby accelerating global efforts to mitigate climate change.
“The SBTi’s work is vital. We applaud its efforts to drive science-based climate action. The CNZS V2.0 presents important steps forward, but to truly accelerate corporate climate leadership, it needs to be more pragmatic and enable impact in the near-term whilst working towards a net zero 2050,” said Sheri Hickok, CEO, Climate Impact Partners.
The SBTi’s consultation on the CNZS Version 2.0 concluded on 1 June 2025. Feedback from stakeholders, including Climate Impact Partners, will inform the finalisation of the standard, which aims to guide corporate climate strategies in alignment with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
