WWF says SBTi remains the “gold standard” for corporate climate target setting, but cautions that successful implementation will require clear, practical guidance
GLAND, Switzerland (11 June): WWF has welcomed the next generation 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, WWF Director General, 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 decarbonization 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.
WWF highlighted several key improvements in the revised SBTi standard, including:
- A clearer implementation hierarchy to help companies prioritise the most impactful emission reduction actions
- Expanded target-setting options, enabling businesses to tailor approaches to their operations and value chains – including using measures such as uptake of low emission steel or net-zero aligned products sold
- Increased flexibility for value chain interventions, including the use of market instruments to help drive sectoral transformation, such as energy and commodity certificates.
- Stronger recognition of contributions beyond the value chain, with companies encouraged to invest in wider climate and nature solutions, while maintaining a clear distinction between these additional contributions and their net zero targets.
- Simplified processes, particularly for Scope 3 target-setting, reducing barriers to adoption.
Together, these changes are expected to unlock greater corporate investment in credible climate action, supporting both emissions reductions and benefits for businesses, such as resilience and continuity, risk mitigation, future-proofing, and increasing the long-term certainty of supply and demand.
ENDS
Contact: news@wwfint.org
