Takeaways

• ISO has released a draft of its new net-zero standard for public consultation, marking a major step toward global alignment on climate transition planning.
• The standard guides organizations of all sizes and sectors on setting targets, measuring emissions, and achieving net-zero emissions.
• Feedback from stakeholders worldwide will help shape the final version, which is expected to be published in 2027.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has launched a public consultation on its long-awaited ISO net-zero standard, a framework designed to help organizations develop credible and actionable pathways toward achieving net-zero emissions.

The draft standard, which has been under development since 2022, is being described by ISO as the first internationally recognized and independently verifiable standard focused on net-zero transition planning. According to the organization, the working group responsible for creating the framework was the largest ever assembled in ISO’s history.

The proposed standard is intended for organizations across all industries, regardless of their size or location. Its goal is to provide a practical roadmap for businesses and institutions that have made net-zero commitments or are preparing climate transition plans.

Read More: SBTi Releases Revised Corporate Net-Zero Standards for Public Input

Speaking about the initiative, ISO representatives emphasized that the framework is designed to be accessible to organizations at different stages of their sustainability journey. Rather than targeting only companies with advanced climate strategies, the standard aims to support those that are just beginning to plan for a low-carbon future.

The draft outlines a comprehensive approach to managing net-zero emissions. It covers key areas such as governance, emissions measurement, emissions reduction targets, reporting, validation, and implementation. It also includes guidance on the role of carbon credits within broader climate strategies.

Beyond helping organizations calculate and disclose emissions, the framework encourages them to identify practical opportunities to reduce their environmental impact. The objective is to connect climate ambitions with everyday business operations and decision-making processes.

The development process was jointly led by the United Kingdom’s national standards body, the British Standards Institution (BSI), and Colombia’s standards organization, ICONTEC. Leaders involved in the project said the consultation draft reflects extensive collaboration among hundreds of experts from around the world.

Supporters of the initiative believe the standard arrives at an important moment. With businesses facing growing climate risks alongside economic and geopolitical uncertainty, many organizations are seeking clear and consistent guidance for long-term planning. The framework is expected to help companies strengthen resilience while demonstrating that their business strategies are aligned with future climate goals.

The consultation period also comes shortly after the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) released updates to its Corporate Net-Zero Standard. ISO has stated that its framework has been designed to work alongside existing sustainability standards and reporting systems, including those developed by SBTi. This alignment is intended to reduce complexity and make it easier for organizations to adopt multiple climate frameworks.

Industry observers note that the standard could be particularly valuable for companies new to climate action and organizations operating in developing economies, where access to structured guidance is often more limited.

ISO member bodies will now gather feedback from businesses, governments, academic institutions, and other stakeholders in their respective countries. The consultation will remain open until early September, after which national recommendations will be submitted to ISO for review.

The organization plans to consider comments on every aspect of the draft before preparing future revisions. The final ISO net-zero standard is expected to be released in 2027.

Also Read: The Growing Need for ESG Companies, Sustainability, and Climate Solutions

Notably, the newly released framework is aimed primarily at non-financial organizations. Earlier this month, ISO introduced a separate standard for financial institutions, providing guidance on incorporating transition planning objectives into financing and engagement decisions.

As global efforts to address climate change continue to accelerate, the new standard could become a key reference point for organizations seeking a structured and credible path toward net zero.

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Source: ESGDIVE