As the global community confronts the intensifying climate crisis, the demand for definitive, actionable, and verifiable standards to achieve net zero emissions has never been more pressing. Recognising this critical necessity, the British Standards Institution (BSI) has embarked on a pioneering initiative to develop an independently verifiable international standard on net zero. Scheduled for unveiling at COP30 in November 2025, this landmark initiative aims to provide much-needed clarity to the net zero transition, bolster robust climate action, and expedite progress towards a sustainable future.
The forthcoming standard is set to serve as a comprehensive global guide for organisations navigating the net zero transition. The development process will be marked by extensive collaboration with thousands of experts from national standards bodies spanning over 170 countries. This initiative, convened by BSI and ICONTEC, Colombia’s National Standards Body, will also incorporate a public consultation in late 2025, ensuring global input and inclusivity. By engaging such a wide array of stakeholders, the initiative aims to create a standard that is both globally relevant and widely accepted.
Building upon the ISO Net Zero Guidelines, which BSI led in development and launched at COP27, the new standard will transform these guidelines into a verifiable international benchmark. This transformation is intended to offer clear insights into credible net zero actions and instil confidence in the necessary measures. A crucial aspect of this initiative is its potential to combat greenwashing by providing stringent guidelines and requirements to verify the authenticity of net zero claims. By establishing rigorous criteria, the standard will help differentiate genuine efforts from superficial ones, thereby fostering trust and accountability.
Despite the commitment of 83% of UK businesses to the UK’s net zero target, significant obstacles remain, with 23% lacking confidence in meeting the 2050 deadline. Recent research conducted by BSI in collaboration with the University of Oxford highlighted the complexities and deficiencies in existing voluntary standards and guidelines related to net zero. For many organisations, clarity on net zero requirements remains elusive, underscoring the urgent need for a coherent and authoritative standard.
Susan Taylor Martin, Chief Executive of BSI, emphasised the importance of this collaborative effort, stating that it represents a crucial step in the global fight against climate change. She highlighted the intricate nature of the net zero landscape and the urgent need for clear, credible standards to turn ambition into actionable progress. BSI’s longstanding history of pioneering environmental standards, including the world’s first environmental management standard in 1992, positions it well to lead this transformative initiative.
Roberto Montoya, CEO of ICONTEC, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the responsibility of developing a credible and transparent International Standard for Net Zero. He invited global participation to establish robust requirements for achieving net zero, urging experts interested in contributing to join their National Standard Body’s climate change management committee through their country’s ISO member. This inclusive approach seeks to harness diverse perspectives and expertise to create a comprehensive and effective standard.
As the world edges closer to critical climate thresholds, the establishment of a verifiable international standard for net zero compliance is a vital step towards ensuring that organisations worldwide can confidently and effectively contribute to the global effort to mitigate climate change. The BSI-led initiative not only promises to provide clarity and consistency but also to foster a collaborative and inclusive approach to achieving net zero emissions.
Navigating the path towards net zero is undoubtedly challenging, but the development of this new international standard offers organisations a robust framework to guide their efforts. By ensuring that actions are credible, transparent, and verifiable, the initiative represents a significant milestone in the global endeavour to combat climate change. As organisations adopt and implement this standard, the collective impact will pave the way towards a more sustainable future for all, driving meaningful progress in the battle against climate change.
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