SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2 mandates carbon credit use from 2035

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) released its Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0 (CNZS V2.0), formally embedding carbon credits into corporate net-zero strategies. Under the new standard, carbon credit use will become mandatory for large companies from 2035. The update introduces an 'Ongoing Emissions Responsibility' (OER) programme, which outlines three phases for companies to address emissions beyond their validated targets. Companies can achieve 'Engaged', 'Advanced', or 'Leadership' tiers by mitigating a percentage of ongoing Scope 1-3 emissions through contribution budgets or verified mitigation outcomes. This revision marks a shift for SBTi towards providing implementation guidance, acknowledging the challenges in absolute decarbonisation.