SBTi calls for companies to pilot draft Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2

The pilot—open to corporations of all sizes and locations—is a critical step in gathering evidence to ensure that the flagship Standard is not only scientifically robust, but also practical for businesses.

Since 2021, the SBTi’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard has established itself as the global benchmark for credible, science-based net-zero target-setting—now supporting more than 1,850 of companies in aligning with global climate goals. Building on this foundation, the SBTi is revising the Standard to enable even broader and deeper corporate climate action. The updated draft sets out a science-based, innovative and pragmatic framework designed to accelerate emissions reduction from 2026 and beyond.

As outlined in the Standard Operating Procedure for Development of SBTi Standards, the pilot offers a unique opportunity for companies to directly influence how the world’s leading corporate climate standard evolves. It will be carried out in two phases: 

• Phase One: A broad survey open to companies across all sectors and regions to gather essential input to further refine the draft Standard. It will also gauge interest in participating in Phase Two of the pilot.
• Phase Two: A hands-on trial with the selected companies using real-world data to test a near-final version of the draft Standard, or specific components of it. This phase aims to identify any implementation challenges, validate key methodological assumptions, and gather in-depth feedback to help inform the final Standard.

The pilot is open to established companies from all sectors and regions. Pilot Phase Two will include companies with a diversity of emissions profiles, geographies, sectors, and sizes.

The pilot test survey will be open from Monday, June 16 to Friday, August 15, 2025. Interested companies should complete the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2 Pilot Test Phase 1: Company Survey to participate in Phase One only or to express interest in participating in both phases of the pilot.

Further details regarding the pilot’s objectives, structure, timeline, and selection criteria are outlined in the Terms of Reference.

Alberto Carrillo Pineda, Chief Technical Officer at the Science Based Targets initiative, said:

“After seeing an impressive level of engagement across the ecosystem in the public consultation on the first draft Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2, pilot testing is the next stage where we will gather more practical, first-hand insights. Companies of all sizes, sectors, and regions participating will be an invaluable resource, providing us with a diverse evidence base that will mean that the final draft Standard is practical for businesses and ignites even more impactful corporate climate action.”