A new voluntary Ongoing Emissions Responsibility (OER) Framework recognizes emissions reductions beyond corporate boundaries
October 5, 2026
There’s a New Way to Set Science-Based Targets
How Will the New SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0 Affect Your Decarbonization Strategy?
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has released Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0, introducing major updates to how companies set, track, and validate science-based targets. This shift moves corporate decarbonization away from long-term commitments towards operational actions that truly decarbonize.
Key Findings
Strict five-year review cycles are now required for all validated targets
New materiality-based thresholds determine Scope 3 target-setting requirements, with tiered requirements linked to company size and market
Corporate tier definitions, base year reporting, and Scope 1, 2, and 3 target-setting rules have all been updated
Summary
SBTi’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0 introduces sweeping changes to how companies approach science-based target setting, from stricter review cycles to new scope-specific rules and a voluntary framework for out-of-boundary emissions reductions. With the new Standard set to take effect in February 2028, companies have a defined window to reassess and realign their decarbonization strategies before compliance becomes mandatory.
What You'll Learn
This resource paper walks through the key framework updates in V2.0, including changes to corporate tiers, base year reporting, and target-setting rules across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, along with a breakdown of the new OER Framework. It’s designed to help sustainability leaders and corporate teams understand what’s changing and begin evaluating their target strategies ahead of the 2028 effective date.
Contributors
Resource Paper
Download Now
Related Resources
Find what you need. Learn something new.
January 15, 2026
Build your sustainability strategy with expert consulting services.
Partner with our team to move from strategy to measurable impact.
Get Started