SBTi CNZS v2.0 - What Companies Need to Know Before Setting or Updating Their Climate Targets

The rules for science-based climate targets have just changed.

On 11th June 2026, SBTi officially published the Corporate Net-Zero Standard (CNZS) V2.0 - the framework that will eventually replace both the current Corporate Near-Term Criteria and the earlier versions of the Net-Zero Standard.

In our recent webinar, Willow Sustainability's Neda Shishmanova (Senior Project Manager) walked professionals through what's new, what's changed, and what to actually do about it. Here's a taste of what was covered. (Curious to see the whole thing? Scroll to the bottom of the page for the full webinar materials)

A New Strategy, A New Standard

SBTi's 2026–2030 strategy marks a shift in how the organisation sees its own role - moving from a target-setting body to a broader partner in the net-zero transition, with tailored sector-specific standards and deeper implementation support. CNZS V2.0 is the first major output of that shift, built through public consultation, company pilots and independent governance oversight.

What's Actually Changed

The revised standard leans harder into accountability. Expect formal company categorisation, mandatory climate transition plans, a structured validation and assurance model, board-level governance requirements, and a significance-based approach to Scope 3 coverage in place of the old fixed-percentage thresholds.

Do You Need to Act Right Now?

Not necessarily — SBTi has confirmed the transition will be gradual, with V1 and V2 running in parallel through 2027 and V2.0 only becoming mandatory from 2028. But several of its core principles are already usable today, so there's little reason to wait.

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