Key Impact Points:
- Climate Impact Partners submitted four key recommendations to strengthen SBTi’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard 2.0, advocating for a more pragmatic and flexible framework.
- The firm calls for broader recognition of carbon removals and beyond value chain mitigation (BVCM) to accelerate near-term climate impact.
- They warn against rigid requirements that may discourage participation, particularly on supplier engagement and Scope 3 mitigation.
Call for Balanced and Inclusive Standards
Climate Impact Partners has submitted formal feedback to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as part of its consultation on the Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0, urging the organization to adopt a more pragmatic, flexible approach.
“The SBTi’s work is vital. We applaud its efforts to drive science-based climate action,” the company stated. But to deliver real-world impact, the new version “needs to be more pragmatic and enable impact in the near-term whilst working towards a net zero 2050.”
1. Supplier Engagement: Flexibility Over Mandates
Climate Impact Partners is concerned about proposals that would make supplier engagement mandatory for Scope 3 target setting. Instead, they recommend keeping it as “a powerful best practice, supported by case studies and tools,” emphasizing that flexibility is key to driving participation across supply chains.
“Empower companies to pursue ambitious supply chain action, with flexibility around approach… instead of penalizing them.”
2. Scope 3 Mitigation: Enable Innovation
Tackling Scope 3 emissions requires creativity. Climate Impact Partners supports the inclusion of direct, supply-shed, and indirect mitigation methods but stresses the importance of guidance on existing mechanisms.
They call on SBTi to align with upcoming GHG Protocol revisions and “leverage existing, robust quality standards” like book-and-claim and insetting rather than introducing new systems, which could lead to confusion and fragmentation.
3. Carbon Removals: Build Realistic Pathways
The letter supports the inclusion of interim carbon removal targets but cautions against overly rigid permanence requirements. They suggest referencing established durability standards such as the Oxford Principles and the ICVCM to maintain credibility without discouraging investment.
“We support a gradual transition approach… whilst continuing to support existing removal solutions, such as nature-based projects.”
They also advocate for carbon removal targets that cover Scope 3 emissions — not just Scope 1 — reflecting real-world corporate emissions profiles.
4. Beyond Value Chain Mitigation: Incentivize Voluntary Action
Climate Impact Partners strongly calls for the formal recognition of beyond value chain mitigation (BVCM) — especially through high-quality carbon credits — as a core part of corporate climate responsibility.
“This is critical to drive further climate action, ensuring corporates can make a claim or be recognized for their action, particularly voluntary action.”
They recommend tiered recognition models to ensure inclusivity, especially for companies with limited resources or data, and integration with frameworks like the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI).
Final Message: Enable Leadership, Don’t Block It
The company closed by urging SBTi to preserve scientific rigor while building pathways that enable broad and immediate participation.
“We urge the SBTi to provide clear guidance, embrace practical tools to accelerate the journey to global net zero, recognize corporate climate leadership, and remove obstacles to voluntary action.”
Related Article: Climate Impact Partners’ Fortune Global 500 Report Highlights Quiet Climate Action
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