Work begins on international standard for net zero

The British Standards Institution (BSI), the UK's National Standards Body, is leading a global project to improve clarity around net zero, emissions, and carbon reduction. This initiative aims to expedite and enhance the effectiveness of climate action. 

The independently verifiable system, set for launch at COP30 in November 2025, is being developed through global collaboration. 

Led by BSI, the UK National Standards Body that introduced the first environmental management standard in 1992, this project aims to enhance clarity around net zero, emissions, and carbon reduction. Ideally, this will expedite and improve the effectiveness of climate action. 

Thousands of experts from national standards bodies in over 170 countries are contributing to this effort. Among them is Colombia’s ICONTEC, which is overseeing the process. Public consultation will start next year, ensuring diverse voices are included. 

The new standard will be based on ISO Net Zero Guidelines established by BSI and an international network at COP27, helping organisations create comprehensive net zero plans. By transforming these guidelines into an independently verifiable standard, organisations will better understand the necessary steps, and the public will gain more confidence and protection against ‘greenwashing’ due to stringent verification requirements. 

This announcement follows recent research by BSI and Oxford University on 'Governing Net Zero: assessing convergence and gaps in the voluntary standards and guidelines landscape.' The study found that 83% of UK businesses are committed to achieving legally binding net zero targets, but 92% face significant barriers. One in four (23%) are not confident about reaching zero carbon by 2050, and 28% plan no action in the next 12 months. Additionally, 20% remain uncommitted to net zero goals.

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