Creation of international standard on net zero gets underway

It is expected to launch next year at COP30 in November 2025 and is being designed to provide a global solution to guide organizations as they embark on their net zero transition.

Thousands of experts are expected to collaborate through national standards bodies across more than 170 countries, taking into account the latest climate science. A public consultation is expected to open later in 2025 to support global input and ensure all voices are heard.

The standard is an evolution of the ISO Net Zero Guidelines, launched at COP27, into an independently verifiable international standard. The purpose of the Guidelines was to facilitate organizations to create comprehensive net zero strategies by providing them with credible best practice. The standard will give the public greater confidence and guard against greenwashing by setting out robust guidance and requirements offering the potential to verify the credibility of claims.

The process is being formally launched today at London Climate Action Week, as announced by Noelia Garcia Nebra, ISO’s Head of Sustainability. The British Standards Institution (BSI), in its role as the UK National Standards Body, in collaboration with ICONTEC, Colombia’s National Standards Body, is convening this process.

ISO takes our role in supporting a net zero transition seriously. As part of our Climate Commitment, we look forward to delivering an international standard the market has been asking for, and importantly, suitable for organizations of all sizes, sectors and geographies.

Noelia Garcia Nebra

Chef, Durabilité

Experts who wish to participate in the development of the standard can apply to join their National Standard Body’s climate change management committee by finding their country’s ISO member.