• Calls for Flexibility: Climate Impact Partners advocates for practical pathways in SBTi’s Net Zero Standard to enable faster, broader corporate participation.
• Scope 3 & Carbon Removals in Focus: The letter highlights the need for clearer guidance on Scope 3 mitigation tools and a scalable approach to carbon removals.
• Push for Voluntary Action Recognition: Recommends formal recognition of Beyond Value Chain Mitigation (BVCM) to accelerate corporate climate investment.

Climate Impact Partners has submitted a formal response to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), urging adjustments to the draft Corporate Net-Zero Standard (CNZS) Version 2.0 to better balance scientific rigor with real-world feasibility.

“The SBTi’s work is vital. We applaud its efforts to drive science-based climate action,” the firm states. “But to truly accelerate corporate climate leadership, it needs to be more pragmatic and enable impact in the near-term whilst working towards a net zero 2050.”

Four key changes are proposed to unlock greater ambition and corporate uptake:

1. Supplier Engagement: Make It a Best Practice, Not a Barrier

Climate Impact Partners supports the inclusion of supplier engagement to tackle Scope 3 emissions but warns against making it mandatory.

“Empower companies to pursue ambitious supply chain action, with flexibility around approach…instead of penalizing them for not doing so.”

They suggest that best practice models and support tools are more effective than rigid requirements.

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2. Scope 3 Mitigation: Leverage Innovation and Existing Frameworks

The letter calls for clearer guidance on credible market-based instruments—including book-and-claim systems, insetting, and mass balance methodologies.

“Instead of creating new rules, leverage existing, robust quality standards…Consistency and clarity allow corporates to navigate these frameworks with more confidence and take more ambitious action.”

Aligning with upcoming GHG Protocol updates is recommended to harmonize claims frameworks and enhance corporate certainty.

3. Carbon Removals: Scale with Practical Durability Standards

Climate Impact Partners supports interim removal targets but urges a move away from rigid “like-for-like” permanence rules. They propose adopting durability benchmarks like those from ICVCM or The Oxford Principles and allowing for progressive integration of durable removal solutions.

“We support a gradual transition approach enabling companies to incorporate more durable removals over time, whilst continuing to support existing removal solutions, such as nature-based projects.”

Importantly, they emphasize extending carbon removal targets to Scope 3 emissions and explicitly allowing the use of high-quality carbon credits.

4. Beyond Value Chain Mitigation (BVCM): Recognize and Reward Voluntary Action

BVCM, including the use of high-quality credits, should be officially recognized in the standard, according to the firm. They stress its role in driving broader climate finance.

“Recognition should not be restricted to companies addressing all emission scopes…A tiered recognition model could uphold integrity while fostering greater inclusivity.”

They also recommend integrating BVCM with platforms like the VCMI to scale private-sector climate contributions.

“We are optimistic about the CNZS’s potential to galvanize global corporate climate action and channel significant private finance towards vital mitigation projects…We urge the SBTi to provide clear guidance, embrace practical tools… and remove obstacles to voluntary action.”

Climate Impact Partners’ recommendations signal a push from the private sector for standards that are scientifically grounded but adaptable enough to drive immediate, scalable results.

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