Work is underway to develop an independently verifiable international standard on net zero. Designed to provide clarity on the net zero transition, work on the standard will take place over the next 18 months, with a view to being launched at COP30 in November 2025.

Development of the international standard on net zero will involve collaboration between thousands of specialists with the help of national standards bodies across more than 170 countries.

In its role as the UK National Standards Body, BSI is convening the process in collaboration with ICONTEC, Colombia’s National Standards Body. A public consultation is expected to open later in 2025 to support global input to ensure that all voices are heard.

The standard will see the conversion of the ISO Net Zero Guidelines, which BSI led the international development process and launch of at COP27, facilitating organisations to create comprehensive net zero strategies by providing them with credible best practice.

Susan Taylor Martin, chief executive, BSI said: “The launch of this standard development process is an important moment in the global effort to meet the climate challenge. While progress is being made to decarbonise key industries around the world and many individuals and organisations are stepping up, the net zero landscape is complex and the lack of clarity risks slowing down efforts to turn ambition into action.

“This important collaboration, with BSI bringing together national standards bodies and their experts from around the world, represents a landmark opportunity to bring clarity, credibility and trust to the net zero transition process and ultimately to help accelerate our common progress towards a sustainable world.”


Image: Extinction Rebellion engages in theatrical protest on the steps of the Bank of England in the City of London in 2022

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