Net zero needs a common language. This body for international standards is building one

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on WEF blog or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has opened a public consultation on ISO 14060, the first international, independently verifiable standard for net zero aligned organizations, with aim to unify global definitions and frameworks for corporate net zero commitments

🔭 The context: Over 130 countries and 78% of global GDP are now covered by net zero pledges, but inconsistent definitions and multiple frameworks have hindered credibility and comparability
• ISO 14060 builds on the ISO Net Zero Guidelines from COP27 and was developed over two years with input from hundreds of experts across 170+ countries, spanning business, government, academia, and civil society
• The standard offers a globally consistent framework for credible, comprehensive, and verifiable net zero transition plans, supporting alignment with national and regional regulations such as the EU CSRD and UK FCA rules 

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: A shared, verifiable net zero standard would improve the rigor and integrity of corporate climate commitments, ensuring emissions reductions are real, measurable, and enforceable
• By fostering comparability and accountability, ISO 14060 supports systemic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, advances climate-resilient economic strategies, and strengthens global coordination on climate action

⏭️ What’s next: ISO has launched a 12-week consultation period inviting businesses, governments, and civil society to provide input
• Following this, the standard will be finalized, enabling widespread adoption and integration into corporate reporting, investor assessments, and regulatory frameworks worldwide

💬 One quote: “An internationally agreed standard, developed through consensus across over 170 countries, provides the stable, interoperable foundation that national and regional regulatory regimes need to build on.” – Noelia Garcia Nebra, Head, Sustainability and Partnerships, ISO

📈 One stat: 78% of global GDP is now covered by national-level net zero targets.

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