The term ‘net zero’ is everywhere – used by Governments, organizations, and individuals alike to describe their efforts in working towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions. However, the concepts and fragmented approaches to net zero can breed confusion. The Net Zero Guidelines (IWA 42:2022) is a revolutionary global tool that defines a consistent approach to achieving net zero and harmonizes the current landscape of net zero guidance.

But first, why is everyone trying to achieve net zero?

The Paris Agreement (2015) was the first-ever global agreement on climate change. 194 countries pledged that they would reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Achieving this goal is crucially important and requires a huge reduction in global net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions based on scientific evidence.

What are the IWA 42 Net Zero Guidelines?

Launched at COP27, the Net Zero Guidelines were developed to address  the fragmented net zero governance landscape by providing a single core reference text that covers all stages of net zero action.

Commissioned by Our 2050 World, over 1,200 experts from over 100 countries contributed to the Net Zero Guidelines through the ISO’s International Workshop Agreement (IWA) process. They are underpinned by the theory that producing a globally accepted and consistent approach to achieving net zero will mean that net zero claims are easier to compare and can be scaled through better regulation.

The result is an international document which offers countries, governments, policymakers and organizations global net zero definitions and concepts for harmonizing, understanding, and planning for net zero.

The Net Zero Guidelines cover the guiding principles and recommendations to enable a common, global approach to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions through the alignment of voluntary initiatives, adoption of standards, policies and national and international regulation.

Learn more about how standards support government, industries and businesses to achieve net zero by visiting our Net Zero Topic Page.

Standardizing understanding of net zero

The Net Zero Guidelines set a common path for: 

• The definition of “net zero” and related terms (greenhouse gas removals, offsetting, value chain, etc)

• Clarifying the differences in scope between direct emissions, indirect emissions from purchased energy, and other indirect emissions arising from an organization’s activities

• High-level principles for all actors who want to achieve net zero

• Actionable guidance including recommendations on transparent communication, credible claims, and consistent reporting on emissions, reductions and removals

This globally agreed standardization of net zero is a vitally important step in our international efforts to achieve our climate change targets. It gives leaders (in both government and businesses) clarity and confidence that their near and long-term efforts are aligned with climate science and that of the rest of the world.

Discover why net zero is important to your industry and the efforts being taken to achieve it with our Net Zero Infographic Tool.

Who should use the Net Zero Guidelines?

The Net Zero Guidelines were developed for use by any organization – whether that is a national government, city or local authority, business, or NGO.

If you set targets and take action towards getting to net zero for your greenhouse gas emissions - including Scope 3 emissions in your value chain - the Net Zero Guidelines can help to bring clarity and a comparative framework for your activities.

Implementing the guidance within this document involves processes like your organization’s leadership showing commitment and accountability of net zero action, planning, actions and results of the actions. Similarly, the Net Zero Guidelines also recommend that continuous improvement should be part of the planning and appropriate changes and corrections should be executed when necessary.

To support businesses in their adoption of net zero best practice, we have developed the BSI Net Zero Pathway. This is not a standard, but an overarching scheme which includes elements taken from ISO 14064-1, the IWA 42:2022 Net Zero Guidelines and PAS 2060. This scheme is applicable to all organizations regardless of size or sector. Learn more about the BSI Net Zero Pathway here.

While adopting this guidance will likely require changes within your organization, making these changes will allow you to:

• Ease the planning process of your net zero efforts.

• Work efficiently and consistently towards achieving your net zero targets.

• Give credibility to your net zero activities and claims and reduce your organisation’s risk of greenwashing.

• Allow you to compare your progress like-for-like globally and report on it consistently.

• Get a clearer understanding of where to find more detailed information in other net zero standards and initiatives, e.g., the BS EN ISO 14064 Greenhouse Gas Emission standard series and the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Markets (ICVCM) - and indicates when it might be necessary to implement them.

To contribute to global climate action, the Net Zero Guidelines are available for free. Download them here today.