Topic

Net zero

Net zero means achieving a balance between the carbon emitted into the atmosphere, and the carbon removed from it. BSI's net zero standards are the enablers for the innovation, collaboration and acceleration needed to help organizations navigate the path to reducing emissions and achieving net zero carbon emissions.

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Explore how standards are helping organizations accelerate their transition to net zero to meet climate targets

Empowering organizations to navigate ESG complexity with the ISO ESG Implementation Principles
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Empowering organizations to navigate ESG complexity with the ISO ESG Implementation Principles

The growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is transforming how organizations operate. From addressing climate change to promoting social equity and ensuring sound governance, ESG considerations are now critical to business strategy and long-term success. But while ESG is a priority for many, the landscape remains fragmented and complex, with multiple reporting frameworks and standards that are often challenging to navigate. To address this issue, the ISO ESG Implementation Principles was developed, providing a free, practical solution for organizations worldwide. Why ESG matters Governments, investors, and consumers are increasingly holding organizations accountable for their environmental and social impacts, as well as their governance practices. ESG is no longer a "nice-to-have" but a fundamental aspect of business performance and reputation. Companies that fail to integrate ESG into their operations face greater regulatory scrutiny, risk, and reputational damage. Those that excel in ESG, on the other hand, can enhance stakeholder trust, attract investment, and drive long-term growth. Despite its importance, the challenge many organizations face is how to implement ESG effectively and consistently. This is where the ISO ESG Implementation Principles come in. For a more in-depth guide, download your copy of our free Little Book of ESG here. Developing ISO ESG Implementation Principles: A global collaborative effort The ISO ESG Implementation Principles is the result of a global, collaborative effort led by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the British Standards Institution (BSI), along with the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), and the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT). Developed with input from over 1,500 stakeholders across various sectors and regions, the ISO ESG Implementation Principles offer an inclusive approach to ESG that reflects diverse perspectives and industry needs. The principles provide practical, high-level guidance on ESG integration, helping organizations implement sustainable practices that align with global goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The goal is to establish a unified structure that simplifies ESG reporting, making it accessible to organizations of all sizes and those in developing countries. For SMEs, the guidance’s simplified approach and scalability are particularly beneficial, helping them implement strong ESG practices without needing extensive resources. For larger organizations, the ISO ESG Implementation Principles provide a global structure that ensures consistency and reliability in ESG reporting, supporting long-term success in an increasingly sustainability-focused world.  What do the ISO ESG Implementation Principles cover? The ISO ESG Implementation Principles are designed to address all three pillars of ESG—Environmental, Social, and Governance—in a holistic manner. They provide guidance on identifying key requirements across these areas, specifying measurable performance indicators to assess organizational maturity. By doing so, the ISO ESG Implementation Principles support companies in evaluating and improving their ESG performance over time. Here’s a quick overview of what is covered: Environmental: The ISO ESG Implementation Principles help organizations assess their environmental impact, covering areas such as resource management, energy efficiency, and carbon footprint quantification. Social: The guidance supports organizations in promoting diversity, social responsibility, human rights, and community engagement, ensuring that social concerns are fully integrated into business operations. Governance: Good governance practices—such as transparency, ethical decision-making, and compliance—are central to the ISO ESG Implementation Principles, providing a foundation for robust leadership and accountability. The ISO ESG Implementation Principles also signpost examples of key ISO standards that can help evidence Environmental, Social and Governance performance. If you are looking for guidance on the global approach to achieving net zero, discover the IWA 42 Net Zero Guidelines here. Understanding the benefits of the ISO ESG Implementation Principles The ISO ESG Implementation Principles provide a range of benefits that make such guidance an essential tool for organizations looking to integrate ESG effectively: Interoperability: The ISO ESG Implementation Principles was designed to work seamlessly with existing voluntary and regulatory ESG reporting frameworks and standards, simplifying compliance, and reducing duplication of effort whilst promoting harmonization across regions and sectors. Transparency: The guidance enhances the consistency and transparency of ESG reporting, making it easier for stakeholders—such as investors, regulators, supply chain partners and consumers—to understand and compare organizational performance. This is crucial for building trust and credibility. Reliability: By providing a structured, ISO-backed approach, the ISO ESG Implementation Principles help organizations deliver reliable, accurate ESG data that meets both regulatory demands and stakeholder expectations. This reliability is key for effective risk management and long-term strategic planning. Holistic ESG integration: The ISO ESG Implementation Principles address all elements of ESG together, ensuring that organizations take a balanced, integrated approach to sustainability. This not only improves ESG outcomes but also fosters innovation and drives sustainable growth. Scalability: Whether you’re a large multinational or a small business, the ISO ESG Implementation Principles are scalable to suit your needs. Its flexible structure allows organizations of all sizes to adopt ESG practices at their own pace, without compromising on quality. Global consistency: The guidance offers a standardized approach to ESG practices, enabling organizations to communicate their sustainability efforts effectively at both local and international levels. This global consistency helps businesses compete and thrive in a sustainability-focused marketplace. Alignment with global initiatives: The ISO ESG Implementation Principles support broader sustainability initiatives, including the UN SDGs and the ISO London Declaration, helping organizations align their ESG efforts with global goals and strengthen their contributions to a sustainable future. Further guidance to support climate transition planning In addition to the ISO ESG Implementation Principles, several other guidance documents are available to support climate transition planning. ISO 14060 is currently under development, and focuses on converting ISO’s net zero guidelines into the world’s first verifiable net-zero standard, helping organizations measure and verify their net zero commitments. BS ISO 32212 provides specific guidance for financial institutions on net zero transition planning, ensuring they can manage climate-related risks and opportunities effectively. Find out more. For smaller enterprises, BSI Flex 3030 offers practical tools for SMEs to develop and implement net zero plans, supporting their contribution to global sustainability goals. Each of these documents complements the ISO ESG Implementation Principles by addressing key aspects of climate transition planning. Get your free copy of the ISO ESG Implementation Principles Whether you're new to ESG or looking to enhance your existing practices, the invaluable ISO ESG Implementation Principles can improve your sustainability performance and reporting. Download your free copy of the ISO ESG Implementation Principles and start building a stronger, more sustainable future for your organization. New to ESG? Discover The Little Book of ESG The Little Book of ESG aims to provide a straightforward introduction to ESG. It covers how getting the fundamentals right can help to sustainably grow your business, and how you can start implementing ESG principles right away. Visit the Little Book of ESG dedicated page.Read more
The 2025 Net Zero Barometer Report: Time to quicken the pace
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The 2025 Net Zero Barometer Report: Time to quicken the pace

The Net Zero Barometer is our annual report presenting findings that explore how UK businesses are navigating the transition to net zero. The fifth Barometer has now been published and reveals important data on what UK businesses are thinking, and doing, about net zero. All the reports are available to download for free from here: Net Zero Barometer Report 2021 Net Zero Barometer Report 2022 Net Zero Barometer Report 2023 Net Zero Barometer Report 2024 Net Zero Barometer Report 2025 Net zero signs of the times Our previous Net Zero Barometer Reports have reflected the attitudes and actions at the times when they were published. In 2021, it was the COVID-19 pandemic. 2022 saw commitments to net zero boosted by COP26 with 195 countries agreeing to the 'Glasgow Climate Pact' to keep 1.5C alive. And in 2023 and 2024, cost established itself as the main obstacle towards action on net zero. Five years on, businesses are facing a number of difficult challenges, both geo-political and more local. For the Net Zero Barometer Report 2025, we surveyed over 1,000 senior decision-makers in small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) all over the UK. Key findings from the 2025 report are: Consumer demand has emerged as the primary driver of net zero action. There’s a large demand for support and guidance on how to make net zero transition. In a difficult business environment, the commitment to decarbonizing has slowed and there is less target-setting. The sector and size of businesses is driving notable differences in the degree of action. Confidence has suffered, with fewer businesses believing they will achieve net zero by 2050. Cost remains a key barrier to action and progress. The new government is providing welcome policy clarity on the clean energy transition. Download the latest Net Zero Barometer Report to read the full findings. Discover BSI Knowledge Subscriptions As the pressure builds for all businesses to achieve net zero, knowing which standards can help you and how to share their guidance within your organization can seem like a huge challenge. With a BSI Knowledge subscription, you will have the flexibility and visibility to manage the key standards you need in order to start your journey to net zero with confidence. Build your own custom collection of standards, or opt for access to one of our pre-built modules, such as GBM06 Environment, Wastes, and keep up-to-date with any relevant changes to your standards strategy. Request to learn more.
The BS ISO 59000 series: How to implement the circular economy into your organization
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The BS ISO 59000 series: How to implement the circular economy into your organization

In today's world, where sustainability and resource efficiency are paramount, the concept of a circular economy (CE) has emerged as a transformative solution. The newly published BS ISO 59000 family of standards is designed to facilitate this transition by harmonizing the understanding and implementation of the circular economy.  The circular economy for organizations is a systemic approach to economic development designed to benefit businesses, society, and the environment.  Unlike the traditional linear economy, which follows a 'take, make, dispose' model, the circular economy aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them while in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of their service life.  For organizations, this means rethinking and redesigning business models, products, processes, and services to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency.  This is where standards come in. Aimed at organizations across all sectors—government, industry, and non-profit—the BS ISO 59000 series of standards supports the transition and builds upon the guidance of BS 8001 Framework for implementing the principles of the circular economy in organizations. Guide. Understanding the circular economy framework The BS ISO 59000 series aims to standardize the principles, implementation, and measurement of the circular economy. These standards are designed to be universally applicable, assisting organizations in contributing to the United Nations (UN) Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.  The series includes several standards, with BS ISO 59004, BS ISO 59010, and BS ISO 59020 being published recently. BS ISO 59004: Principles and vision of the circular economy Scope: defines CE, its vision, principles, and general implementation guidance. Purpose: helps organizations understand and commit to CE, contributing to sustainable development. Application: applicable to any organization, regardless of size, type, or sector, globally. BS ISO 59010: Transitioning to circular business model Scope: provides business-oriented guidance for transitioning to circular business models and value networks. Purpose: offers a structured methodology for integrating circularity into business strategies. Application: focuses on business strategies at organizational and inter-organizational levels. BS ISO 59020: Measuring and assessing circularity performance Scope: offers a framework for measuring and assessing circularity performance using standard indicators. Purpose: assists organizations in monitoring their circularity performance and sustainability impacts. Application: applicable at various scales, from regional to product levels, and across all sectors. Why implement the BS ISO 59000 standards? The BS ISO 59000 series of standards offers a robust framework for organizations to transition to a circular economy. By adopting these standards, organizations can reap numerous benefits that span environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Global consistency and comparability The BS ISO 59000 series provides an internationally standardized approach to CE, ensuring consistent implementation across the globe. This harmonization facilitates comparability and benchmarking, enabling organizations to measure their performance against international standards. Comprehensive frameworks Each standard within the BS ISO 59000 series addresses different aspects of the circular economy. BS ISO 59004 sets the foundational principles, BS ISO 59010 provides business-oriented guidance, and BS ISO 59020 offers tools for measurement and assessment. Together, they create a comprehensive framework that covers the entire transition process. Adaptability across sectors The standards are designed to be non-sector-specific, making them adaptable to any industry. Whether in manufacturing, services, government, or non-profit sectors, organizations can tailor these standards to their specific needs, ensuring broad applicability and relevance. Support for sustainable development By adopting these standards, organizations can align their operations with the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. The BS ISO 59000 series not only promotes resource efficiency and waste reduction but also supports broader sustainability goals, including social and economic development. Enhanced business performance Transitioning to a circular economy can lead to significant business benefits, including cost savings from resource efficiency, new revenue streams from circular business models, and improved resilience against resource scarcity. The structured approach provided by BS ISO 59010 helps businesses strategically plan and implement these changes. Want to learn more? Discover how standards are supporting sustainability initiatives and the transition to net zero by visiting our Net Zero Topic Page. Solving industry circular economy challenges The BS ISO 59000 series addresses several critical challenges faced by organizations in transitioning to a circular economy: Unified definitions and principles: provides a common language and understanding of CE, which is essential for collaboration and implementation across different sectors and regions. Implementation framework: offers practical guidance on transitioning to circular business models, helping organizations move from theory to action. Measurement and assessment: establishes standardized methods for measuring circularity performance, enabling organizations to track progress and identify areas for improvement. By adopting these standards, organizations can accelerate their transition to a circular economy, minimize resource use, and optimize the circular flow of resources, thereby contributing to sustainable development on a global scale.
Net Zero Guidelines: A common understanding of net zero
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Net Zero Guidelines: A common understanding of net zero

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.

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