Getting to Net Zero With SBTi and GNFZ: How GNFZ Certification Can Help Business and Building Owners Meet SBTi Targets
In March 2025, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a corporate climate action organization that enables companies and financial institutions to combat the climate crisis and reduce their GHG emissions through standards, tools and guidance, released an initial draft of its revised Corporate Net-Zero standard for public consultation.
And for those stakeholders in the net zero business and real-estate certification space, the draft did not disappoint.
For context, it is important to remember that just 100 companies are responsible for 71% of global emissions — and that’s where real transformational impact lies. These companies have an opportunity to lead, not just by reducing their emissions, especially Scope 3, but also by helping to accelerate change in the industry by example.
As of the start of 2025, over 10,000 companies and financial institutions had either set — or committed to setting — science-based targets. Of these targets, 8,136 had validated targets (which includes either near-term and/or net zero targets), 2,902 have active commitments (still non-validated) and 1,857 have validated net zero targets.
The draft revised Corporate Net-Zero update signals that SBTi is moving away from underscoring pledges and moving toward underscoring performance and action. The draft standard:
Moves to enhance corporate accountability and continuous improvement by requiring proof of progress toward net zero goals and recognizing companies making genuine progress toward decarbonation.
Expands on efforts to curb greenwashing by pushing for accurate claims regarding target validation.
Keeps the 1.5°C alignment as the central ambition of the plan.
Separates Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions targets, and accountability for Scope 3 is non-negotiable. Scope 3 is often the most challenging challenge emissions category for companies to control, and the draft recognizes these challenges associated with value chain emissions data and existing Scope 3 target-setting methods. It places greater emphasis on mitigation through the percentage of procurement allocated to net zero suppliers as well as the share of revenue derived from net zero aligned products and services.
Provides clearer pathways for incorporating carbon removal into corporate strategies and recognizes the use of high-integrity carbon credits (i.e. cap and trade systems) in BVCM activities.
The bottom line: the bar for credible climate leadership is getting higher, and that’s a good thing for all of us.
While SBTi provides a comprehensive framework for setting emissions reduction targets in the buildings sector to align with the 1.5°C pathway, it is important to underscore that SBTi does not certify individual buildings, but rather it validates and certifies the emissions reduction targets set by companies and financial institutions in the buildings sector.
Key guidelines for achieving a “net zero building” according to SBTi include:
Reducing In-Use Operational Emissions: This involves minimizing emissions from the building's energy use. The SBTi collaborates with the Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM) to develop regional pathways for these emissions.
Reducing Upfront Embodied Emissions: These are emissions from raw materials, manufacturing, transportation and construction activities. Companies must set targets to reduce these emissions.
Stopping Fossil Fuel Installations: Making a public commitment to halting the installation of new fossil fuel-based heating, cooking, power generation and hot water equipment by 2030 at the latest.
Retrofitting Inefficient Buildings: Implementing energy efficiency improvements to decarbonize existing buildings is crucial. Retrofitting needs to more than double by 2030 to align with the IEA’s Net Zero by 2050 Scenario.
How GNFZ Can Help Buildings and Businesses Achieve Net Zero
The Global Network for Zero (GNFZ) is the world’s premier net zero certification body dedicated to helping entities achieve net zero and offers independent, third-party certification for buildings, portfolios, businesses and more. GNFZ offers multiple incremental and affordable pathways to achieve net zero certification backed by the GHG protocol. Our suite of certification systems include: Net Zero Certification for Buildings (at the Design, Construction, and Operations stages across four categories of Energy, Water, Waste and Emissions; Net Zero Certification for Portfolios (offered across Energy, Emissions, Water and Waste categories); and Net Zero Certification for Businesses (offered across four Energy, Emissions, Waste and Water).
All GNFZ net zero certification frameworks are flexible and can seamlessly align with international standards such as ISO or SBTi, making it accessible for various entities aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and seeking duly certified global recognition. This article is intended to highlight the synergy between SBTi and GNFZ programs and explore complementary positioning of GNFZ for companies committed to SBTi targets.
SBTi and GNFZ Synergies
Both SBTI and GNFZ programs are rooted in the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard which defines five overarching principles to guide the development of GHG inventories. These principles, as detailed below, should also be applied to target disclosure and progress reporting.
Relevance: Ensure the target appropriately reflects the GHG emissions of the company and serves the decision-making needs of the users – both internal and external to the company.
Completeness: Account for and report on all GHG emission sources and activities within the chosen target boundary. Disclose and justify any specific exclusions for the purpose of transparency.
Consistency: Use consistent methodologies to allow for meaningful comparisons of emissions over time. Transparently document any changes to the data, inventory boundary, methods or any other relevant factors in the time series.
Transparency: Address all relevant issues in a factual and coherent manner, based on a clear audit trail. Disclose any relevant assumptions and make appropriate references to the accounting, calculation methodologies and data sources used.
Accuracy: Ensure the quantification of GHG emissions is systematically not overreported nor underreported, and that uncertainties are reduced as far as practicable. Achieve sufficient accuracy to enable users to make decisions with reasonable assurance as to the integrity of the reported information.
Unique Value Propositions of SBTi Net Zero Program for Buildings and GNFZ Net Zero Certifications
Both SBTi and GNFZ bring unique value propositions to the corporate and real estate market. Together, they promise a profound impact on the global race to achieve a net zero restorative world.
SBTi’s Unique Value Proposition
SBTi brings global name recognition as the organization is a collaboration between the CDP (formally the Carbon Disclosure Project), the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute and the World Wide Fund for Nature.
Science-Based Targets: SBTi provides a clear, scientifically backed pathway to reduce emissions in line with the 1.5°C target, ensuring actions are aligned with global climate goals.
Whole Building Approach: SBTi addresses all energy consumption and fugitive emissions, promoting comprehensive decarbonization.
Sector-Specific Guidance: SBTi offers tailored criteria and tools for the buildings sector, making it easier for companies to set and achieve their targets.
Focus on Retrofitting: SBTi encourages energy efficiency improvements in existing buildings, which is crucial given that a significant portion of current buildings will still be in use by 2050.
Reduction of Embodied Emissions: SBTi targets emissions from raw materials, manufacturing and construction activities, addressing the full lifecycle of buildings.
GNFZ’s Unique Value Proposition
GNFZ brings globally-recognized expertise in the carbon-mitigation, net zero, high-performance building and portfolio space with a founding executive team and CEO that led the U.S. Green Building Council — the owners and operators of the LEED rating system —Green Business Certification Inc (GBCI), the Arc performance platform and GRESB.
Comprehensive Certification: GNFZ certifications cover Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, providing a holistic approach to achieve net zero. All certification frameworks are incremental, affordable and adjustable to meet businesses where they are in the net zero process.
Incremental Recognition: GNFZ offers certificates at various stages along the net zero pathway, helping participants demonstrate progress and maintain momentum.
Flexible Framework: GNFZ certifications allow the use of different standards or frameworks, making it adaptable to various needs and contexts.
Support and Accessibility: GNFZ provides continuous support throughout the certification process, making it accessible and affordable for all participants.
Collaborative Platform: GNFZ facilitates access to trusted and vetted subject matter experts within their network and best practices, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Aligns with SBTi by focusing on embodied emissions and Net Zero by Design & Construction.
Driving Maximum Impact
Pursuing GNFZ’s net zero certification programs can significantly complement business and building owners aiming to set and follow SBTi targets and to do so with confidence.
Comprehensive Emissions Assessment: GNFZ helps building owners conduct thorough assessments of their Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. This aligns with SBTi's requirement for companies to measure and manage their GHG emissions comprehensively.
Structured Roadmap: GNFZ provides a clear, incremental roadmap to achieve net zero emissions. This structured approach can help building owners set realistic and science-based targets, as advocated by SBTi.
Support and Guidance: Both GNFZ and SBTi offer extensive support and guidance. GNFZ assists in drafting net zero plans, implementing best practices and providing an end-to-end building, portfolio or business level certification (and re-certification), while SBTi provides standards, tools and sector-specific pathways for setting and validating targets.
Recognition and Credibility: Achieving GNFZ certification provides incremental recognition and credibility, demonstrating progress to stakeholders. This complements SBTi's emphasis on transparency and accountability in climate action.
Flexibility and Alignment: GNFZ's certification is rating system agnostic and aligns with international frameworks like the Paris Agreement. This flexibility allows building owners to integrate SBTi targets seamlessly into their broader sustainability strategies.
By leveraging the strengths of both GNFZ and SBTi, business and building owners can effectively navigate their journey toward net zero, ensuring their efforts are scientifically grounded and widely recognized.
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