Getting to Net Zero with SBTi and GNFZ certification

What is the SBTi standard and GNFZ certification?

GNFZ has written in detail about SBTi and its role in corporate and real estate net decarbonization in our previous articles, along with a crosswalk about what differentiates  SBTi and GNFZ . In this article, we will go deeper and explore the synergies between the two and how you can use both in a single pathway to achieve your goals.

Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) is a Net-Zero Standard whereas GNFZ offers a certification program for entities achieving net zero using GHG Protocol for measuring, planning and tracking the reduction of emissions to reach net zero. Below are some of the key aspects of both.

Purpose & Foundation

SBTi was founded in 2015 by CDP, UN Global Compact, WRI, WWF, and We Mean Business. The organization provides a scientific and sector-specific framework for companies to set—and be validated against—net zero targets aligned with the Paris Agreement.  

GNFZ offers a framework-agnostic, incremental certification path for a wide range of entities, including buildings, businesses and portfolios. Rather than competing, GNFZ actively harmonizes with existing standards like SBTi, LEED, BREEAM and more. 

In terms of purpose, SBTi and GNFZ are complementary. SBTi sets ambition and GNFZ verifies achievement. Two things that are both needed to move carbon heavy markets towards rapid decarbonization at scale. Both have GHG Protocol as the foundation.

Credibility & Recognition

SBTi’s Net-Zero Standard, first launched in 2021, was the world’s first science-based corporate net zero certification. It’s considered the “gold standard” for rigor, transparency, and accountability. Over 10,000 companies have set or committed to SBTi targets, with several thousand having their targets validated or certified.  

GNFZ offers a net zero roadmap with step-by-step support — from Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions assessment, through planning and implementation, to final certification and re-certification — helping organizations align with SBTi (and/ or any other ESG frameworks’ guidance of your choice). GNFZ certification is a credible pathway to Net Zero recognized by GRESB.

Requirements & Rigor

SBTi aligns with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. Companies must reduce emissions (Scope 1, 2, and where applicable, Scope 3) by at least 90 - 95% by 2050 before using offsets, which are limited to a small residual portion (5–10%, sector-dependent).

Many organizations pursuing GNFZ certification also adopt the Paris Agreement goal and/ or aim to validate their pathways with SBTi. GNFZ encourages dual engagement to maximize both scientific rigor and recognizability.   

SBTi closely aligns with GHG Protocol to measure emissions and GNFZ is based on GHG Protocol to measure emissions. Both have the same rigorous foundation.

How do SBTi and GNFZ complement and work with each other?

GNFZ and SBTi are not mutually exclusive. In fact, combining them can strengthen your climate strategy and recognition.

SBTi validates targets and trajectory toward net zero consistent with 1.5 °C pathways, while GNFZ certifies credible achievement and maintenance of net zero across lifecycle (operational + embodied) of entities (building, business, portfolio). As we will elaborate on later, the best use case would be sequential – use SBTi first during planning and commitment stage and GNFZ next during Implementation and verification stage to meet the set targets and report.

SBTi is based on fixed scientific criteria (sectoral decarbonization or absolute contraction). GNFZ certification is based on GHG Protocol and aligned with ISO standards (e.g. 14064, 14068), it is rating system/standards agnostic and accepts SBTi-compatible targets to build on them for certification.

Both SBTi and GNFZ are fully aligned on scope/ emissions boundary. SBTi Net Zero Standard requires full Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. GNFZ offers flexibility on the boundary to start where currently feasible and then work towards full scope. Both are consistent on policies regarding offsets/ neutralization as well, rejecting offsets as primary reduction strategy and allowing offsets only for neutralization of residuals, not for abatement. GNFZ offers more flexibility than SBTi for offsets as well, but the end goal is the same.

Combined use also ensures ongoing accountability: SBTi requires fixed targets that are reassessed periodically while GNFZ certification is dynamic requiring annual assessment and recertification.

Both improve ESG credibility and together lead to strong investor trust. SBTi is recognized globally by investors and regulators. GNFZ certification is recognized by GRESB and can support ESG frameworks including GRI and CSRD.

GNFZ certification helps companies meet the SBTi commitments in multiple ways:

1. SBTi requires a historical base year emissions inventory. GNFZ verifies emissions inventory (GHG Protocol-based) and this can be used to satisfy SBTi base year data.

2. SBTi Net Zero Standard requires near-term (5–10 yrs) and long-term (2050 or earlier) SBTi-approved targets. These are also set within a documented Net Zero Plan submitted to GNFZ. GNFZ Plan thereby operationalizes SBTi-approved targets.

3. SBTi commitments must align with 1.5 °C scenarios and sector-specific pathways. As part of GNFZ certification, companies must reach verified net zero. So, GNFZ certification ensures actual delivery of SBTi’s ambition.

4. SBTi requires public commitment, progress updates (often through CDP). GNFZ also requires documentation and periodic disclosure (can align with CDP, GRI, etc.). SBTi and GNFZ thus have complementary/ similar reporting channels.

GNFZ goes beyond SBTi in many ways, including:

1. GNFZ conducts a deeper verification of outcomes through third-party audit and certification (with annual renewal) whereas SBTi conducts validation (document review, not full audit) of the progress reported.

2. In terms of embodied carbon, a growing area of concern and potential for decarbonization impact, GNFZ extends scope beyond SBTi’s boundaries. SBTi focuses on operational emissions and embodied emissions are not explicitly required whereas GNFZ certification covers embodied carbon in design, construction, and material lifecycle.

To summarize the synergies, below are the key integration benefits:

• For SBTi-approved companies: GNFZ provides proof of delivery, turning target commitments into measurable and verified outcomes.

• For GNFZ-certified entities: SBTi validation adds scientific legitimacy, proving targets are aligned with 1.5 °C trajectories.

• For investors and regulators: The combined stack demonstrates full credibility, science-based ambition and verified results.

How to implement both together in practice

Companies could use SBTi first (or in parallel) to set credible, scientifically grounded targets. This provides external legitimacy and stakeholder confidence.

They could then use GNFZ certification to validate that their implementation, emissions reductions, and sustained performance are real, measurable, and maintained. GNFZ’s roadmap, incremental milestones, and verification structure help entities operationalize and track progress towards their SBTi targets, making the ambition manageable. 

This strategy helps reinforce efforts both ways. Being SBTi-validated makes your GNFZ pathway more credible — the target side is already robust. Conversely, achieving GNFZ certification (or milestones) strengthens your ESG disclosures and support your reporting against SBTi progress metrics.

Here is an example of an integrated corporate pathway:

1. Measure emissions → GHG Protocol

2. Set targets → SBTi Validation (1.5 °C aligned)

3. Develop and implement Net Zero Plan → GNFZ pathway

4. Achieve milestones → GNFZ verification

5. Disclose progress → CDP / GRI / TCFD

6. Maintain certification → Annual GNFZ recertification

The integrated corporate pathway implementing both synergistically provides multiple positive outcomes at each stage:

Step	SBTi Role	GNFZ Role	Outcome
1. Emissions baseline	Defines Scope 1, 2, 3 baseline per GHG Protocol	Verifies and documents same baseline for certification	Consistent starting point
2. Target setting	Approves 1.5 °C aligned near- and long-term targets	Uses targets to structure Net Zero Plan	Coherent goal alignment
3. Action planning	Provides guidance (sectoral pathways, reduction priorities)	Builds detailed roadmap, milestones, and verification plan	Operationalized roadmap
4. Implementation	Monitors progress (annual self-reporting)	Audits reductions, reviews data, issues milestone certifications	Evidence-based progress validation
5. Achievement	Confirms alignment still valid (no new target validation needed)	Certifies final Net Zero status (verified outcomes) verified annually	Net Zero achievement proven
6. Reporting	Public CDP/SBTi disclosure	Public GNFZ certificate and ongoing recertification	Transparent, investor-ready communication

Key takeaways

An organization can use SBTi’s Net-Zero Standard if the goal is to establish scientifically validated net-zero targets with global credibility - especially in regulated or investor-heavy environments. Turn to GNFZ if you’re seeking a adaptable, supportive, and accessible certification journey, which can be especially helpful for diverse entities (like buildings or local governments) and can be aligned with SBTi or other frameworks as needed.

Many organizations benefit by leveraging both: GNFZ for practical implementation and certification, and SBTi for scientific validation and external credibility.

Reach out to us to learn more about how we can work together to accelerate your net zero journey.