Defining Net Zero for organizations: How do climate criteria align across standards and voluntary initiatives?

Aug 1, 2023

With net zero commitments on the rise, there is growing concern about the credibility of these targets and their underlying strategies (Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit, 2019; NewClimate Institute et al., 2022). Net zero regulation and policy is growing, particularly related to climate- or sustainability-related risk disclosure, however many government measures to improve the integrity of net zero commitments are still nascent (Race to Zero, 2022). Given this governance gap, voluntary guidance is currently playing a critical role in setting the bar and defining net zero for organisations. This comes in the form of guidance initiatives, orchestration campaigns, standards, investor frameworks and independent trackers aimed at galvanising ambition and helping organisations act towards net zero. However, with so many initiatives offering guidance, it can be difficult for organisations to follow themes and consensus on key criteria.

To provide clarity, Oxford Net Zero mapped key net zero criteria across 33 key standards and voluntary initiatives to trace common and emerging good practice across this landscape. We find that while guidance is scattered across a wide set of initiatives, serving different functions for different groups, there is strong consensus on core net zero criteria and significant cross-referencing between initiatives.

Publication details
Theme(s)
The meaning of net zero
Type(s)
Report
Author(s)
Axelsson, Kaya McGivern, Alexis
Year(s)
2022
Oxford Smith School

Latest news

UK Government Voluntary Carbon and Nature Markets policy consolidates action on nature and climate, but risks compromising urgent mitigation of climate change and preventing and repairing nature loss, say ONZ researchers
UK Government Voluntary Carbon and Nature Markets policy consolidates action on nature and climate, but risks compromising urgent mitigation of climate change and preventing and repairing nature loss, say ONZ researchers

Oxford, 23 June 2025 Researchers from the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery, Oxford Net Zero and Oxford Sustainable Finance Group have submitted feedback to the UK Government’s ‘Voluntary Carbon and Nature Markets: Raising Integrity’ ... Read more

Job opening: Serviced Emissions Research & Engagement Manager
Job opening: Serviced Emissions Research & Engagement Manager

The Oxford Net Zero Engagement Team is recruiting for a Serviced Emissions Research & Engagement Manager. This pivotal role will lead a high-impact initiative focused on advancing the understanding and integration of “serviced emissions” ... Read more

New Oxford Report: Carbon Capture and Storage Without Taxpayer Billions Is Possible
New Oxford Report: Carbon Capture and Storage Without Taxpayer Billions Is Possible

Oxford Net Zero and Carbon Balance researchers reveal the risks of the current UK CCS policy mix and explore how a carbon storage mandate on fossil fuel producers could help the UK meet its climate targets while protecting public finances A ... Read more

See more news and events