SBTi V2.0 and the Carbon Market

High-quality carbon credits have a new role to play in corporate climate action.

The Science Based Targets initiative's (SBTi) Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0 formally recognises the role of high-quality carbon credits for the first time. For companies committed to science-based targets, this represents a significant shift in how climate action beyond the value chain can be approached.

While direct emissions reductions remain the priority, the draft standard acknowledges that companies can play a meaningful role in financing climate action outside their operations through the use of high-integrity carbon credits.

A Shift in Corporate Climate Strategy

For many years, the relationship between science-based targets and carbon credits was often viewed as separate. Companies were expected to focus on reducing emissions within their own operations and value chains, while carbon credits largely sat outside formal target-setting frameworks.

SBTi V2.0 signals a more nuanced approach.

The proposed standard recognises that companies can contribute to global climate goals by investing in mitigation activities beyond their value chains, provided those activities are credible, measurable, and deliver genuine climate impact.

Why Carbon Credit Quality Matters

Not all carbon credits are created equal.

As carbon markets mature, buyers are placing increasing emphasis on quality, transparency, and evidence. They want confidence that projects deliver real emissions reductions, generate measurable outcomes, and withstand independent scrutiny.

This has increased the importance of:

• Robust methodologies
• Independent verification
• Transparent monitoring and reporting
• Strong project governance
• Third-party ratings and assessments

The focus is no longer simply on purchasing credits. It is on understanding the impact behind them.

What This Means for Buyers

For companies pursuing science-based climate targets, the emergence of SBTi V2.0 creates an opportunity to think more strategically about climate finance.

High-integrity carbon credits can help channel investment into projects that deliver measurable environmental and social outcomes while supporting broader climate goals.

Projects that combine strong technology, rigorous monitoring, transparent reporting, and independent assessment are likely to become increasingly important as buyers seek greater confidence in the credits they purchase.

The Opportunity for Clean Cooking

Clean cooking projects are particularly well positioned to contribute to this evolving landscape.

When designed and implemented effectively, they can deliver measurable emissions reductions while generating significant co-benefits, including improved health outcomes, reduced household fuel costs, and increased resilience for communities.

As demand for high-quality climate finance grows, projects that can demonstrate both impact and integrity will be best placed to meet buyer expectations.

Looking Ahead

SBTi V2.0 does not replace the need for ambitious emissions reductions. Rather, it expands the conversation around how companies can support climate action beyond their own value chains.

For organisations committed to science-based targets, the message is clear: climate leadership is no longer defined solely by what a company reduces internally, but also by how it helps accelerate climate solutions globally.

The companies that move first will be those that recognise the value of investing in high-integrity projects capable of delivering measurable, verifiable, and lasting impact.

Secure Your CCP-Labelled Cookstove Credits Before the Market Catches Up

As demand for high-integrity carbon credits continues to grow, access to high-quality supply is becoming increasingly important.

We work directly with SBTi-committed companies to source, retire, and document CCP-labelled cookstove credits that align with the requirements outlined in the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0. Our team can help you understand your Beyond Value Chain Mitigation (BVCM) and Ongoing Emissions Recognition (OER) obligations, model the appropriate credit volumes for your target recognition tier, and access verified supply today.

Whether you are exploring your first OER strategy or scaling an existing climate finance programme, we can help you navigate the evolving carbon market with confidence.

→ Contact us to discuss your OER portfolio and secure access to high-integrity cookstove credits.