BSI’s Guide to Net Zero: 2026 Standards and Insights

Standards create consistency, not complexity 

One of the strongest themes throughout the session was that standards should simplify rather than complicate sustainability efforts. 

Standards and frameworks don't compete with one another. They're all designed to align and work together so there is that consistency for people to work to.

Sara Walton

Net Zero & Circularity Sector Lead, BSI

British Standards Institution (BSI), as the UK’s National Standards Body, develops consensus based standards with experts from industry, government and academia. These standards provide common language, recognised methodologies and independent verification that help organisations demonstrate credible progress. 

Sara stressed that this common approach becomes even more valuable when businesses operate across borders, where regulation differs but internationally recognised standards provide shared expectations and interoperability. 

Net Zero is now a business strategy

BSI’s latest Net Zero Barometer shows organisations now view net zero through a commercial lens as much as an environmental one. 

According to the latest research, 82% of UK businesses remain committed to achieving net zero, while 79% plan to continue regardless of political uncertainty. Although 91% report facing barriers, most are looking for clearer guidance and clear guidance on how to help deliver their ambitions.

The message is not that businesses are stepping back. Instead, they are looking for greater clarity, consistency and practical tools that help them implement change with confidence. 

A new global standard is taking shape 

A major focus of the webinar was the draft ISO Net Zero Alignment Standard, which has entered public consultation. 

Sara described it as the world’s first international alignment standard for net zero transition planning. Rather than replacing existing frameworks such as IFRS or SBTi, its purpose is to bring them together within a globally recognised structure that supports consistent implementation, measurement and verification. 

Importantly, Sara encouraged organisations to review the draft and contribute feedback during the consultation period. The standards themselves are built by practitioners, making industry participation essential to ensuring they remain relevant. 

Better data and stronger governance 

Beyond climate commitments, the discussion highlighted the growing importance of governance, assurance and high quality data. 

Independent third party verification was presented as a key element in building trust, not because assurance alone guarantees good behaviour, but because robust oversight strengthens confidence in reported progress. 

It's going to provide clarity on how organisations can approach developing their transition plans

Sara Walton

Net Zero & Circularity Sector Lead, BSI

Sara also highlighted that organisations investing early in transition planning are likely to benefit through greater resilience, improved operational performance and stronger relationships across demanding supply chains. 

Looking ahead 

The most important takeaway is that the conversation around net zero is maturing. 

Success is no longer measured solely by ambitious targets. It depends on having credible systems, consistent data and structured standards that enable organisations to move from intention to implementation. 

As Sara concluded, standards are only as strong as the expertise that shapes them. Businesses therefore have an opportunity not only to adopt emerging standards, but also to influence them through consultation and collaboration. 

Anybody can comment, and anyone can make a proposal for something new

Sara Walton

Net Zero & Circularity Sector Lead, BSI

For organisations navigating an increasingly complex sustainability landscape, standards are becoming less about compliance and more about creating a common framework for confident action. 

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