Six SBTi resources to help prepare for validation

Validation under SBTi’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard 2.0 opens in February 2027. On 1 October, SBTi Services published a set of resources to help companies get ready for target development, submission and validation.

What was published

SBTi Services has released five new resources and updated a sixth to help companies prepare for the Corporate Net-Zero Standard 2.0, which SBTi published in June 2026. Companies can book validation slots under version 2.0 from 1 February 2027. Between then and 31 January 2028, companies can set targets under either version 2.0 or version 1.3. After that, all new submissions use version 2.0.

The resources, and where to download them

• Preliminary Submission Form. An early view of the submission form, showing what information companies will need to prepare. Download (Excel)
• Preliminary Data Points for the Target-Setting Tool. An early view of the information the final target-setting tool is expected to ask for. Download (PDF)
• Validation Schedule (new). The key stages and indicative timelines for validation under version 2.0. Download (PDF)
• Standard Operating Procedure for the Validation of SBTi Targets (updated). The overall framework for SBTi target validation. Download (PDF)
• Validation Procedures for the Corporate Net-Zero Standard 2.0 (new). The scope of validation, validation types and post-validation timelines under the new Standard. Download (PDF)
• SBTi Services Glossary (new). Definitions of terms used across SBTi Services’ processes and resources. Download (PDF)

SBTi points to the data points and the submission form as useful starting points, alongside the Preliminary Minimum Evidence Required it published in June. Resources marked preliminary will be finalised before submissions open on 1 February 2027.

If you are ready to set targets now

SBTi says companies ready to set or update targets now should not delay. They can continue under version 1.3 during the transition period, which SBTi describes as a strong foundation for version 2.0 in the next target cycle. Companies on version 1.3 can also benefit from some of the changes introduced in version 2.0.

Companies that already have validated targets can use SBTi Services’ Readiness Assessment Service, which assesses where existing targets stand against version 2.0 and what is needed to prepare them for validation.

Still to come

SBTi expects to publish four more resources in Q4 2026, before validations open:

• Final target-setting methods, pathways and the target-setting tool
• A Claims Policy
• The final Minimum Evidence Required
• Explanatory guidance on the Standard

SBTi notes that companies do not need to wait for these to start preparing.

DitchCarbon tracks reduction against target and the share of suppliers with science-based targets at supplier, category and portfolio level.

Source: SBTi, Countdown to validation: New resources to prepare for the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0, 1 October 2026