What’s next: Key climate and nature standards in 2026

Major standards bodies align climate and nature reporting in 2026

Climate and nature accounting standards are going through their biggest update cycle in years. Several key frameworks published revisions in 2026, and the changes matter because they set the rules for how businesses measure emissions, set net-zero targets, and report on biodiversity. Companies that report sustainability data or work with organisations that do need to understand what has changed and when the new requirements take effect.

The shift is not limited to climate. Standards bodies are now writing rules that cover nature, land use, and pollution alongside carbon accounting. This creates a more integrated system, but it also means more complexity for businesses managing multiple reporting frameworks at once.

Science Based Targets initiative publishes updated net-zero standard

The Science Based Targets initiative published its Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0 on 11 June 2026. SBTi describes the update as designed to accelerate corporate climate action while maintaining scientific rigour. The new version follows two consultation rounds and pilot testing with companies.

The standard will not become mandatory immediately for all new submissions. According to external analysis, V2.0 becomes effective in February 2027, with a transition period before wider mandatory use. This gives companies time to align their target-setting processes. However, it also raises expectations for what qualifies as a credible net-zero commitment.

For businesses with existing SBTi targets, the transition period provides breathing room. For those preparing new submissions, the updated standard will shape how you structure long-term climate commitments from early 2027 onwards.

GHG Protocol updates emissions accounting rules and land sector guidance

The GHG Protocol is revising its core standards for the first time in over a decade. Updates are under way for the Corporate Standard, Scope 2 Guidance, and Scope 3 Standard. Proposed changes include stricter data quality requirements, tighter boundary definitions, and updated reporting for Category 15 investments. A new Category 16 for facilitated emissions is also being introduced.

The first completed piece of this revision is the Land Sector and Removals Standard, published on 30 January 2026. This standard takes effect on 1 January 2027. It provides guidance on how to account for emissions and removals related to land use, forestry, and agriculture. Consequently, businesses with significant land-based operations will need to review their accounting methodologies before the effective date.

The broader GHG Protocol revisions are expected to be finalised in 2027. Therefore, companies should monitor the consultation process if their emissions inventories rely on current GHG Protocol methodologies. Meanwhile, a joint product-level standard is being developed with ISO, which will affect businesses that calculate product carbon footprints.

GRI introduces climate, biodiversity, and pollution reporting standards

GRI has published new standards covering climate change, biodiversity, and pollution. The timing varies by standard, so businesses need to track which versions apply to their reporting periods.

GRI 101: Biodiversity and GRI 14: Mining Sector became effective for reporting from 1 January 2026. Companies using GRI standards must apply these for any reports covering periods starting on or after that date. GRI 102: Climate Change 2025 becomes effective from 1 January 2027. This means financial year 2026 reports published in 2027 must use the updated climate standard.

GRI also moved into pollution reporting. A public consultation on draft standards for air pollution, soil pollution, and critical incidents closed on 8 June 2026. Final pollution standards are expected in 2027. As a result, organisations reporting environmental incidents or managing air and soil quality will need to prepare for new disclosure requirements.

The phased rollout creates a staggered compliance timeline. Businesses using GRI should map which standards apply to which reporting periods to avoid gaps or errors in published sustainability reports.

ISSB develops nature-related disclosure guidance

The International Sustainability Standards Board has formally moved nature into its standard-setting work. The board agreed to develop nature-related disclosure guidance as a non-mandatory IFRS Practice Statement rather than a standalone standard. This approach differs from the mandatory ISSB climate standards already in force.

The guidance will draw on the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures framework. An exposure draft is targeted for October 2026, timed to coincide with international biodiversity discussions later in the year. Organisations already using TNFD may find alignment easier once the ISSB guidance is published.

For UK businesses, this development matters because it brings nature-related risk closer to mainstream financial reporting. Even though the practice statement will not be mandatory, investors and lenders are increasingly asking for nature data. Moreover, the ISSB’s work could influence future UK regulatory requirements.

ISO updates environmental management and net-zero planning standards

ISO has released ISO 14001:2026, the updated version of its environmental management standard. This revision affects organisations with certified environmental management systems. Companies will need to transition to the new version within the certification cycle set by their accreditation body.

ISO is also developing ISO 32212, described as a global framework for net-zero transition planning by financial institutions. This standard is particularly relevant for banks, insurers, and asset managers developing decarbonisation strategies for their portfolios. However, the framework may also influence corporate transition planning more broadly as financial institutions apply it to their lending and investment decisions.

UK biodiversity credit standards updated

The British Standards Institution published BSI Flex 702 v2.0 for biodiversity credits and BSI Flex 704 v2.0 for nutrient mitigation. These updates are relevant for developers and landowners navigating biodiversity net gain requirements in England. The standards provide methodologies for calculating biodiversity units and nutrient credits.

Biodiversity net gain became mandatory for most development in England from February 2024. As a result, demand for biodiversity credits and robust calculation methodologies has increased. The updated BSI standards aim to provide clarity on how credits should be measured and verified. Businesses involved in property development or land management should review the updated standards to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

Timeline of key effective dates

• 30 January 2026: GHG Protocol Land Sector and Removals Standard published.
• 1 January 2026: GRI 101 Biodiversity and GRI 14 Mining Sector take effect for reporting.
• 8 June 2026: GRI pollution consultation closes.
• 11 June 2026: SBTi publishes Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0.
• October 2026: ISSB nature-related exposure draft targeted for release.
• 1 January 2027: GRI 102 Climate Change 2025 effective date.
• February 2027: SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0 becomes effective for new submissions.
• 2027: Final GHG Protocol revisions and GRI pollution standards expected.

Practical implications for UK businesses

These updates are not isolated changes. They represent a shift towards a more integrated reporting system that covers climate, nature, land, and pollution. Companies will need to manage multiple frameworks simultaneously, and the alignment between standards is increasing.

For businesses with carbon reduction targets, the SBTi update matters because it changes what qualifies as a credible net-zero commitment. Targets set under the previous version may need review. Furthermore, the updated GHG Protocol standards will affect how you calculate and report emissions, particularly for Scope 3 categories and land-based activities.

Sustainability reporting teams face a staggered compliance timeline. GRI changes are already in force for some topics, with climate changes arriving in 2027. ISSB’s nature guidance is non-mandatory but will likely influence investor expectations. Consequently, businesses need to map which standards apply to which reporting periods and plan updates accordingly.

Supply chain and procurement teams should also pay attention. Customers, particularly larger corporations and public sector buyers, are increasingly using these standards to assess suppliers. For example, PPN 06/21 requires public sector suppliers to publish carbon reduction plans. As standards evolve, the data and evidence required to demonstrate compliance will also change.

Financial institutions are developing net-zero transition plans using emerging standards such as ISO 32212. This will affect access to capital and lending terms for businesses in carbon-intensive sectors. Therefore, understanding how your bank or investors are applying these standards is becoming a commercial priority.

Why interoperability matters more now

Standards bodies are working to align their frameworks. The ISSB is strengthening links with GRI and TNFD. ISO’s new net-zero planning standard references ISSB and TCFD. GHG Protocol revisions are designed to support multiple reporting frameworks. This convergence reduces duplication, but it also means a mistake in one framework can cascade across others.

For businesses, the practical benefit is that data collected for one standard can often support another. However, this only works if the underlying methodologies and boundaries are consistent. Consequently, companies should review their data collection processes to ensure they can support multiple reporting requirements without creating conflicting figures.

Interoperability also matters for assurance. As standards align, auditors and verifiers can apply consistent approaches across frameworks. This reduces cost and complexity for businesses seeking third-party verification of sustainability data. Nevertheless, it also means errors are harder to hide. Data quality and traceability are becoming more important as standards converge.

What businesses should do next

Map your current reporting obligations against the updated standards. Identify which changes affect your business and when they take effect. This is particularly important for GRI users, where different standards have different effective dates. Create a timeline showing when you need to transition to updated methodologies.

Review your emissions inventory if you use GHG Protocol methodologies. The revisions will affect Scope 3 calculations and land-based emissions. Assess whether your current data collection processes can support the proposed changes. If not, identify gaps and plan how to fill them before the standards become mandatory.

Consider how nature-related disclosure will affect your business. Even though ISSB’s practice statement will be non-mandatory, investors and customers are asking for biodiversity data. Businesses with significant land use, water use, or supply chain impacts should prepare for increased scrutiny. Familiarise yourself with TNFD if you have not already done so.

Engage with standard-setting consultations if your business will be materially affected. GHG Protocol, GRI, and ISSB all run public consultations. Providing input during the consultation phase is more effective than adjusting after standards are finalised. Industry associations can also submit comments on behalf of members.

Talk to your accountants, auditors, and sustainability advisers. These updates affect how you prepare and verify sustainability reports. Early engagement helps you understand the practical implications and plan necessary changes. Our compliance support for carbon reporting and ESG disclosure can help you navigate the transition to updated standards.

For businesses new to sustainability reporting, the shifting standards can seem overwhelming. However, starting now means you can build processes that align with the latest requirements rather than retrofitting later. Our training on carbon accounting and sustainability reporting provides practical guidance on meeting current and emerging requirements.

Where to find authoritative guidance

The Science Based Targets initiative website provides full details of the Corporate Net-Zero Standard V2.0, including technical guidance and submission requirements. The GHG Protocol website publishes updates on the revision process and consultation documents for proposed changes to corporate and product standards.

GRI publishes all standards and sector guidance on the Global Reporting Initiative website, including effective dates and transition guidance. The IFRS Foundation website provides information on ISSB standards and the nature-related practice statement development timeline.

For UK-specific biodiversity guidance, the UK government’s biodiversity net gain collection includes statutory guidance and links to approved calculation tools. BSI Flex standards are available through the British Standards Institution website.