What is IWA 42 – Net Zero Guidelines about?
The Net Zero Guidelines is an international document which offers countries, governments, policymakers and organizations global net zero definitions and concepts for harmonizing, understanding, and planning for net zero.
The Net Zero Guidelines cover the guiding principles and recommendations to enable a common, global approach to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions through alignment of voluntary initiatives, adoption of standards, policies and national and international regulation.
They were developed through an International Workshop Agreement (IWA), a workshop mechanism in response to urgent requirements. The IWA process is open to anyone; 1,200 organizations and individuals registered to take part from over 100 countries.
Who is IWA 42 – Net Zero Guidelines for?
The Net Zero Guidelines are intended to enable and support all organizations from national governments, cities and multi-nationals to small family businesses, including governance organizations developing policies, frameworks, standards or other initiatives on net zero for use by others.
What does IWA 42 – Net Zero Guidelines cover?
- Guiding principles and recommendations to enable a common, global approach to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions through alignment of voluntary initiatives and adoption of standards, policies and national and international regulation
- Guidance on what governance organizations and other organizations can do to effectively contribute to global efforts to limit warming to 1.5 °C by achieving net zero no later than 2050
- Guidance on a common and equitable contribution and on recognizing the capability of individual organizations to achieve global net zero
- Guidance for organizations seeking to set robust climate strategies
NOTE: The Net Zero Guidelines are intended to complement voluntary initiatives and facilitate alignment, so that any organization looking to make or support a net zero claim takes a similar approach regardless of the initiative it’s associated with.
Learn more about the Net Zero Guidelines by reading our article, Net Zero Guidelines: A common understanding of net zero.
Why should you use IWA 42 – Net zero guidelines?
- It helps bring clarity to the jargon and is written so anyone can understand it and act on it
- It can be used with any voluntary initiative, e.g. the Race to Zero, and will also aid the use of other standards
- It will help organizations meet the UN High Level Experts Group recommendations to avoid catastrophic climate change
- It will help organizations be ready for when strong climate change laws come into force
- It can help organizations accelerate innovation and develop expertise with net zero actions
- It can help organizations improve the efficiency of their operations
- It can help organizations strengthen risk management in relation to climate change
- It can help organizations increase stakeholder trust and confidence
- It can help organizations grow sustainably
IWA 42 contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 3 on good health and well-being, Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation, Goal 7 on affordable and clean energy, Goal 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure, Goal 10 on reduced inequalities, Goal 11 on sustainable cities and communities, Goal 13 on climate action, Goal 15 on life on land, Goal 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions and Goal 17 on partnership for the Goals.