The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) announced the release of an updated draft of its new Automotive Sector Net-Zero Standard, aimed at providing a framework for automakers and auto parts manufacturers looking to science-based net zero-aligned goals.
The new publication, aimed at providing an Automotive Standard to replace parts of SBTi’s current Land Transport Guidance, follows the release by the organization in June 2025 of its initial draft automotive standard, and a consultation with sector stakeholders.
The automotive sector is responsible for more than 20% of man-made greenhouse gas emissions, with the SBTi noting that most of the sector’s emissions come from the use of the vehicles sold, which represent an average of 70–80% of an automaker’s footprint, and with the upcoming standard including a particular focus on addressing these use-phase emissions.
Among the proposed guidelines set out in the initial draft were requirements for automakers to increase low-emission vehicle sales share as part of their target setting and net zero pathways, and new criteria for auto parts manufacturers focused on reducing emissions from material sourcing and manufacturing, and to disclose on the share of parts sold for low-emission vehicles.
Following stakeholder feedback, the SBTi said that the updated draft moves to a clearer focus on Scope 3, category 11 “Use of sold products” emissions, while also introducing optionality for automakers to set targets using either this category of emissions, or a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales-share metric. The new draft also redefines low-emission vehicles from the prior draft as zero-emission vehicles, based on stakeholder feedback.
In a post announcing the release of the new draft, the SBTi said:
“By setting targets using the Automotive Standard, companies will be able to demonstrate climate leadership, drive innovation, and strengthen investor and consumer confidence. Following the Standard will not only support the framing of long-term, capital-intensive transition decisions and enhance regulatory readiness but help future-proof competitiveness in an industry with complex global supply chains.”
The SBTi was founded in 2015 with the goal to establish science-based environmental target setting as a standard corporate practice. The organizations’ key functions include defining and promoting best practice in emissions reductions and net-zero targets in line with climate science, providing technical assistance to companies who set science-based targets, and providing companies with independent assessment and validation of their emissions reduction targets.
The release of the new draft automotive sector standard follows an announcement by the SBTi in January that the number of companies with validated science-based climate targets has increased to more than 10,000.
Alongside the updated draft, the SBTi announced the launch of a new consultation on the draft, which will remain open until March 22, 2026.
Karl Downey, Head of Sector Standards at the SBTi, said:
“Decarbonizing the road transport sector is vital in meeting global net-zero goals, and ensuring the Standard can accommodate the operational contexts of different companies will help the whole sector. Creating a final Standard that enables companies to benefit from the many opportunities the transition provides will help automakers and auto parts makers to transform their ambition into practical, credible climate action.”
Click here to access the updated draft automotive sector standard.
