Corporate Climate Standards Expand Across GCC and APAC Regions

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) released its Corporate Net‑Zero Standard Version 2.0, introducing a dual‑tier classification that requires large firms (over €450 million turnover and 1,000 employees) to obtain independent third‑party assurance of greenhouse‑gas inventories. The update aligns with national programmes such as the United Arab Emirates’ Net Zero 2050 target and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, and it extends compliance requirements to medium‑sized companies in supply chains.

Kirin Holdings announced it has completed the first two steps of the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) verification, becoming the first APAC‑based company to publish a “target tracker” for natural‑capital initiatives. The assessment, carried out by Accountability Accelerator, identified priority regions—including Sri Lanka, Australia and the United States—where the brewer will focus on water‑resource management, land‑use impacts and biodiversity protection. Kirin plans to advance to SBTN Step 3 for target setting and Step 5 for measuring natural‑state outcomes.