Toitū keeps a constant watch on the fast-moving world of climate standards, frameworks and methodologies. Each year, we actively track and regularly review more than 100 international and local discourse items. 2026 is shaping up to be another pivotal year, with a concentrated wave of high-impact updates.
This article is the second in a two‑part series. Last month, we highlighted the top seven climate standards to watch in 2026 and the broader trends shaping the landscape. This month, we take a closer look at those standards — briefly outlining why they matter, which businesses should pay attention, and the key dates to note.
1. GHG Protocol Land Sector and Removals Standard (Int.)
Why it matters:
This is the first global voluntary standard for productive land — such as agricultural land — to clearly define how land sector emissions and carbon dioxide removals should be accounted for. This brings much-needed credibility and consistency to the sector, which represents 22% of global emissions1. It enables a shift from removals being “nice to have” to something organisations can assess and include with confidence.
Who should take note:
New Zealand businesses with land sector activities in their operations or supply chain, including businesses producing, processing, buying, or selling agricultural products.
Key dates:
In January 2026 the new standard was released. A future version of this standard will cover forestry and non-productive land, and the release date is TBC.
1 Greenhouse Gas Protocol. (2026). Land Sector and Removals Standard: Executive Summary. GHG Protocol.
2. GHG Protocol guidance for implementing the LSR Standard (Int.)
Why it matters:
This guidance will move the Land Sector and Removals Standard from theory into practice, providing equations, worked examples and real-world case studies from pilot companies. It will be critical for organisations looking to apply the standard correctly and defensibly.
Who should take note:
New Zealand businesses with land sector activities in their operations or supply chain, including businesses producing, processing, buying, or selling agricultural products.
Key dates:
Release expected around April - June 2026.
3. GHG Protocol revisions to Scope 1, 2 and 3 standards (Int.)
Why it matters:
The GHG Protocol Scope 1, 2 and 3 standards define how organisations measure and report their emissions across the value chain. These updates are designed to improve clarity, usability and alignment with emerging regulatory disclosure regimes globally. For many organisations, this will shape how emissions are calculated and reported for years to come.
Who should take note:
All medium-to-large New Zealand organisations reporting emissions, particularly those with complex value chains, international operations, or exposure to global disclosure requirements.
Key dates:
Scope 1: (via Corporate Standard): Draft: 2026, Final: 2027
Scope 2: Draft (additional topics): 2026, Final: 2027
Scope 3: Draft: 2026, Final: 2027
4. ICVCM Assessment Framework (Int.)
Why it matters:
The ICVCM framework sets a global quality threshold for voluntary carbon credits, helping distinguish high-integrity credits from the rest of the market. This is central to restoring confidence in voluntary carbon markets.
Who should take note:
New Zealand organisations using carbon credits, credit suppliers, developers, brokers, and buyers seeking credible offsetting or mitigation claims.
Key dates:
Ongoing, as more assessments are completed.
5. SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard v2.0 (Int.)
Why it matters:
This revision is expected to refine expectations around science-based targets, pathways, and the role of neutralisation and mitigation beyond businesses' value chains. It will influence how organisations' net-zero claims are defined and assessed.
Who should take note:
New Zealand businesses with existing or planned science-based targets, especially large corporates and those making public net-zero commitments.
Key dates:
Later in 2026.
6. MfE guidance on voluntary carbon offsetting (NZ)
Why it matters:
This MfE guidance brings much-needed clarity to what constitutes good practice voluntary offsetting in the New Zealand context, including how offsets should be used and communicated.
Who should take note:
New Zealand organisations making offsetting claims, particularly those communicating climate commitments to customers, stakeholders or the public.
Key dates:
Later in 2026.
7. SBC Low Emissions Road Freight Certificates (NZ)
Why it matters:
The Low Emissions Road Freight Certificates (LEFC) system aims to introduce a credible book-and-claim approach for low-emissions freight, enabling New Zealand businesses to claim emissions reductions without directly operating low-emissions vehicles.
Who should take note:
Freight users, retailers, manufacturers, and organisations seeking to reduce or credibly account for transport emissions where direct control is limited.
Key dates:
During 2026, the LEFC project is working with potential registry providers, with the intention of taking one forward into the set-up and implementation phase.
Conclusion: rising expectations, rising integrity
Collectively, these updates signal a clear trend: expectations around emissions measurement, climate claims and integrity are rising. For New Zealand businesses, the challenge is not just technical compliance, but strategic readiness — ensuring data, systems and governance are ready to stand up to increased scrutiny from customers, clients, investors and regulators.
Keeping you on track
By staying ahead of these changes, organisations can shift from reactive reporting to credible, strategic climate leadership. Toitū continues to actively track the evolving landscape, ensuring our programmes and services remain grounded in best practice and giving clients confidence that their climate action is both robust and future‑ready.