Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting is evolving rapidly. As an IR professional, you play a crucial role in ensuring that your company stays ahead of ESG reporting requirements. With major updates coming in 2025, now is the time to prepare to help your company maintain investor confidence and demonstrate your company’s commitment to transparency. Here are four major ESG frameworks undergoing changes in 2025.
Key ESG Framework Overhauls in 2025
1. B Lab Global
Certified B Corporation

The Certified B Corporation standard is undergoing its seventh revision. This revision will introduce minimum ESG performance thresholds based on company size. Previous certification was based on an overall score, allowing companies to compensate for weaker areas. (Heather Clancy, Trellis, January 7, 2025)
B Lab announced that they will announce the new standards for certification in early 2025.
For more information on changes, visit:
https://www.bcorporation.net/en-us/standards/performance-requirements/https://trellis.net/article/heres-what-know-about-new-b-corp-standards/
2. World Resources Institute (WRI) & World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
Greenhouse Gas Protocol

This widely used carbon accounting framework is undergoing its first major update in over a decade. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol made major changes to its governance structure in 2024, announcing a new Steering Committee, Independent Standards Board, and four new Technical Working Groups. (Greenhouse Gas Protocol website)
Proposed revisions include stricter Scope 3 emissions reporting, updates to corporate emissions accounting rules, and new procedures for renewable energy credits. Nearly all S&P 500 companies use this protocol, making the updates critical for global emissions reporting. Public consultation drafts are expected in 2025, with final standards anticipated in late 2026. (Heather Clancy, Trellis, January 7, 2025)
For more information, visit:
(Jan 2025 message from Steering Committee Chair and Vice Chair) https://ghgprotocol.org/blog/2024-reflections-and-looking-ahead-letter-ghg-protocol-steering-committee-chair-and-vice-chair
(Greenhouse Gas Protocol update process)
https://ghgprotocol.org/ghg-protocol-corporate-suite-standards-and-guidance-update-process
3. International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
ISO Net-Zero Standard

ISO introduced the Net Zero Guidelines (IWA 42:2022) at COP27 in 2022. The new standards will build upon the current guidelines and are expected to be announced at COP30 in November 2025. However, the ISO will set a public consultation period earlier in the year. (ISO website, June 2024) (Net Zero Now)
Changes to the guidelines will require continuous verification and emphasize reducing all greenhouse gases rather than relying on carbon offsets.
For more information, visit:
(Original net zero guidelines)
https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/en/#iso:std:iso:iwa:42:ed-1:v1:en
(Upcoming net zero standards)
https://www.iso.org/contents/news/2024/06/netzero-standard-underway.html
https://netzeronow.org/post/new-iso-net-zero-standard-announcement
https://trellis.net/article/what-you-should-know-about-isos-forthcoming-first-net-zero-standard/
4. Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
Corporate Net-Zero Standard

SBTi is revising its net-zero framework to align with the latest climate science. The revised standard will require companies to halve emissions by 2030 and cut them by 90% before 2050, with minimal reliance on offsets. Recent controversies over proposed offset allowances have delayed the next version. (Heather Clancy, Trellis, January 7, 2025)
According to the Science Based Target’s website, the revised standard will be up for public consultation twice, with the first round beginning no earlier than March 2025. Companies will also be able to apply to test drive the new standards.
As of February 2025, the SBTi is asking for additional stakeholder feedback on the revision. (Science Based Targets)
For more information on the revisions, visit:
(Science Based Targets Feb 2025 update)
https://sciencebasedtargets.org/news/corporate-net-zero-standard-revision-sbti-releases-new-opportunities-for-stakeholders-to-input
https://www.esgtoday.com/sbti-pushes-back-timeline-for-new-corporate-net-zero-standard/
Implications for Japanese Corporations
For IR professionals managing ESG disclosures, these updates signal a need for:
- Stronger alignment with global reporting standards – Aligning with evolving ESG frameworks will improve consistency and stakeholder credibility.
- Enhanced carbon and net-zero disclosures – As climate risk reporting becomes more stringent, companies need to integrate these changes in metrics into financial statements.
- Data accuracy and comparability –Stricter regulation scrutiny means companies must ensure their ESG data is robust, verifiable, and in line with global best practices.
Must-Do Action Steps for IR Professional
As an IR professional, you are at the forefront of ensuring that your company remains compliant and transparent in an ever-evolving ESG landscape. With the significant changes coming in 2025, staying ahead of these updates will be essential for maintaining investor trust and meeting regulatory expectations. Take the following steps to help navigate these changes effectively and strengthen your company’s sustainability reporting strategy.
- Assess current ESG reporting practices – Conduct an internal review to identify gaps between existing reports and upcoming standards.
- Engage with external experts – Collaborate with consultants or translation partners to ensure ESG disclosures meet international expectations.
- Leverage technology for reporting consistency – Utilize ESG reporting software and translation memory tools to ensure consistency across disclosures.
- Monitor global regulatory trends – Stay informed about updates from ESG frameworks and key regulatory bodies to maintain compliance.
- Stay Updated on ESG Frameworks – Regularly check for updates and industry news from the official sources:
- B Lab Global – Certified B Corporation: B Corporation Standards
- Greenhouse Gas Protocol: GHG Protocol Updates
- ISO Net-Zero Standard: ISO Net-Zero Guidelines
- Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) – Corporate Net-Zero Standard: SBTi Updates
Remember…
The ESG landscape is constantly evolving, and some of these updates are still subject to further change. Timelines may shift and updates could face delays or even revisions based on industry feedback. Keeping a close watch on regulatory announcements, industry news, and expert discussions will help you avoid last-minute surprises and ensure your company is always a step ahead.