The Exponential Roadmap Initiative has opted into the pilot phase of the Net-zero Recognition Framework, a voluntary initiative led by UN Climate Change to increase transparency around non-State actors’ progress towards net-zero emissions.
The Exponential Roadmap Initiative is one of eight Eligible Net-zero Initiatives participating. The pilot will recognise initiatives and their signatories through the UNFCCC’s Non-State Actor Zone for Climate Action, NAZCA, showing progress from public commitments and transition plans to demonstrated results, interim targets and, ultimately, net-zero achievement.
The pilot comes as corporate climate action is entering a new phase: from pledges, disclosure and target-setting towards implementation, evidence and real-economy transformation. Through the pilot, UN Climate Change is testing how NAZCA can better showcase non-state actors’ progress on the journey to net zero. Participants in Eligible Net-zero Initiatives can opt into the NZRF pilot until 9 October 2026, with initial findings and next steps expected to be presented at COP31.
For companies, credible recognition can turn climate performance into a clearer signal for investors, customers, procurement teams, employees and policymakers. It can distinguish delivery from intention, strengthen trust and create stronger incentives to accelerate action.
“We are at an inflection point. The first generation of corporate climate action was about setting targets and making pledges. The next must be about delivery, evidence and systemic transformation. The Net-zero Recognition Framework, led by UN Climate Change, is exactly the kind of infrastructure the transition needs — a credible, transparent system that rewards companies doing the hard work of actually changing. The Exponential Roadmap Initiative joins this pilot because we believe recognition, done right, can become one of the most powerful accelerants for a race to the top.”
Johan Falk, CEO and co-founder, Exponential Roadmap Initiative
The Exponential Roadmap Initiative will bring its five-pillar perspective to the pilot: reducing operational emissions, decarbonising value chains, scaling climate and nature solutions, mobilising finance and investment, and shaping policy and narrative. The aim is to recognise credible progress both within operations, value chains and influence on the wider economy — without weakening the primacy of direct emissions reductions.
The announcement follows the release of ERI’s paper, The Exponential Framework: Five Pillars to Win in the Earth-Aligned Economy, which argues that the next phase of corporate climate leadership must combine rapid emissions reductions with the scaling of climate and nature solutions, capital mobilisation, market-shaping and policy alignment. The Framework gives companies a practical lens for planning and taking action across the five pillars.
“Integrity is critical. Recognition should be grounded in credible targets and plans, and evidence of action. GHG reductions and contributions beyond value chains must be reported separately and transparently. Our annual Climate Performance Reviews will provide the basis for our nominations.”
Claire Wigg, Chief Climate Performance Officer, Exponential Roadmap Initiative
During the pilot, the Exponential Roadmap Initiative will work with UN Climate Change and the other participating initiatives to support peer learning, implementation and the development of a transparent and credible recognition pathway.
More information:
Net-zero Recognition Framework: https://unfccc.int/NZRF
The Exponential Framework: Five Pillars to Win in the Earth-Aligned Economy: https://exponentialroadmap.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/The-Exponential-Framework_-Five-Pillars-to-win-in-the-Earth-aligned-economy.pdf
About the Exponential Roadmap Initiative
The Exponential Roadmap Initiative brings together innovators, disruptors and transformers to help companies halve emissions and scale climate and nature solutions through practical frameworks, tools and guidance for business transformation towards an earth-aligned economy.
Media contact:
Johanna Bergmark, Communications and Events Manager, Exponential Roadmap Initiative
johanna.bergmark@exponentialroadmap.org
