GHG Protocol Announces Delay in Land Sector and Removals Guidance Release
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On February 20th 2025, the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol made an announcement regarding the delay of the much-anticipated Land Sector and Removals Guidance. Originally slated for release in quarter one of 2025, the new guidance will now be postponed until quarter four of 2025.
Progress on forest carbon accounting
The delay is primarily due to challenges in achieving consensus around the issue of quantifying agricultural leakage. As a result, the Independent Standards Board will now take on the responsibility of making the final decision. This move aims to resolve the outstanding disagreements and move the process forward. Additionally, progress is being made on forest carbon accounting. The GHG Protocol has set up a dedicated Technical Working Group to specifically focus on this area. This finalisation of the forest carbon accounting portion is expected to align with the quarter four 2025 release.
Impact on FLAG targets and No Deforestation commitment
This development may push back the timeline for companies setting Forest, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) targets as they seek finalised guidance before moving forward. Many companies have already validated their FLAG targets based on the draft guidance and are pushing forward despite the uncertainty, as per SBTi’s recommendation. As it stands, targets are still expected to be required six months after the finalisation of the GHG Protocol Land Sector and Removals Guidance.
One area of note is the requirement to set a No Deforestation Commitment with a target date of December 31, 2025. It remains uncertain how the delay will affect organisations seeking validation in 2026. The lack of clear guidance from SBTi is contributing to the hesitation that many companies have in pursuing validation if they cannot demonstrate 100% deforestation free sourcing by the end of this year. In the absence of explicit guidance from SBTi, Anthesis recommends aligning with the latest guidance from the Accountability Framework Initiative (AFi) and being prepared to demonstrate continuous improvement.
For businesses navigating these uncertain waters, experts at Anthesis are available to help clarify any concerns or questions related to the delayed guidance and its potential implications. As the situation continues to evolve, staying informed is crucial to understanding how the changes may impact your sustainability strategies and compliance efforts.
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