This blog discusses the UN Race to Zero campaign, the benefits of becoming a campaign member, the joining process and the baseline requirements.

The UN launched the global Race to Zero (R2Z) campaign in June 2020, with the objective of rallying a coalition of non-state actors - including businesses, cities, regions, and institutions - to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The campaign’s central mission is to reduce emissions across all scopes (Scope 1, 2, and 3), aligning with the Paris Agreement's goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Members of R2Z commit to specific milestones and annual progress updates to ensure sustained, visible efforts in reducing their carbon footprints.

Why join the campaign?

There are a range of benefits of becoming a campaign member, both tangible and reputational. These benefits can be split into “general” and “Race to Zero specific”.

General Benefits:

1. Enhanced Credibility: Being part of R2Z signals a commitment to sustainability and aligns with the UN’s vision for a greener future, boosting brand credibility. It’s particularly valuable for companies wanting to engage in broader advocacy, as R2Z encourages members to use their influence to inspire climate action among peers.
2. Stakeholder Trust: Joining R2Z demonstrates transparency and accountability to consumers, investors, and partners increasingly interested in sustainable practices.
3. Alignment with Regulatory Trends: As global policies favour stricter emission limits and mandatory carbon reporting, companies already on the path to net-zero can adapt more easily to evolving regulations.
4. Market Positioning: Early adopters of climate action can gain a competitive edge, tapping into a market that increasingly values environmental responsibility and avoiding financial penalties that may arise from stricter emission regulations.

Race to Zero Specific Benefits:

1. Broad and Inclusive Participation: Unlike some programs limited to specific sectors, R2Z invites a diverse range of non-state actors, from businesses to regions and institutions, allowing companies to join a larger, cross-sectoral movement that amplifies their voice.
2. Alignment with Partner Initiatives: One unique aspect of R2Z is that it collaborates with existing initiatives. This means a company can simultaneously join R2Z and other sustainability frameworks, benefiting from the guidance and expertise of these groups. R2Z complements these other initiatives, often using shared resources, methodologies, and criteria.
3. Flexible Pathways to Achieve Net Zero: With the R2Z model, companies gain flexibility in how they meet net-zero goals. Through R2Z, a member can tailor its climate action plan while still adhering to a widely recognised framework that builds credibility with investors and customers.

How to Join the Campaign

Companies and other non-state entities can join R2Z through recognised partner initiatives, these partners provide pathways for members to fulfill R2Z’s objectives. By collaborating with a partner initiative, members gain access to resources and guidance to effectively cut emissions and contribute to broader climate goals.

Once an entity signs up with a partner initiative, they are automatically included in the Race to Zero database, “Who's In?”, hosted by the Climate Champions Team. This transparency not only highlights participants' commitment to climate action but also facilitates collaboration and accountability across sectors.

R2Z fosters inclusivity by offering a diverse range of partner initiatives that cater to various sectors, organisational sizes, and financial capacities. This ensures accessibility for all entities, from multinational corporations to small and medium enterprises, and even cities and regions, enabling them to find solutions suited to their unique needs and capabilities.

R2Z has specific requirements for all members to meet, these are known as the "5 P's":
Pledge, Plan, Proceed, Publish and Persuade.

Members who join must achieve the “starting line” criteria of the 5 P’s. 

Fig. 1 - R2Z has specific requirements for all members to meet, these are known as the "5 P's":
Pledge, Plan, Proceed, Publish and Persuade

Through these criteria, R2Z fosters a transparent and results-driven approach, encouraging both internal accountability and external influence. By meeting these requirements, members contribute to a collective ambition of halving emissions by 2030 and ultimately achieving net-zero by mid-century.

UN's Race to Zero Workbook

To find out more about the Race to Zero campaign, including the specific partner initiatives that you can join via and the starting line criteria in more detail, download our free Race to Zero guide.

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