Net Zero Compare
Climate Action 100+ Net-Zero Company Benchmark

Climate Action 100+ Net-Zero Company Benchmark: Evaluates corporate climate transition performance

Maílis Carrilho
Written by Maílis Carrilho
Updated on March 17th, 2026

Summary

Climate Action 100+ is an investor initiative evaluating climate governance and transition performance of the world’s largest emitting companies. Through its Net-Zero Company Benchmark, the initiative assesses emissions disclosures, transition strategies, and governance structures. Although voluntary, it exerts a strong influence through investor engagement and capital market pressure.

Details

Jurisdictions
  • Global
Voluntary for

The benchmark is not a regulatory requirement.

However, companies included in the initiative face strong investor pressure to improve climate governance and disclosure.

Deep dive

2 min read
Updated Mar 17, 2026

📩 Stay ahead of climate regulation and reporting shifts

Regulatory updates, reporting standards, and new climate software — distilled into one concise weekly brief for decision-makers.

Thanks for signing up. Please check your inbox to confirm your subscription.

Practical updates. Once per week.


What’s Required

Climate Action 100+ is a global investor coalition focused on engaging the largest corporate emitters responsible for significant global greenhouse gas emissions.

The initiative uses the Net-Zero Company Benchmark to evaluate corporate climate performance.

Companies assessed under the benchmark are expected to demonstrate strong climate governance and credible transition strategies.

Governance expectations include board-level oversight of climate risks and integration of climate considerations into executive remuneration.

Companies must publish climate transition plans aligned with global emissions reduction pathways.

Capital allocation strategies should support decarbonisation investments rather than expansion of high-emission assets.

Disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 is expected.

Companies are also evaluated on whether they have established credible emissions reduction targets aligned with net-zero objectives.

Climate Action 100+ also examines whether companies conduct climate scenario analysis and disclose climate-related risks to investors.

Important Deadlines

Climate Action 100+ launch: 2017

Benchmark updates occur periodically as new data becomes available.

Investor engagement cycles are continuous.

Current Status

The initiative represents hundreds of institutional investors managing trillions of dollars in assets.

Companies included in the benchmark represent a large share of global industrial emissions.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Companies that fail to meet investor expectations may face shareholder resolutions, voting actions or reduced access to capital.

Investor engagement may also intensify if companies do not demonstrate credible transition strategies.

Examples of Known Violations

Common issues include:

  • absence of credible climate transition plans.

  • lack of board oversight for climate strategy.

  • insufficient disclosure of Scope 3 emissions.

  • continued investment in high-emission infrastructure inconsistent with net-zero targets.

Resources


Maílis Carrilho
Added by:
Maílis Carrilho
Sustainability Research Analyst
Maílis Carrilho is a Sustainability Research Analyst (Intern) at Net Zero Compare, contributing research and analysis on climate tech, carbon policies, and sustainable solutions. She supports the team in developing fact-based content and insights to help companies and readers navigate the evolving sustainability landscape.
Our principle

Cut through the green tape

We don't push agendas. At Net Zero Compare, we cut through the hype and fear to deliver the straightforward facts you need for making informed decisions on green products and services. Whether motivated by compliance, customer demands, or a real passion for the environment, you’re welcome here. We provide reliable information. Why you seek it is not our concern.

Added on Mar 16, 2026 by Maílis Carrilho · Updated on Mar 17, 2026