Climate targets, transition & carbon claims · Core
Residual emissions
Also called: remaining emissions
ELI5
Emissions remaining after feasible reductions under the stated pathway.
Used in conversation
“Can we separate the target for residual emissions from measured performance?”
Pitch context
You will see “Residual emissions” in sustainability reports, impact decks, climate plans and assurance materials when the discussion reaches climate targets, transition & carbon claims.
Why it matters: In climate targets, transition & carbon claims, the reporting boundary, method, period and evidence can materially change the claim.
Caution
State the reporting boundary, method, period and evidence; standards, regulation and assurance requirements vary.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- International Organization for Standardization — ISO Net Zero Guidelines and related workDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- GHG Protocol — Standards and GuidanceDirect source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- IFRS Foundation / International Sustainability Standards Board — IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 Sustainability Disclosure StandardsDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16