The 3Rs Standard: Reduce, Restore, Report
A clear framework for credible corporate climate action.
The 3Rs Standard sets out Ecologi’s recommended approach for businesses taking climate responsibility: Reduce emissions, Restore the planet, and Report progress transparently.
It reflects leading scientific guidance and shows how different climate actions fit together over time, without shortcuts or trade-offs.
In brief
What it is
A practical framework that brings emissions reduction, climate contribution and transparent reporting into a single, coherent climate journey.
Who it’s for
Businesses that want to take climate action seriously and explain it clearly to customers, stakeholders and regulators.
Why it matters
Climate action fails when reduction, contribution and reporting are treated as separate or interchangeable.
Why this framework exists
Many corporate climate strategies struggle because actions are taken in isolation rather than as part of a coherent plan.
Common challenges include:
Over-reliance on offsetting without meaningful emissions reduction
Unclear thinking about when and how to fund climate and nature projects
Poor transparency around progress, limitations and trade-offs
Climate claims that outpace real-world action
The 3Rs Standard exists to provide a clear, structured approach to credible corporate climate action.
How the 3Rs framework works
The 3Rs describe a sequenced approach to corporate climate action, informed by leading guidance on best practice, including science-based targets and the Oxford Principles.
Reduce
Measure emissions, set science-based targets, and prioritise meaningful reductions across the value chain.
Restore
Take responsibility for the impact of unabated emissions by funding high-integrity climate and nature projects beyond the value chain.
Report
Disclose actions, progress and limitations transparently, enabling accountability and trust.
Each element plays a distinct role. None should be treated as a substitute for another.
What good looks like in practice
Credible application of the 3Rs means:
Emissions reduction comes first and is prioritised over contribution
Climate and nature funding supports, rather than replaces, decarbonisation
Claims are proportionate, evidence-based and transparent
Progress is reported consistently over time
The 3Rs Standard provides a shared language that sustainability teams and senior leadership can align around, reducing risk while building trust with stakeholders.
Learn
How to build a credible climate strategy
Reduction first: avoiding common pitfalls
Contribution without greenwashing
Implement
Explore Ecologi’s Reduce and Restore solutions
Speak to our climate team
