The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has revealed its CEO Luiz Amaral has stepped down for “personal reasons”.
Chief legal officer Susan Jenny Ehr will step in as interim CEO at the end of the month.
The climate-certification organisation said it is in the process of looking for a permanent chief executive.
In a statement referring to the personal reasons for his exit, Amaral said: “These issues require my full attention at this time, prompting my decision to step down.”
The CEO came under fire earlier this year following a controversial statement over plans to review its policy on allowing accredited organisations to use offsets in their efforts to curb emissions.
The statement read: “While recognising that there is an ongoing healthy debate on the subject matter, SBTi recognises that, when properly supported by policies, standards and procedures based on scientific evidence, the use of environmental attribute certificates [otherwise known as carbon credits or offsets] for abatement purposes on Scope 3 emissions could function as an additional tool to tackle climate change.
“Consequently, SBTi has decided to extend their use for the purpose of abatement of Scope 3 related emissions beyond the current limits.”
There were calls from the company’s staff for Amaral to resign as SBTi employees said the inclusion of such carbon offsets in a company’s ranking could lead to so-called ‘greenwashing’.
In a statement following the backlash, Amaral said he “deeply regret[s] the concern and distress this situation has caused”.
After announcing his decision to step down, he said: “I remain steadfast in my belief in the importance, the impact, and the promising future of the SBTi.”
He added: “Now it is time for new leadership to take the helm and guide the organisation into this promising new phase that can deliver even more impact worldwide.”
Francesco Starace, chair of SBTi, said: “Together we remain focused on our collective efforts to help companies around the world to deliver on the commitments of the Paris Agreement.”
According to the SBTi, a discussion paper with a draft proposal from the organisation about the potential changes to the Scope 3 standards will be published this month.
