How to use the Bonterms Climate Addendum

> Use this version if you wish to enter into the Climate Addendum using a separate Cover Page.

Review the Climate Addendum with your lawyer.
Prepare your Cover Page (example). Identify the following:
- Parties: Customer and Supplier
- Key Terms: Main Agreement and Addendum Effective Date.
- Additional Terms: Any changes to or modifications of the Climate Addendum.
Send your Cover Page to your counterparty.
Agree on terms with your counterparty.
Sign the Cover Page and create your Climate Addendum!

> Use this version if you wish to enter into the Climate Addendum by signing the Climate Addendum itself.

Review the Climate Addendum with your lawyer.
Complete the document fields with:
- Parties: Customer and Supplier names and details
- Key Terms: Main Agreement reference and Addendum Effective Date.
- Additional Terms: Any changes to or modifications of the Climate Addendum.
Agree on terms with your counterparty.
Sign the Climate Addendum!

> Use this version if you wish to attach the Climate Addendum to an existing agreement or include it when signing a new agreement.

Review the Climate Addendum with your lawyer.
Prepare implementing language in either in the Main Agreement (if new) or as an amendment (for existing agreements) that specifies:
- Parties: Customer and Supplier names and details
- Addendum Effective Date
- Main Agreement reference
- Additional Terms: Any changes to or modifications of the Climate Addendum.
Sign the agreement or amendment to effectuate your Climate Addendum!

What is the Climate Addendum for?

The Bonterms Climate Addendum is a Standard Agreement designed to help companies implement climate commitments in their business relationships. It establishes binding obligations for suppliers to set, and work toward, science-based emissions reduction targets under the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

As a Standard Agreement, the parties can modify any term of the Climate Addendum through Additional Terms.

Is the Climate Addendum free to use?

Yes, like all Bonterms Standard Agreements, the Climate Addendum is completely free to use and made available under CC BY 4.0.

Why are there three versions of the Climate Addendum?

There are three versions to give you maximum flexibility in implementing the Climate Addendum. You can enter the Climate Addendum by attaching it to an existing agreement (Attachment Version), as a signable document (Signable Version) or through a Cover Page (Cover Page Version).

Are there substantive differences between the three versions of the Climate Addendum?

No. All versions of the Climate Addendum share the same core sections—Sustainability Obligations, Compliance, Disclosure, and Term (Sections 2-5)—and differ only in how they are implemented. Choose the version that best fits your contracting process.

Why does the Climate Addendum reference a “Main Agreement”?

The Climate Addendum is designed to be added to an existing SaaS, professional services or other commercial agreement between a customer and supplier (the “Main Agreement”) rather than being an independent agreement. We took this approach as climate commitments are usually part of a larger commercial relationship and not something parties enter into independently.

Can the Climate Addendum be used independently without any other Bonterms Standard Agreement?

Yes. The Climate Addendum can be used with any kind of “Main Agreement,” whether a Bonterms Standard Agreement or any other agreement the supplier and customer have entered into.

Who do I contact with further questions about the Climate Addendum?

What is your relationship with Docusign?

Docusign helped inspire and collaborate with our Standard Agreements Committee in creating of the Climate Addendum and will be distributing the Climate Addendum. Learn more here.

Updated March 27, 2025 18:52

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