Smarter, streamlined submissions: what to expect from the SBTi Services Validation Portal upgrade

New features within the portal will fully digitize the science-based target submission journey for corporates–from registration and commitment, to submission and validation–delivering a smoother, faster, and more transparent experience.

In this blog, we explain what’s changing, what companies need to know, and how these improvements will help accelerate and scale ambitious climate action.

Why the portal is changing

As demand for science-based targets continues to grow, the need for a streamlined, scaleable, and user-friendly target-setting process has never been greater. The upgraded Validation Portal responds to that demand—enhancing the user experience, improving data quality, and enabling more efficient assessments.

Developed through extensive user feedback, including a pilot with 30 participating companies, the upgrade gives companies greater control and clarity in the target submission process—enabling more accurate, tailored, and confident target setting aligned with SBTi criteria. 

Key changes for corporates

1. Fully digitized submissions:

An intuitive digital interface replaces Excel spreadsheet forms. Built-in prompts, checks, and questions based on the data submitted guide users through their appropriate route, reducing errors and ensuring clarity.

2. Automated pre-screening checks:

The new system runs automatic technical alignment checks before submission and blocks forms with errors—ensuring only complete and compliant submissions reach the SBTi Services team, reducing delays and resubmissions. 

3. Enhanced data control and transparency:

Companies now have greater visibility over the status of their submissions and can update key information directly within the platform. If an issue is flagged, they can gather and refine the necessary data before entering the validation process—avoiding time pressure and reducing the risk of delays under the validation timeline.

4. Structured validation timeline:

A piloted 30-day schedule introduces clear milestones and set touchpoints with the SBTi Services team. A standout feature is the kick-off call with the SBTi Services Lead Reviewer, which pilot companies found particularly helpful for clarifying expectations, addressing data queries, and aligning next steps. This structured approach helps teams plan more effectively and receive quicker decisions.

What you need to know

To support the transition, companies currently preparing or finalizing submissions should be aware of the following:

• Submit by June 12 to use the current system:

Companies already working on spreadsheet-based submissions are encouraged to complete and submit their forms by June 12, 2025. Once the portal upgrades have been launched, the existing forms will no longer be accepted.

• New submissions from June 18 onwards will use the updated submission process:

Any company starting or resuming the process after the launch date will complete their submission through the new digital submission process.

• The portal will be offline for a short period:

To enable the upgrade, the Validation Portal will be temporarily unavailable between June 16–17, 2025. We recommend planning accordingly to avoid disruption during this short downtime.

• Existing submissions remain on track:

For companies that have already submitted and are currently in validation, no action is required. These submissions will continue to be reviewed on schedule. After launch of the new portal features, previously submitted forms will be hidden from view in the portal with any supplementary data shared through the usual email channels. 

Benefits for corporates and consultants

The changes are designed to reduce the burden of submission and provide a better experience overall. Companies using the new portal process can expect:

• To be set up for success against SBTi criteria, as higher-quality submissions reducing the risk of rejection or resubmission
• Fewer delays and less back-and-forth, enabled by automated checks that catch common errors early
• Greater clarity and confidence, with full transparency into expectations and the validation process
• More control and flexibility, as companies can manage and refine their data directly within the platform
   

Changes for SMEs, financial institutions and consultants

There are no major changes to the submission process for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or financial institutions. 

SMEs will continue to follow a straightforward, fully managed validation journey within the portal. Two brief new questions have been added to help ensure each company is aligned with the correct target route—saving time, reducing errors, and streamlining the process.

For financial institutions, a small but important update includes entering key data points that will appear on the SBTi Target Dashboard after validation—such as base year and target year—into a clear table. This enhancement gives institutions greater control and visibility over how their targets are presented, supporting improved transparency and confidence in external reporting.

Consultants will retain full visibility of all submissions they support through the portal. A visual dashboard provides a clear, real-time overview of each submission’s status—making it easier to track progress, coordinate with clients, and ensure timely, informed support throughout the validation process.

Resources and support

To help businesses confidently manage  this transition, SBTi Services has developed a range of supporting materials—some available now, and others launching shortly to guide you through the full process.

Available now:

• FAQs addressing common questions, updated regularly as more information is available

Available on upgrade launch:

• A detailed Corporate Submission Manual, for step-by-step guidance on your submission
• An updated Validation Portal tutorial video, walking through the portal’s key features
• A Submission Journey tutorial video, demonstrating the new end-to-end submission process 

Companies with questions can reach out directly through the help widget on SBTi Services' website or in the portal.

Looking Ahead

This upgrade is part of SBTi Services’s broader commitment to scaling systems and services that support climate leadership. More enhancements are on the way, and we’re excited to continue building a better experience for all users.

In the meantime, we thank all participating companies, partners, and stakeholders for their continued collaboration as we evolve our services to better support climate leadership.