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Participating in the SBTi

We encourage financial institutions and companies from all sectors and of all sizes to develop science-based targets. We acknowledge differences between business areas, which is why we offer sector-specific guidance.

The SBTi is especially keen to welcome companies in the highest-emitting sectors, who play a crucial role in ensuring the transition to a zero-carbon economy.

The current exceptions are fossil fuel companies and automakers:

Commitments and validations for fossil fuel companies have been paused while sector guidance is developed.

Near- and long-term target validations and target updates for automakers are paused until 1.5°C scope 3 targets for use-phase emissions from new road vehicles are developed and approved. Automakers are still able to commit to set targets.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) can validate their near-term and net-zero targets and become part of the initiative by submitting to the streamlined target validation system for SMEs.

The SBTi reserves the right to perform due diligence before and after accepting new commitments and while reviewing submitted targets.

The SBTi does not currently assess targets for cities, local governments, public sector institutions, educational institutions or non-profit organizations. However, we encourage these stakeholders to consider science-based target setting methods on their own. Cities can register their interest in setting targets through the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN).

We strongly encourage companies to follow the step-by-step process and commit to set a target before submitting a target for validation.

By committing to set science-based targets before submitting targets for validation, organizations are recognized as “committed to setting a science-based target” on our website, as well as the We Mean Business Coalition website. Companies participating in the UN Global Compact will also be recognized on their website.

The exception is Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), who can bypass the commitment stage and immediately submit near-term or net-zero targets for approval through our streamlined SME target-setting route.

Yes. Companies can set targets using the SBTi's Corporate Net-Zero Standard - the world's first Standard for science-based corporate net-zero targets.

We offer comprehensive guidance for companies setting science-based targets and support committed companies to understand which resources are available and appropriate for their needs. This includes guidance for specific sectors and wide range of wide range of tools and resources.

Once companies have reviewed these, they need to choose an appropriate approach and methodology to set their science-based target.

Companies can also browse our case studies and YouTube channel (including recordings of relevant webinars) for guidance in the target-setting journey. To stay up-to-date on our latest resources, events and other developments, companies are encouraged to subscribe to our newsletter and connect with us on Twitter and LinkedIn.

For a more detailed overview of how to develop and submit your target for validation, including the guidance available, please see our Corporate Manual.

The SBTi has previously accepted commitments from all companies in which a sector development was underway. The O&G sector was treated similarly to other sectors. However, from the project work carried out thus far it has become apparent that science-based emissions reductions for the O&G sector and broader fossil fuels sectors are complex and the SBTi is taking a cautious and deliberate approach. As always, our aim is to develop robust methodologies that will support decarbonization at the pace and scale required by science.

The SBTi has previously validated targets from automakers in line with the Target Validation Protocol, where scope 3 targets covering ‘use of sold products’ have been required to meet the minimum level of ambition determined by the SDA Transport tool, covering well-to-wheel (WTW) emissions of sold vehicles, and aligned to the well-below 2°C pathway. As per our SBTi Criteria, companies with approved science-based targets must review, and if necessary recalculate and revalidate, their targets at a minimum every five years, following the most recent applicable criteria at the time of resubmission.