What are science-based targets?
Science-based targets provide companies with a clearly-defined path to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goals. More than 6,000 businesses around the world are already working with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Join them today.
What are ‘science-based targets’?
Science-based targets provide a clearly-defined pathway for companies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, helping prevent the worst impacts of climate change and future-proof business growth.
Targets are considered ‘science-based’ if they are in line with what the latest climate science deems necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement – limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
How can companies set a science-based target?
The private sector must play a fundamental role in reducing GHG emissions. Embedding science-based targets in sustainability management is crucial.
Setting a science-based target is a five-step process:
- Commit: submit a letter establishing your intent to set a science-based target
- Develop: work on an emissions reduction target in line with the SBTi’s criteria
- Submit: present your target to the SBTi for official validation
- Communicate: announce your target and inform your stakeholders
- Disclose: report company-wide emissions and track target progress annually
Who is eligible to set targets with the SBTi?
We encourage companies and from all sectors, including financial institutions, and of all sizes to develop science-based target. We acknowledge differences between business areas, which is why we are developing sector-specific pathways.
The SBTi is especially keen to welcome companies in the highest-emitting sectors, who play a pivotal role in ensuring the transformation to a zero-carbon economy.
The SBTi does not currently assess targets for cities, local governments, public sector institutions, educational institutions or non-profit organizations.
Cities can register their interest in setting targets through the Science Based Targets Network.
What are the benefits of setting science-based targets?
Reducing GHG emissions in line with climate science is good for the planet and for companies.
Science-based target setting makes business sense – it future-proofs growth, saves money, provides resilience against regulation, boosts investor confidence, spurs innovation and competitiveness – while also demonstrating concrete sustainability commitments to increasingly-conscious consumers.
Companies going through the target validation process benefit from detailed feedback and support from the SBTi’s technical experts. Businesses who sign the SBTi commitment letter are immediately recognized as “Committed” on our website, as well as the CDP, UN Global Compact and We Mean Business websites.
Frequently asked questions
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 and a streamlined SME route.
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:
Commitments and validations for fossil fuel companies have been paused while sector guidance is developed.
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).
If your company already has an emissions reduction target, please submit an SBTi commitment letter to join the initiative and commit to having your existing target independently validated against our of science-based criteria.
Alternatively, your company could skip the commitment phase and move directly to submitting a target for validation.
When a company submits a target, the SBTi Target Validation Team thoroughly assesses the target to ensure it is conforms with SBTi Criteria and aligned with climate science. If the target is in conformance, it is validated and marked on our Target Dashboard as ‘Targets set’. If it is not in conformance, the SBTi provides feedback to the company to encourage them to re-submit.
EDP is joining the global movement of companies committed to aligning their business with the most ambitious target of the Paris Agreement to limit the global average temperature increase to 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels. António Castro head of EDP’s Corporate Sustainability Department
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Testimonials
In 2017, we became the first company globally to set new, science-based targets in line with the 1.5 degree trajectory recommended in the Paris Climate Accord. Jason Tarry Tesco UK and ROI CEO
