Corporate climate action momentum builds as SBTi reaches 10,000 companies with validated targets

The number of companies with science-based targets validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) globally has reached 10,000. Some of the world’s most recognizable names have set targets including the likes Arsenal Football Club, Danone, ING, Lenovo, McLaren Racing, and Ørsted. The milestone reflects the growing scale of corporate climate action across sectors and regions.

Altogether, the 10,000 companies represent more than 40% of global market capitalization and include many of the world’s leading businesses, spanning nearly every major sector, region, and company size. Headquartered across all continents and in more than 90 countries, they reflect the growing mainstream adoption of science-based target setting across the global economy.

Reaching 10,000 validated companies reinforces the SBTi’s role at the forefront of corporate climate ambition, supporting credible, accountable climate action at scale. It is also a significant achievement for the companies themselves, whose climate leadership is helping to accelerate the transition to a net-zero economy.

While European-headquartered companies still make up a substantial share of the 10,000, growth in Asia has accelerated in recent years. Japan now has the highest number of validated companies globally—over 2,000—followed by the United Kingdom, the United States, and China.

The SBTi validated its first company in 2015, its 1,000th in 2021, and now at the beginning of 2026, has reached its 10,000th after validating more than 2,800 new companies in 2025.

To be validated by SBTi Services—the SBTi’s validation arm—a company must set targets using the criteria laid out in the SBTi’s standards, tools, and guidance. Validation by SBTi Services confirms that a company’s targets are ambitious and aligned with SBTi-approved pathways to achieve net zero by 2050.

The need to respond to the climate crisis has never been greater, as climate change increasingly threatens core business functions and value drivers—from operational efficiency to supply chain stability. Meanwhile, the business case for climate action has never been stronger, with the firms embracing the opportunities of a carbon constrained world already benefitting from revenue growth, enhanced resilience and stronger market positioning.

David Kennedy, Chief Executive Officer at the Science-Based Targets initiative, said:

“Reaching 10,000 validated companies is a significant milestone—for the companies involved, and for corporate climate action more broadly. Companies are setting science based targets because they recognize the strategic, reputational, and financial benefits of net-zero business transformation. This milestone reflects a growing commitment by companies to set credible, accountable targets, and we look forward to supporting many more as this transition continues.”

Hannah Mansour, Director of ESG at Arsenal Football Club, said:

“We’re proud to be the only football club to have a net-zero target approved by the Science Based Targets initiative, reflecting our commitment to being thorough and accountable in reducing our footprint. We continue to make strong progress in cutting our emissions and driving sustainable action with our supporters and communities.”

Nathalie Alquier, Chief Sustainability Officer at Danone, said:

“Danone led early on climate action – first food company with FLAG validated targets – and we are progressing year after year on our CO2 reduction targets (-16.1% since 2020). As SBTi reaches 10,000 companies, we look forward to continuing to work collectively to scale impact and accelerate the transition and resiliency of the food system overall.”

Ada Chávez, Senior Engineer, Net Zero Lead at Lenovo, said:

“Congratulations to the SBTi on reaching 10,000 companies with validated science-based targets. This milestone reinforces the value of the Net-Zero Standard in creating a clear, credible pathway for organizations to communicate and build trust with stakeholders. As an early advocate and member of the first group of companies to receive validation for our net-zero targets, we celebrate the collaborative efforts of the SBTi and all companies aligning to the latest climate science.”

Kim Wilson, Director of Sustainability at McLaren Racing said:

“McLaren Racing’s mission is to set the standard for high performance in sport, including in sustainability. As the first Formula 1 team to have our net-zero target validated by the SBTi, we are demonstrating that performance and sustainability go hand-in-hand; both are grounded in innovation, agility, and resilience.”

Anders Johannes Enghild, Head of Global Sustainability at Ørsted, said:

“Ørsted was the first energy company to set a science-based net-zero target. We recognize the value of SBTi Standards in defining a credible pathway for corporate climate action, which is why we also ask our suppliers to set SBTi targets. We’re pleased to see this momentum growing, as we work to create a world that runs entirely on green energy.”