The SBTi announces partnership with CAFA to accelerate climate action across trade associations

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and Climate Action for Associations (CAFA) have announced a transformative new partnership, aiming to accelerate global climate goal progress by providing associations with the tools and guidance needed to drive meaningful action on emissions reductions.

To achieve this, the collaboration will leverage the SBTi’s expertise in science-based climate target setting alongside CAFA’s extensive international associations network, to deliver a dedicated programme of outreach, engagement and education with trade associations.

The SBTi will provide key materials that will help educate trade associations on standards, tools, and guidance relating to the setting of science-based targets. It will also incorporate feedback from CAFA to ensure setting science-based targets is an accessible and a realistic goal for trade association members.

CAFA will incorporate science-based targets into its programs and enhance outreach through meetings, workshops, and webinars. These efforts will focus on identifying ways for trade associations to engage with the SBTi, educating them on the relevance of science-based targets to sectors like Buildings, Steel, and Concrete, and showcasing the value of adopting these targets. The goal is to highlight the opportunities in taking leadership on meaningful climate action and ensuring the long-term sustainability of their members' business models.

The partnership underscores a shared commitment to accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy. Associations are key drivers of industry transformation, public sector engagement, and collective action. By equipping them with the tools and knowledge on science-based targets, this collaboration will empower both organizations to lead on climate action and spark integrated growth across the global economy, driving meaningful climate progress.

Tracy Wyman, Chief Impact Officer at SBTi, said:

“Industry associations are uniquely positioned to influence and drive change across entire industries. Through the SBTi’s partnership with CAFA, we are committed to supporting their efforts in educating associations and their members on how to set science-based targets and make meaningful contributions to global climate goals. This collaboration marks an exciting and significant step forward in our mission to make science-based corporate climate action the norm.”

CAFA’s Founder and CEO Alison Heppenstall, said:

“We are thrilled to partner with SBTi to bring science-based corporate climate action to the heart of the association sector and our work with membership organisations. Using the collaboration we’ll look to scale up our impact, including making sure associations provide their members access to the latest guidance on setting and achieving emissions reduction targets aligned with what the science says is required.”