Resources
Explore our resources for companies at all stages of the target-setting journey and for stakeholders interested in our research and technical work. If you can't find what you're looking for, please see our FAQs or get in touch.
Standard Commitment Letter
Complete and submit the standard letter to commit to setting a science-based target, or to have your existing targets independently verified.
SMEs should complete the SME target-setting letter instead.
Business Ambition for 1.5°C Commitment Letter
Visionary business leaders are committing to set a net-zero science-based target in line with 1.5°C.
Sign this letter instead of the Standard Commitment Letter to commit to setting the most ambitious science-based targets.
SME Target Setting Letter
SMEs use a streamlined process to set targets in line with climate science. Commit and select your targets by completing and submitting the SME Target Setting Letter.
SBTi Corporate Manual
Your detailed step-by-step guide to the process of setting a science-based target through the SBTi.
SBTi How-To Guide
A quick, simple, step-by-step flow chart that allows companies to understand how to set science-based targets for their specific situation.
SBTi Corporate Manual
Your detailed step-by-step guide to the process of setting a science-based target through the SBTi.
SBTi Criteria
This is the latest version (4.2) of the criteria companies' targets must meet in order to be approved as science-based by the SBTi.
Target Setting tool
Use the SBTi target setting tool to model targets in line with SBTi approved criteria and methods.
Science-based Target Setting Tool (version 1.2.1, replaces version 1.2): This version of the integrated target-setting tool for companies includes a 1.5°C aligned pathway for Power sector companies to model generation related emissions. This tool applies the Absolute Contraction Approach and the Sectoral Decarbonization Approach (converging to 2050) with updated temperature pathways, and a sheet to calculate targets aligned with our scope 3 criteria. Companies will be required to use this version after January 1st 2021.
Target Validation Protocol
Your guide to the target validation process. To be used in conjunction with other key resources, the target validation protocol walks you through the target setting process, how your target will be assessed and sector-specific requirement.
Greenhouse Gas Protocol
The SBTi requires corporate inventory reporting in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The corporate standard provides information on how to report corporate GHG emissions. The scope 3 standard provides details about scope 3 reporting.
Scope 3 Evaluator Tool
This scope 3 evaluator tool is commonly used by companies to perform scope 3 screenings, a necessary step in preparing to set science-based targets.
Setting 1.5C-aligned science-based targets: Quick start guide for electric utilities
Guidance to support electric utilities companies setting 1.5C-aligned science-based targets. This guidance covers all electric utilities that generate power.
Guidance for ICT Companies Setting Science-based Targets
Guidance for information and communication technology (ICTs) companies to set science-based targets for greenhouse gases (GHGs) according to a set of new decarbonization pathways.
Guidance for Apparel and Footwear Companies Setting Science-based Targets
This guidance supports companies across the apparel and footwear value chain to set science-based targets. It provides case studies on best practices in target setting and strategies for achieving emissions reductions. The guidance applies to retailers, brands, finished goods manufacturers, mills, etc. that are primarily engaged in activities that contribute to the production and sale of apparel and footwear products.
Target Setting Tool for the Transport Sector
Transport companies can set targets using the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)’s Sectoral Decarbonization Approach (SDA) Transport tool: a technical resource to model science-based targets for direct and indirect transport emissions. The tool is focused on the passenger, freight and OEM sectors and provides greenhouse gas emissions accounting guidance and best practices for science-based target setting.
Framework for Financial Institutions to Set Science-based Targets
The Science Based Targets initiative’s new framework allows financial institutions – including banks, investors, insurance companies, pension funds and others – to set science-based targets to align their lending and investment activities with the Paris Agreement.
Sectoral Decarbonization Approach Report
A method for setting corporate emission reduction targets in line with climate science.
SBTi Tool How-To Video
An instructional video that explains how to use the SBTi target setting tool. Please see transport-specific videos for the two available transport target setting tools instead.
SBTi Tool How-To Video - Transport
An instructional video that explains how to use the SBTi target setting tool. Please see transport-specific videos for the two available transport target setting tools instead.
SBTi Tool How-To Video - Passenger Light Duty Vehicles
An instructional video that explains how to use the SBTi target setting tool for passenger light-duty vehicle manufacturers. Please see the general SBTi target setting tool or the transport tool video if this sector is not applicable to you.
Target Submission Form
The official SBTi science-based target submission submission form, to be completed and submitted to begin the target validation process. We encourage companies to review the submission form while in the target development stage.
SME Target Setting Letter
SMEs use a streamlined process to set targets in line with climate science. Commit and select your targets by completing and submitting the SME Target Setting Letter.
Target Validation Protocol
Your guide to the target validation process. To be used in conjunction with other key resources, the target validation protocol walks you through the target setting process, how your target will be assessed and sector-specific requirement.
Upgrade your target
Do you have a 2°C or well-below 2°C aligned target? Use our simple process to boost your ambition and upgrade your scopes 1 & 2 targets to a 1.5°C or well-below 2°C pathway. There is no additional cost (subject to conditions).
For new 1.5°C targets, we encourage you to publicly showcase your ambition by signing the Business Ambition for 1.5°C commitment letter.
SBTi Criteria
This is the latest version (4.2) of the criteria companies' targets must meet in order to be approved as science-based by the SBTi.
CDP Technical Note on Science Based Targets
This technical note provides guidance on correctly reporting science-based targets in your annual CDP climate change disclosure.
SBTi How-To Guide
A quick, simple, step-by-step flow chart that allows companies to understand how to set science-based targets for their specific situation.
Pre-Submission Checklist
A quick checklist that companies can consult to understand if they are ready to submit targets for validation to the SBTi.
SBTi Corporate Manual
Your detailed step-by-step guide to the process of setting a science-based target through the SBTi.
Report: Taking the Temperature
A new report from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) prepared by the United Nations Global Compact and CDP, takes stock of corporate climate ambition in the Group of Seven (G7), an intergovernmental organization consisting of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. View the full report and appendix below.
SBTi Progress Report 2020 | Five years of progress: A decade of ambition ahead
The second SBTi progress report coincides with the fifth anniversary of the initiative and of the 2015 Paris Agreement, and shows how companies are cutting emissions at scale with science-based targets.
E-learning course on Setting Science-Based Targets to Achieve Net-Zero
This e-learning course will guide you in the process of setting a science-based target (SBT) in support of a net-zero future. It aims at introducing the initiative, breaking down and illustrating the complexities and benefits around SBTs, and showcasing their benefits as well as the business case.
Understand the methods for science-based climate action
To drive ambitious corporate climate action and reduce global emissions, methods for science-based targets must constantly evolve based on science and best practice.
Read our new blog to learn more about the SBTi's work, methodologies and values.
Foundations for Net-Zero Target Setting in the Corporate Sector
We’ve launched a process to develop the first science-based global standard for corporate net-zero targets, to ensure that companies’ net-zero targets translate into action that is consistent with achieving a net-zero world by no later than 2050.
Our new paper lays out the conceptual foundations for credible, science-based net-zero targets for the corporate sector.
SBTi Progress Report 2019 | Raising the Bar: Exploring the Science Based Target initiative’s progress in driving ambitious climate action
The first-ever assessment of the SBTi’s impact since its launch in 2015, exploring the private sector’s uptake of science-based targets through analysis and case studies.
Value Change in the Value Chain: Best practices in scope 3 greenhouse gas management
To support the growing number of companies committed to address the climate impact of their value chains, this guidance document summarizes the latest best practices in reducing scope 3 GHG emissions by describing different emissions reduction levers companies can employ. This guidance was developed by the Science Based Targets initiative, Navigant and the Gold Standard.
Practical Guide: Define carbon objectives in line with scientific knowledge (French)
GUIDE PRATIQUE POUR LA DÉFINITION D’OBJECTIFS CARBONE ALIGNÉS SUR LES CONNAISSANCES SCIENTIFIQUES
SBTi Corporate Manual
Your detailed step-by-step guide to the process of setting a science-based target through the SBTi.
Understand the methods for science-based climate action
To drive ambitious corporate climate action and reduce global emissions, methods for science-based targets must constantly evolve based on science and best practice.
Read our new blog to learn more about the SBTi's work, methodologies and values.
Foundations for Net-Zero Target Setting in the Corporate Sector
We’ve launched a process to develop the first science-based global standard for corporate net-zero targets, to ensure that companies’ net-zero targets translate into action that is consistent with achieving a net-zero world by no later than 2050.
Our new paper lays out the conceptual foundations for credible, science-based net-zero targets for the corporate sector.
Foundations of Science-based Target Setting
The SBTi’s framework for developing target-setting methods that are in line with science and for evaluating emissions scenarios associated with these methods. In the spirit of transparency and recognizing the value of sharing a full description of the SBTi’s approach.
SBTi Progress Report 2020 | Five years of progress: A decade of ambition ahead
The second SBTi progress report coincides with the fifth anniversary of the initiative and of the 2015 Paris Agreement, and shows how companies are cutting emissions at scale with science-based targets.
SBTi Progress Report 2019 | Raising the Bar: Exploring the Science Based Target initiative’s progress in driving ambitious climate action
The first-ever assessment of the SBTi’s impact since its launch in 2015, exploring the private sector’s uptake of science-based targets through analysis and case studies.
Value Change in the Value Chain: Best practices in scope 3 greenhouse gas management
To support the growing number of companies committed to address the climate impact of their value chains, this guidance document summarizes the latest best practices in reducing scope 3 GHG emissions by describing different emissions reduction levers companies can employ. This guidance was developed by the Science Based Targets initiative, Navigant and the Gold Standard.
Sector Development Framework
The Science Based Targets Initiative invites interested stakeholders to contribute to the development of new sector pathways. This framework describes how organizations can contribute to the Sectoral Decarbonization Approach (SDA) expansion process.
Discussion Paper: Towards a science-based approach to climate neutrality in the corporate sector
A discussion paper deconstructing the various approaches to climate neutrality in the corporate sector, and proposing a set of principles to ensure that climate neutrality goals by companies mitigate both, societal and transition climate-related risks.
Mind the Science
What science says business needs to do to tackle climate change.
Sectoral Decarbonization Approach Report
A method for setting corporate emission reduction targets in line with climate science.
Scope 3 Evaluator Tool
This scope 3 evaluator tool is commonly used by companies to perform scope 3 screenings, a necessary step in preparing to set science-based targets.
Greenhouse Gas Protocol
The SBTi requires corporate inventory reporting in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. The corporate standard provides information on how to report corporate GHG emissions. The scope 3 standard provides details about scope 3 reporting.
Greenhouse Gas Starter Assessment
A no-cost starter assessment to help you understand your suppliers’ greenhouse gas measurement, disclosure, and reduction efforts.
Memorandum: Understanding and Addressing the Barriers for Aluminum Companies to Set Science-Based Targets
In 2019, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) launched a project to lay a foundation for the development of tools and guidance to enable aluminium sector companies to set SBTs. Read our memorandum.
SBTi Chemicals Sector Scoping Report: Barriers, Challenges, and Opportunities for Chemical Companies to Set Science-Based Targets
This document presents the results of the Science Based Targets initiative’s chemicals sector scoping project with considerations for further target-setting method development. To summarize existing resources and support further work, the document provides an overview of current chemical company science-based targets, a proposed sector boundary for company activities, results of a stakeholder survey, and considerations for further research.
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
