Standards and guidance
The Science Based Targets initiative develops standards, tools and guidance which allow companies and financial institutions to set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions targets in line with what is needed to keep global heating below catastrophic levels and reach net-zero by 2050 at latest.
Selecting the right SBTi target-setting resources
Companies and financial institutions can set two types of science-based targets:
- Near-term: Define the emissions reductions a company must achieve over the next 5–10 years.
- Net-zero: Require companies to take immediate action while implementing long-term strategies aligned will achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.
Check out our blog to learn more about the difference between the near-term and net-zero targets.
Most companies and financial institutions typically set multiple targets covering different emission scopes or activities. For targets to be considered science-based, companies must follow the criteria and methodologies defined in SBTi Standards and Guidance.
Depending on the sector and target types, businesses may need to use one or a combination of these resources, as detailed below.
The SBTi’s cross-sector resources apply to most companies and provide the foundation for setting science-based targets.
There are two key documents::
- Corporate Net-Zero Standard: Outlines the requirements for companies to set net-zero targets, including both near- and long-term science-based targets, covering the majority of their emissions.
- Corporate Near-Term Criteria: Defines the requirements for setting near-term targets, including scope coverage, ambition levels and target timeframes.
Depending on their activities and emissions profile, companies may use these resources either as a standalone starting point or alongside sector-specific or financial institutions resources, where relevant thresholds are met.
Recognizing that SMEs often have limited resources, the SBTi offers companies that meet the SME eligibility criteria the option to set targets through the SME validation route, or the corporate route.
SMEs can use the following resources to set targets:
- FAQs for SMEs: Defines an SME, outlines the different target-setting options, and provides an overview of the validation process.
- Target Validation Application Checklist for SMEs: Checklist to ensure SMEs have all the required information before submitting targets for validation.
- SME Climate Hub tools: Free climate action resources for SMEs to support earlier stages of developing emissions inventory, prior to setting a science-based target.
SMEs can find out more information, including how the SBTi defines an SME, by visiting the relevant SBTi Services webpage.
The SBTi defines a financial institution as a company that generates 5% or more of their revenue from financial activities. Financial institutions have two options for setting targets with the SBTi:
- Financial Institutions Near-Term Criteria: Outlines the requirements for financial institutions to set targets to reduce emissions across specific investment and lending activities over the next 5-10 years.
- Financial Institutions Net-Zero Standard: Defines the requirements for financial institutions to set both near-term and long-term targets that align portfolios with net-zero emissions by 2050.
Financial institutions setting net-zero targets will also need to use the Corporate Net-Zero Standard to set targets on some of their emissions.
See our finance webpage for more information.
The SBTi develops sector-specific resources for some high-emitting industries. These resources are tailored to the needs and context of each sector, and supersede relevant elements of the cross-sector criteria.
Where sector-specific resources are available, companies that meet the defined applicability thresholds are required—or, where specified, recommended—to use them to set targets for the emissions sources or activities covered. Companies should continue to apply cross-sector criteria to any emissions sources that are not addressed by the sector-specific criteria.
View our Sector Resources Summary for an overview of the pathways and target-setting resources that are available or upcoming for each sector.
If your sector is not listed or the sector-specific resource is not yet finalized, you should use SBTi’s cross-sector resources to set targets.
Explore sector-specific requirements and resources:
Still unsure whether your company can set science-based targets and which resources to use? Use our Getting Started Navigator or our Getting Started Guide to find out more. Alternatively, you can register via the Validation Portal, where the SBTi Services team can help you with your next steps.
Once targets have been developed inline with SBTi Standards and Guidance, companies can submit them to SBTi Services for validation.
Technical Work Plan
In line with the Standard Operating Procedure for Development of SBTi Standards, the SBTi publishes its Technical Work Plan and timeline. This program has been approved by the SBTi Board of Trustees and is reviewed by the SBTi’s Technical Department quarterly.
| Project Name | Project Type | Project Goal | Initiation / Launch Date |
| Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2 | Revision | Conduct a major revision to the existing Corporate Net-Zero Standard. Ensure the Standard continues to enable corporates to develop near- and long-term science-based targets in line with net-zero by 2050 at the latest. | Q2 2024 - No sooner than Q1 2026 |
| Automotive Sector Standard | New Development | Develop a Standard that enables automotive companies to set targets and reduce emissions in line with pathways that achieve net-zero by 2050 at the latest. | Q1 2024 - No sooner than Q3 2026 |
| Power Sector Standard | New Development | Develop a Standard that enables electric utilities to set targets and reduce emissions in line with pathways that achieve net-zero by 2050 at the latest. | Q2 2024 - No sooner than Q3 2026 |
| Forest, Land and Agriculture Guidance | Revision | Update the SBTi Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) Guidance in line with the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0, and incorporate insights from the application of the Guidance since its launch. | Currently in scoping |
| Buildings Criteria | Revision | Update the SBTi Buildings Criteria in line with the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0, and incorporate insights from the application of the Criteria since its launch. | Currently in scoping |
| Financial Institutions Net-Zero Standard Minor Revision | Revision | Minor revision to enable better interoperability of Financial Institutions Net-Zero Standard with the Corporate Net-Zero Standard Version 2.0. | Currently in scoping |
| Oil & Gas Project | New Development | Develop a Standard that enables oil and gas companies to set targets and reduce emissions in line with pathways that achieve net-zero by 2050 at the latest. | Scoping commences 2027 |
*The timelines are indicative and subject to change. The SBTi will update this table quarterly, as the projects develop.
The SBTi sets out clear delivery plans in the Terms of Reference for each Standard—linked on each sector’s webpage.
Supplier engagement
To be in line with the SBTi’s criteria, companies must set scope 3 targets. These are supplier engagement targets and/or reduction targets that collectively cover at least 67% of total scope 3 emissions (if these emissions represent over 40% of their total scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions).
Engaging Supply Chains on The Decarbonization Journey: A Guide to Developing and Achieving Scope 3 Supplier Engagement Targets outlines how to evaluate, develop and set supplier engagement targets, implement engagement programs, and gives businesses the understanding of what it takes to achieve these goals.
Beyond value chain mitigation
Beyond value chain mitigation (BVCM) allows companies to accelerate the global net-zero transformation by going above and beyond their science-based targets.
BVCM is defined in the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard as “mitigation action or investments that fall outside a company’s value chain, including activities that avoid or reduce GHG emissions, or remove and store GHGs from the atmosphere."
The SBTi has developed guidance to support the BVCM recommendations in the Corporate Net-Zero Standard and explore potential incentives for BVCM.
Having a science-based target helps keep us on track. It means we know what we need to do in the short- and medium-term to meet the longer-term vision. By being part of the global initiative we know we are part of a bigger movement. Keiko Shiga Sustainability Department, Sony Corporation
