Why businesses set targets
Thousands of businesses worldwide have set science-based targets because they deliver both competitive advantage and climate impact. Find out more below about how your company can capture the many reported benefits of setting targets—from enhanced credibility to improved resilience.
What are science-based targets?
Science-based targets show businesses how much and how quickly they need to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigate their climate impacts to prevent the worst effects of climate change. They enable the private sector to lead the transition to a net-zero economy while capturing the many reported benefits of doing so, including better financing terms, enhanced strategic cohesion, and resilience across multiple areas of risk.
Why should your business set science-based targets?
Our Impact of Setting Science-Based Targets on Businesses report shows that target setting delivers competitive advantage—not just climate impact. Of the surveyed companies:
- 72% noted a positive impact on resilience to future regulatory changes
- 80% noted improved strategic cohesion and long-term vision
- 80% said target setting strengthened investor perception and relations
- 95% noticed a positive impact on reputation
- 91% reported that science-based targets have had an overall positive impact on their organizations
These benefits are in addition to positive impacts on the overall pace of decarbonization—which 86% of companies reported. A growing body of scientific research also demonstrates the benefits of setting SBTi-validated targets, from earning better financing terms to reducing operational emissions faster than targetless peers.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat—it is an immediate and material driver of physical and economic risk. Taking action now can help mitigate those risks by building resilience into operations and supply chains.
Who can set science-based targets?
From small enterprises to multinational corporations, nearly any business in the world can set science-based targets.
Find out whether your business can set science-based targets using the Navigator and explore the SBTi Standards to understand the requirements and guidance that apply to your organization.
