What are ‘science-based targets’?
Science-based targets provide a clearly-defined pathway for companies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, helping prevent the worst impacts of climate change and future-proof business growth.
Targets are considered ‘science-based’ if they are in line with what the latest climate science deems necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement – limiting global warming to well-below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.
The private sector must play a fundamental role in reducing GHG emissions. Embedding science-based targets in sustainability management is crucial.
Setting a science-based target is a five-step process:
Commit: submit a letter establishing your intent to set a science-based target
Develop: work on an emissions reduction target in line with the SBTi’s criteria
Submit: present your target to the SBTi for official validation
Communicate: announce your target and inform your stakeholders
Disclose: report company-wide emissions and track target progress annually
