Organizations are racing to announce ambitious climate targets, then scrambling to meet them. We help you set SBTi targets that are right for you and backed by science.
Around the world, companies large and small are making commitments to reach climate targets like net zero or carbon neutral. The Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) helps ensure companies are taking appropriate steps to meet these pledges. SBTi was founded by CDP, World Resources Institute, the UN, and others to guide companies on reducing GHG emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
SBTi provides criteria, guidelines, resources, and assistance to ensure a company’s target is in alignment with current climate science. A company’s climate target must adhere to these criteria and recommendations in order to be recognized by SBTi as science-based. While there were conflicting definitions in the past, SBTi now provides the agreed-upon definition of “net zero” in its Corporate Net-Zero Standard.
While hundreds of companies declare ambitions to be net zero, their actions don’t always match their words. Recent studies from environmental NGOs and other organizations have publicly criticized companies with hollow climate pledges. Greenwashing is becoming a real concern with real consequences, as consumers and governments increasingly scrutinize disparities between corporate climate commitments and actions.
Developing a SBTi verified science-based target can help companies ensure their plans align to current climate science with agreed-upon standards. SBTi has clear criteria and definitions for different types of targets, so companies know how to stay on track and avoid greenwashing. As of 2024, over 6,800 companies around the world have set science-based targets. For many companies, setting a net-zero or science-based target is important for keeping up with peers and satisfying key stakeholders like investors, boards, and customers.
The benefits of setting an SBTi target are clear, but the work to do so is complex. SBTi has lengthy criteria across a 5-step target setting process, including review and validation by technical experts. Navigating this process takes knowledge, planning, coordination, and determination.
Our climate experts have worked with a wide range of companies to set SBTi targets. They know the process and how to facilitate each step – including the places that usually trip companies up. They’ll help you plan accordingly and ensure a successful target setting journey.
Our SBTi Target Setting services include: