How to set science-based targets
Learn what science-based targets are, why they matter, and the steps your company needs to take to set them.
What are science-based targets, and why should companies set them?
Science-based targets give your business a clear path to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in line with climate science. They can provide your business, its shareholders, investors and customers confidence that you are playing your part in tackling the climate crisis.
Setting science-based targets isn’t just the right choice for the planet—it’s the right choice for your business. Doing so can boost investor confidence, improve financial performance, mitigate risk and financial volatility, and align with regulation.
Who can set science-based targets? And how do they get started?
Almost any business around the world can set science-based targets. We have developed a range of target-setting criteria, some of which can be used by companies across industries while others are tailored to the unique context of specific sectors. The most commonly used methodology is the cross-sector pathway. It represents the consensus of various pathways developed by scientific authorities such as the IPCC and IEA.
The cross-sector pathway is used by 90% of companies that set science-based targets.
For some industries with significant global emissions and unique operational contexts, we have developed sector-specific criteria to guide target setting. that must be used when setting targets. Companies that are not part of a sector with required criteria instead use the Corporate Near-Term Criteria or the Corporate Net-Zero Standard, which are based on our cross-sector pathway.
Want to see if your company should use our cross-sector pathway? The SBTi Getting Started Navigator can help you take the first step in setting science-based targets.
About near-term and net-zero targets
There are two main types of science-based targets: near-term and net-zero.
Near-term targets aim to address emissions reductions over the next 5-10 years, whereas net-zero targets include reductions of 90% or more no later than 2050. Check out our blog that explains more about the differences between the two.
Below, you can check which resources your company will need depending on the type of target you’d like to set:
| Near-term targets | Net-zero targets |
|---|---|
| When setting near-term targets, most companies use our Corporate Near-Term Criteria, which include target-setting methods that can be applied to many different sectors. Some companies, especially those in heavier-emitting industries, need to use sector-specific criteria. | Companies setting net-zero targets use the Corporate Net-Zero Standard. Some also need to use other resources in addition to the Standard, such as sector-specific criteria for cement, steel, maritime, and more. |
Frequently asked questions
- Use the SBTi Getting Started Navigator to take the first step in setting science-based targets.
- Explore the dedicated guidance and resources most relevant for your business. If the Navigator guides you to the cross-sector pathway, you can choose to sign up to receive tailored educational resources directly to your inbox.
- When you are ready, you can create an account on the Validation Portal and register your company with SBTi Services.
Companies can choose one of two starting points: a commitment or target submission. A commitment provides companies with a 24-month window to submit targets for assessment. Companies can also skip straight to submitting targets. Once targets are submitted to SBTi Services, the assessment is usually finished within 12 weeks. If the target submission has been validated, companies have 6 months to announce their targets publicly.
You can access free and premium training to help you get started with and develop science based targets on the SBTi Academy.
Companies, financial institutions, and small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can have their targets validated by SBTi Services, a subsidiary of the SBTi. SBTi Services charges a fee to assess and validate targets, which will vary depending on the type and size of the organization and the type of target. You can find specific prices in SBTi Services' Service Offering.
SBTi Services will engage with companies to ask and answer questions during the target validation period, but does not offer consultation services. That’s why many businesses also choose to engage consultants when setting science-based targets—they can help with greenhouse gas inventories, data quality, target development, and more.
